Renee's Kitchen Quest

Bring on the heat!
Enchilada Casserole

Enchilada Casserole

5/5 - (3 votes)

Easy & Cheesy Enchilada Casserole

Hello, my foodie friends!

If you love enchiladas but don’t feel like rolling each one by hand, this Enchilada Casserole is here to save the day! Layers of savory seasoned meat, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, zesty enchilada sauce come together in one irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish.

It’s like a fiesta in a baking dish—easy to make, packed with bold Mexican flavors, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Convenient – No rolling tortillas, just layer and bake!
Packed with Flavor – Every bite is loaded with bold, zesty goodness.
Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick, delicious meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 10 oz. mild enchilada sauce
  • 4 oz. chopped green chilies (drained)
  • 14 oz. sweet corn (drained)
  • 14 oz. black beans (drained & rinsed)
  • 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups  cheddar cheese (divided) I use Cabot Creamery 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese.
  • 1 avocado (diced)
  • 1 Roma tomato (diced)

How to Make Enchilada Casserole  

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a bowel stir in enchilada sauce, rice, green chilies, corn, black beans, cilantro, and seasonings.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the meat mixture, then add a layer of rice and 1 cup of cheese.

Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Top with diced avocado and tomatoes before serving.

Enchilada Casserole

Enchilada Casserole

Renee
Mixture of  savory seasoned meat, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, zesty enchilada sauce come together in one irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Equipment

  • skillet, large bowl, baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Lb. Ground Beef
  • 1 Cup Rice Uncooked
  • 10 Oz. Mild Enchilada Sauce
  • 4 Oz. Chopped Green Chilies Drained
  • 14 Oz. Sweet Corn Drained
  • 14 Oz. Black Beans Drained & Rinsed
  • 2 Tbsp. Fresh Cilantro Chopped
  • 1 Tsp. Cumin
  • 1 Tsp. Chili Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp. Black pepper
  • 2 Cups Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese Divided
  • 1 Avocado Diced
  • 1 Roma Tomato Diced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Brown ground beef chopping up as it cooks.
  • Lightly coat a baking dish W/ cooking spray.
  • In a large bow, combine rice, enchilada sauce, green chilies, corn, black beans, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.
  • Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Add the beef and toss well.
  • Spread rice and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Cover with tin-foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Remove foil and cover the top with the remaining cheese and let melt in the oven.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with avocado and tomato.

Tips & Variations

Want some crunch? Add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking!
Like it spicy? Use hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Cheese lover? Try a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheese.
Want some Tortillas? You can always add some corn tortillas between the layers for more of a Mexican lasagna vibe.

 

Check out my last post if you missed it: Instant Pot Cajun Seafood Gumbo