Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe – A Comfort Food Favorite
If you’re craving the perfect combination of comfort food and Mexican-inspired flavors, this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake is the recipe you need. Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and soft tortillas baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty dish that will instantly become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and makes the ultimate weeknight dinner or potluck crowd-pleaser.
This recipe blends the bold flavors of tacos and enchiladas into one casserole-style dish. Instead of rolling enchiladas the traditional way, you layer and bake everything together in a dish, which saves time while still delivering the same cheesy, saucy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake
- Easy to make: Uses simple pantry staples and comes together in under an hour.
- Ultra cheesy & creamy: With both shredded cheese and a homemade cream cheese sauce, every bite is indulgent.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, saucy flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
Ingredients 🛒
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious enchilada bake:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (can substitute ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning mix)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or enchilada sauce for extra flavor)
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups warm milk
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions 🍴
1. Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Mix in taco seasoning and tomato/enchilada sauce. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add cream cheese and half of the shredded cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Enchilada Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Add a drizzle of cheese sauce, then fold tortillas into little pockets.
- Arrange tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
Tips & Variations 🌮
- Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot enchilada sauce.
- Add veggies: Mix in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Low-carb option: Use low-carb tortillas or swap with zucchini slices.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Fresh green salad
- Tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked enchiladas (cooled) in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknights, parties, or when you just need some cheesy comfort food. With seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and golden baked tortillas, every bite bursts with flavor. It’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.