Here’s Why This Recipe Makes Me Smile
Every time I make my Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole, my kitchen fills with the bold, smoky aroma of classic Mexican food recipes. It’s that perfect mix of melted cheese, rich enchilada sauce, and tender beef layered together in the slow cooker until everything becomes one irresistible, saucy casserole.
This recipe was born out of my love for enchiladas but not for the rolling, stuffing, and baking part. I wanted all the flavor of the best chicken enchiladas ever, but with beef and half the effort. So, I started layering instead of rolling and the first bite convinced me this slow cooker version was even better.
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Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cheesy, saucy slow cooker beef enchilada casserole layered with tortillas, beef, beans, and melted cheese. All the flavor of traditional enchiladas without the work.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
8–10 corn tortillas, cut in halves or quarters
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
1 tbsp taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, half of the enchilada sauce, beans, and corn.
- In the slow cooker, spread a little sauce, then layer tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Finish with tortillas, remaining sauce, and cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve warm with cilantro, avocado, and lime.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For extra heat, add jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. ½ rack)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 970
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 95mg
It’s hearty, cheesy, and made for busy days when you want something comforting and bold without standing over the stove.
What Makes It So Good
This isn’t just another weeknight dinner it’s the kind of comfort food that makes everyone linger at the table for seconds. Here’s what I love about it:
- Layered flavor every bite has cheese, sauce, beef, and tortillas.
- Hands-off cooking just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Cheesy perfection melts into the beef and sauce like a dream.
- Freezer and leftover friendly tastes even better the next day.
- Crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
If you’re a fan of easy comfort dishes, this one will quickly become part of your regular food recipes rotation.
Related Recipes
Gather These Ingredients
The Main Players
- Ground Beef: I use lean beef to keep it hearty but not greasy.
- Onion and Garlic: For a savory, aromatic base.
- Enchilada Sauce: Red enchilada sauce brings that signature smoky flavor.
- Corn Tortillas: Soft and slightly chewy they hold the casserole together.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
- Black Beans and Corn: For texture and a little sweetness.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a warm, spicy kick.
Optional Add-Ons
- Chopped Green Chilies for mild heat.
- Sliced Olives for a tangy bite.
- Cilantro and Lime for garnish.
- Jalapeños for spice lovers.
How It Comes Together
Step 1: Brown the beef.
In a skillet, I brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until fragrant. Then I stir in taco seasoning, a little salt, and half of the enchilada sauce.
Step 2: Build the layers.
In the slow cooker, I start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom. Then I add a layer of corn tortillas, a scoop of the beef mixture, black beans, corn, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. I repeat the layers until everything’s used up, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese on top.
Step 3: Let it cook.
I cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours (or high for 3). By the time it’s done, the cheese has melted into the sauce, the tortillas are soft, and the beef is tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Serve it up.
I scoop it out in big spoonfuls and top it with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream it’s absolute heaven.
The layers hold together like a lasagna, but with all the flavor of classic enchiladas.
If you enjoy hearty slow cooker meals like this, you’ll also love my cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. For more comfort food magic, check out my Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole or tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast.
Ways to Make It Your Own
I’ve made this easy chicken enchilada recipe–style casserole in more ways than I can count. Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Chicken Version: Swap the beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter take.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of queso or cream cheese for richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and double the beans and corn.
- Green Enchilada Sauce: Use green sauce for a brighter, tangier flavor.
- Add Rice: Mix in cooked rice for a filling, one-pot meal.
- Spice Boost: Stir in chipotle peppers or hot sauce for a smoky heat.
The best part? It’s as forgiving as it is flavorful. You can use what you have on hand and still end up with a cheesy, saucy masterpiece.
Before You Go
Every time I make this Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole, I’m reminded how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something that tastes like a restaurant favorite. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and unbelievably flavorful.
Try it the next time you want a cozy meal that doesn’t need much work just bold flavor and melty cheese in every bite. And if you’re in the mood for more slow cooker comfort food, my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, Crockpot Salsa Chicken, or crowd-favorite Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip are all fantastic choices.
