Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Hearty Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole

When you’re craving a taste of Mexico without the fuss of rolling individual enchiladas, this hearty Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero.

I’m obsessed with how it delivers all the flavor of traditional enchiladas with half the effort—just imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, melty Velveeta, and that perfect kick from chunky salsa.

What I love most is its versatility. You can swap chicken for beef if you prefer, and the combination of creamy Velveeta inside with that blanket of Mexican blend cheese on top creates the most satisfying texture contrast.

Trust me, it’s comfort food perfection.

What Ingredients are in Hearty Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole?

This Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole brings together simple, flavorful ingredients that transform into something truly spectacular when baked together. I’m all about recipes that use everyday items you might already have in your pantry or fridge, and this one definitely fits the bill. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa creates that authentic Mexican flavor profile we all crave when taco night needs an upgrade.

• 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped)
• 1 cup chunky salsa, divided (half for the filling, half for topping)
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 10 flour tortillas
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• Sour cream for serving (optional, but highly recommended)

When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but don’t overthink it. Any chunky salsa works well, though I prefer medium heat for the perfect balance. The Velveeta might seem like an unusual choice if you’re used to traditional enchiladas, but trust me, it creates that creamy, melty texture that holds everything together beautifully. And while the recipe doesn’t call for additional seasonings, you could certainly add some cumin, chili powder, or even a can of drained black beans if you want to bulk up the filling. Need to feed a bigger crowd? This recipe doubles beautifully without any adjustments to cooking time.

How to Make this Hearty Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole

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Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet and draining off any excess fat.

Then, stir in 1/2 cup of chunky salsa and 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese (cut into smaller pieces for easier melting). Cook this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the Velveeta is completely melted and you’ve got a creamy, cheesy beef mixture that’s practically begging to be wrapped up in tortillas.

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Spoon about 1/4 cup of your meat mixture down the center of each of your 10 flour tortillas, then roll them up like little burritos.

Place these filled tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish, arranging them in a neat row. For the most authentic results, consider using a premium Mexican cookware set that distributes heat evenly for perfect enchiladas. Once they’re all snuggled in, pour the remaining 1/2 cup of salsa over the top, making sure to get some on each enchilada.

Cover the dish with foil (this helps keep everything moist) and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

After that initial bake, take the dish out and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top.

Pop it back in the oven, uncovered this time, for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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I love serving these with a dollop of cool sour cream on top, which balances the spicy flavors perfectly.

Hearty Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole Substitutions and Variations

While the basic recipe for our beef enchilada casserole is absolutely delicious, I’m a firm believer that recipes should be flexible frameworks rather than rigid rules.

You can easily swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even chorizo for a spicier kick. Not a Velveeta fan? Try using a combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar instead.

Corn tortillas make an excellent gluten-free alternative to flour ones, though they’ll give you a more authentic texture. For vegetarians, black beans and roasted vegetables create a hearty filling that doesn’t sacrifice satisfaction.

And don’t be afraid to customize the heat level—mild, medium, or five-alarm-fire—with your choice of salsa!

What to Serve with Hearty Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole

So you’ve got a sizzling enchilada casserole ready to serve—now what? This rich, cheesy dish pairs beautifully with fresh, bright sides that balance its hearty flavors.

I’m obsessed with serving a crisp cilantro-lime slaw alongside—the tangy crunch cuts through the gooey cheese perfectly!

Don’t forget the classics: Mexican rice with its tomato-infused grains, refried or black beans sprinkled with cotija cheese, and a simple avocado salad with red onion and lime juice.

A pitcher of icy horchata or margaritas wouldn’t hurt either—you know, to cool the palate between those deliciously spicy bites!

Final Thoughts

After making this Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole countless times, I’m convinced it’s the perfect weeknight solution for busy families craving something hearty and satisfying.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty Velveeta, and that blanket of Mexican cheese creates something truly magical in just 30 minutes of bake time.

What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is—swap chicken for beef, adjust the spice level with your salsa choice, or add extra veggies between layers.

Don’t forget that dollop of sour cream on top! It’s the cool, tangy counterpoint that brings everything together beautifully.