Enchilada Casserole Recipe

If you love the big, bold flavors of Mexican food but crave comfort in every bite, this Enchilada Casserole is about to become your new favorite family dinner. It takes all those irresistible enchilada layers—saucy, cheesy, packed with satisfying filling—and transforms them into a bubbly baked delight you’ll want to make (and eat!) again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create this irresistible Enchilada Casserole! Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s rich flavor, gooey texture, or that gorgeous golden top. Here’s a quick guide before you dive in:

• Corn or Flour Tortillas: These create the beloved “layers”—corn for classic flavor and a little chew, flour for extra softness.
• Enchilada Sauce: A rich, zesty red sauce is the star. Go store-bought for convenience or whip up my quick homemade version for that fresh, smoky tang.
• Mexican-Style Cheese: Melting cheese brings dreamy gooeyness and a golden top (try plant-based cheese if you need a vegan option!).
• Green Chilies (optional): These add subtle heat and a pop of flavor—totally up to you!
• Vegetable Filling: Onion, garlic, and sweet potato deliver heartiness and a hint of sweetness, while corn and black beans or your chosen protein make it satisfying.
• Spices: Cumin and chili powder tie everything together with warmth and depth—don’t skip them.
• Delicious Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and hot sauce bring it all to life at the table.

Variations

One of the best things about Enchilada Casserole? It’s endlessly flexible! Don’t be shy with swaps or add-ins—this recipe loves a bit of creativity, and you can tailor it to suit any dietary need or what’s hanging out in your fridge.

• Protein-packed: Stir in cooked ground turkey, shredded chicken, or seasoned beef to make it even heartier.
• Veggie-forward: Swap sweet potato for bell pepper, zucchini, or whatever fresh veggies you’re craving.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based cheese and skip the sour cream for a completely vegan version that’s still cheesy and satisfying.
• Make it spicier: Amp up the heat with extra chipotle powder, a chopped canned chipotle pepper, or your favorite hot sauce in the filling.

How to Make Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and gathering all your ingredients—this makes the layering process a breeze! Dice your onions, chop up that sweet potato (or other veggies), and have your cheese and tortillas ready to go. If using, open your can of green chilies and drain the black beans.

Step 2: Make the Quick Enchilada Sauce

If you’re whipping up homemade sauce, simply add all sauce ingredients—like diced tomatoes, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, spices, and garlic—into a blender. Blitz until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if you crave more heat or smoky flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and sweet potato in olive oil over medium heat until the veggies are tender—about 10-12 minutes (cover the skillet partway to let them steam!). Add corn, black beans or your chosen protein, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine and warm through so everything is infused with spice and goodness.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom, then layer 4 tortillas to cover. Add half the filling, scatter on half the chilies and cheese, then drizzle with another ½ cup sauce. Add another 4 tortillas, the rest of the filling, chilies, and more cheese. Top with one last layer of tortillas, then blanket the top with the remaining sauce and an extra sprinkle of cheese if you love it bubbly and golden!

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil (place parchment under the foil so it doesn’t touch the cheese). Bake for 30 minutes to get everything hot and gooey, then uncover and bake about 10 minutes longer to let the top turn perfectly golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Pull the Enchilada Casserole from the oven, let it rest a bit (it slices better when not piping hot!), then load up with avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Each bite is pure comfort!

How to Serve Enchilada Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh, vibrant garnishes make every scoop pop! I love scattering plenty of chopped cilantro and diced avocado on top, followed by a generous dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of hot sauce. For even more zing, add sliced radishes or thinly sliced green onions right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Enchilada Casserole is a meal all by itself, but it plays so well with sides. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a bright green salad with citrus dressing, or classic refried beans. Add a bowl of fresh pico de gallo or a sweet corn salsa for a festive, complete spread!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the casserole into squares and serve them as hearty appetizers on a platter, topped with colorful garnishes. Or, spoon it into individual bowls and set out toppings so everyone can build their own flavor adventure. For fun family nights, add a “taco bar” of garnishes so everyone customizes their slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled Enchilada Casserole keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days—just cover it tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more tempting for next-day lunches!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then wrap the whole dish (or individual portions) in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and melty (about 20-25 minutes for a big batch, less for small portions). You can also microwave slices for busy lunches—just add a little extra cheese or sauce if you want even more gooeyness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Enchilada Casserole is the kind of meal that brightens any table—warm, welcoming, and filled with customizable flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own. Dig in, share with friends, and savor every cheesy, saucy, joy-filled bite!

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