Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole (Printable Recipe)

Layered enchilada casserole with beef, beans, and cheese for easy weeknight comfort.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ For the Casserole

01 - 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 packet taco seasoning
05 - 1/4 cup water
06 - 2 cups red enchilada sauce
07 - 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 12 corn tortillas
09 - 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 - Fresh cilantro, for garnish

→ Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional)

11 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until well combined. Add black beans and 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
03 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
04 - Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the beef mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
05 - Top with remaining 6 tortillas, then add remaining beef mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
06 - Place dish in oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use lean ground beef to avoid draining excess fat.
02 - Make the taco seasoning from scratch to adjust spice levels.
03 - Casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked later.
04 - Corn tortillas offer better structure than flour tortillas.
05 - Leftovers freeze well and reheat easily.