A Crowd-Pleasing Mexican-Inspired Casserole

If you love cheesy, saucy, and comforting Mexican flavors, this Cheesy Layered Enchilada Bake is going to be your new go-to dinner! Instead of rolling each enchilada individually, we layer tortillas, seasoned meat, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese for an easy, satisfying casserole.

I love this recipe because it’s quick to assemble, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game-day meal, this enchilada bake is a guaranteed hit!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes! Corn tortillas give it a more traditional enchilada texture, but flour tortillas create a softer, layered effect.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef or chicken for black beans, lentils, or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q: What toppings go well with this?

Try sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

What You Need to Make Cheesy Layered Enchilada Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 6 medium flour or corn tortillas
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for layering)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Cheesy Layered Enchilada Bake

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or chicken) and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add the Sauce & Beans

4. Stir in enchilada sauce, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer two tortillas, overlapping slightly.
7. Add ⅓ of the meat mixture, then sprinkle with cheese and a few spoonfuls of sour cream (if using).
8. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with tortillas on top.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake

9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top layer.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

12. Let the bake sit for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
13. Serve warm with sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños on top!

Tips for the Best Enchilada Bake

✔ Use homemade enchilada sauce – It adds a deeper, richer flavor.
✔ Corn vs. flour tortillas – Use corn tortillas for a firmer texture or flour tortillas for a soft, lasagna-like bake.
✔ For extra spice – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
✔ Make it cheesy – Try mixing in queso fresco or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
✔ Let it rest before slicing – This helps the layers hold together better!

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “Such an easy and delicious meal! My family loved it, and it reheated beautifully the next day.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “A great twist on classic enchiladas! I used corn tortillas and added extra cheese—so good!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Perfect for meal prep. I made it ahead and baked it the next day. It turned out amazing!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I swapped the beef for black beans and mushrooms—best vegetarian version ever!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “A total crowd-pleaser! Will be making this for every taco night from now on!”

Printable Recipe

Cheesy Layered Enchilada Bake

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This Cheesy Layered Enchilada Bake is a quick, easy, and delicious Mexican-inspired casserole made with tortillas, seasoned meat, enchilada sauce, and cheese—perfect for busy weeknights!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 6 medium flour or corn tortillas
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for layering)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or chicken) and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
   
3. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
   

Step 2: Add the Sauce & Beans

1. Stir in enchilada sauce, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
   

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

1. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Layer two tortillas, overlapping slightly.
   
3. Add ⅓ of the meat mixture, then sprinkle with cheese and a few spoonfuls of sour cream (if using).
   
4. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with tortillas on top.
   

Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake

1. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top layer.
   
2. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   
3. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
   

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Let the bake sit for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
   
2. Serve warm with sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños on top!

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If you loved this Cheesy Layered Enchilada Bake, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves Mexican flavors. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!