Hearty Crockpot Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering crockpot ground beef enchilada casserole brings comfort to any dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together in a slow cooker, creating a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Spices dance through tender meat and soft tortillas, promising an explosion of mexican-inspired flavors.

Busy home cooks appreciate how simple it is to assemble this crowd-pleasing dish.

Minimal prep work means you can walk away and let the magic happen while the crockpot works its charm.

Minimal effort translates to maximum deliciousness with every single bite.

This recipe will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the secret behind such an incredible meal.

Why Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Is A Crowd Favorite

• Craft Comfort Meals: Perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying dinner without complicated cooking steps.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Combine ingredients quickly, toss them in the crockpot, and let the appliance do the heavy lifting while you relax.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with Mexican-inspired tastes that appeal to both kids and adults, featuring beans, corn, and zesty spices that create a delicious one-pot wonder.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, making this recipe an economical choice for feeding multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Crockpot Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the casserole.

• Enchilada Sauce: Adds a rich, spicy flavor that defines the classic Mexican-inspired taste.
• Salsa: Provides additional moisture and a zesty kick to the dish.

• Black Beans, Corn: Add texture, nutrition, and a southwestern flair to the casserole.

• Tortilla Strips: Create layers and provide a traditional enchilada-style structure to the dish.
• Cooked Rice: Helps bind the ingredients and adds substance to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, gooey texture.

• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with warm, savory spices.

• Sour Cream, Green Onions, Cilantro: Provide fresh finishing touches and additional flavor complexity.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the crockpot during cooking.

Steps To Make Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Easy

Step 1: Brown Beef and Prep Ingredients

• Enchilada sauce
• Black beans
• Corn
• Salsa
• Cooked rice
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Crockpot Base

Lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Create the first layer by spreading half of the tortilla strips evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 3: Create First Filling Layer

Pour half of the beef mixture over the tortilla strips, spreading it evenly. Top this layer with a generous helping of shredded cheese.

Step 4: Build Second Layer

Add the remaining tortilla strips on top of the first layer. Spread the rest of the beef mixture over the strips, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Add Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top layer, creating a delicious cheesy finish.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Casserole

• Low setting: Cook for 4-6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

The casserole is ready when thoroughly heated and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Dig in and enjoy your mouthwatering enchilada casserole!

Pro Tips For Better Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Perfectly Brown the Beef: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to help it brown evenly and develop richer flavor without steaming.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Use day-old rice or drain excess liquid from salsa and corn to keep casserole from becoming watery and mushy.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Combine different cheese types like monterey jack and cheddar for enhanced melting and deeper flavor profile.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder quantities based on personal heat preference or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare beef mixture and layer ingredients night before, refrigerate, then start crockpot cooking next day for convenient meal prep.

Fun Twists On Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the enchilada casserole's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Rice Bowl: Eliminate tortilla strips and serve the beef mixture over cauliflower rice or quinoa, creating a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that's equally satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Edition: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, adding diced green chilies and extra cumin for a zesty southwestern flavor profile that keeps the core recipe intact.
• Low-Sodium Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef, reduce salt, and incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and parsley to boost flavor without increasing sodium content.

What Pairs Well With Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the enchilada casserole. The light, refreshing beer will cut through the heavy cheese and ground beef, creating a perfect balance.
• Elevate with Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of triple sec. The bright, tangy citrus notes will enhance the casserole's robust southwestern taste and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Boost with Fresh Salsa Verde: Whip up a quick homemade salsa verde using tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. This bright, zesty condiment will add an extra layer of freshness and acidity to the hearty casserole.

Storing Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Made Simple

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Beef Enchilada Casserole FAQs Answered

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your salsa choice. Use mild salsa for less spice or add hot salsa if you want more kick. Adjust according to your preference.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as substitutes. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, use already cooked rice. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents the casserole from becoming too mushy. Day-old rice works perfectly.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Check that the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The casserole should look hot and well-combined when it’s ready.

Crockpot Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2-3 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef enchilada casserole delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight from your crockpot, blending layers of savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Cheesy, spicy goodness awaits when you dive into this simple yet satisfying meal that promises delicious results with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains and Beans:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup salsa
• Sour cream (optional garnish)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart during cooking. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Combine cooked ground beef with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, salsa, cooked rice, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare crockpot by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Create first layer by spreading half of the tortilla strips across the bottom of the crockpot. Top with half of the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Repeat layering process with remaining tortilla strips, beef mixture, and finish with a final layer of cheese.
7. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Casserole is ready when thoroughly heated and cheese is completely melted.
8. Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to set and cool slightly.
9. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Drain beef thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy texture in the final casserole.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Experiment with different types of salsa like roasted tomato or verde for unique flavor variations.
• Use low-sodium enchilada sauce and beans to control salt content for heart-conscious diets.
• Prepare rice in advance or use quick-cook rice to save time during meal preparation.
• Ensure tortilla strips are evenly distributed to create consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• For gluten-free version, use corn tortillas and verify all sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Add extra spice by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg