Enchilada Casserole
This quick and flavorful Enchilada Casserole is a layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender tortillas, savory protein or veggies, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it’s easy to assemble, customizable to dietary preferences, and freezer-friendly for convenient meals that satisfy and impress every time.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free (use corn tortillas and gluten-free sauce)
Proteins
- 2 cups cooked chicken or ground beef
Tortillas
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
Sauce
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- Optional: 1 cup black beans or corn (drained)
Spices
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Prepare Your Filling: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in a pan until soft. Add cooked chicken or ground beef and warm through. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful filling.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Evenly place a layer of tortillas over the sauce. Add a generous scoop of the meat and veggie filling, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with a final layer of tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set the layers. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to add brightness and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Warm your tortillas before layering to prevent cracking and ensure better layering.
- Drain any excess liquid from beans or vegetables to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Use a sharp knife for neat slices that hold together well when serving.
- Prepare the casserole a day ahead to allow flavors to meld for an even tastier dish.
- Double the enchilada sauce for extra saucy layers if desired.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help layers set for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: enchilada casserole, Mexican casserole, quick dinner, family meal, freezer-friendly, one-dish meal, gluten-free