This Crockpot Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is a cozy, cheesy dish that’s easy to make! With layers of beef, tortillas, and zesty enchilada sauce, it has a little kick and a lot of flavor.
What’s even better? You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. I love coming home to the smell of dinner ready to go. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
This dish is great for busy nights. Just serve it with some sour cream or avocado on top, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy. Who can say no to cheesy goodness? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work well too. For a vegetarian version, you could try crumbled tempeh or black soybeans.
Enchilada Sauce: I like using a medium or mild enchilada sauce for a balance of flavor. You can make your own using tomatoes, chili powder, and spices if you want. Store-bought salsa can also serve as a substitute in a pinch.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient, but if you have dried beans, soak and cook them first. For a different flavor, try using pinto beans or even kidney beans!
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but I love a Mexican cheese blend for versatility. If you want to keep it dairy-free, there are great vegan cheese options available. Just check for melting quality!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide great texture, but you can use flour tortillas as well. If you want a gluten-free option, look for corn tortillas labeled as gluten-free.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Layering in a Crockpot?
Layering is key to getting the right flavor and texture in your casserole. Start with tortillas at the bottom for a sturdy base. Here’s how to do it:
- Grease the crockpot lightly to prevent sticking.
- Use half of your tortilla strips, placing them evenly across the bottom.
- Pour half of your beef mixture over the tortillas and spread it out gently.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, covering the mixture.
- Repeat the layers until everything is used up, finishing with cheese on top.
This layering helps all the flavors meld beautifully as it cooks. Enjoy watching your casserole create delicious layers of yumminess!
How to Make Crockpot Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 4-6 hours of cooking on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. Perfect for letting those flavors blend while you’re busy with other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, salsa, cooked rice, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed—this is where the magic begins!
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
Take your crockpot and give the inside a good greasing with cooking spray or a touch of oil. This will help to prevent sticking during the cooking process.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Lay half of the tortilla strips evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, pour half of your beef mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out evenly. Follow this with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now it’s time to repeat! Add the remaining tortilla strips on top, pour the rest of the beef mixture over them, and finish with the last layer of cheese. Yum!
6. Cook the Casserole:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve it up with your choice of optional garnishes like sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro. Enjoy your delightful enchilada casserole!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to brown it until it’s fully cooked, as these meats can cook faster than beef. You might want to adjust the seasoning slightly since they’re milder in flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No problem! You can substitute with flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. Alternatively, you can even use tortilla chips for a crunchy topping instead of layering them, just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain some crunch.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with more beans (like kidney or pinto beans) or add sautéed veggies such as bell peppers and zucchini. Ensure your enchilada sauce is vegetarian-friendly too!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, you may need to add an additional 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
