Mexican Enchilada Casserole – A Layered Fiesta Bake

 

Bring the bold flavors of Mexico to your table with this easy Enchilada Casserole. Layers of tender tortillas, seasoned chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese bake into a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

1. 8 corn or flour tortillas, torn into pieces

2. 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or home-poached)

3. 1 small onion, diced

4. 2 cloves garlic, minced

5. 1 (10-oz) can red enchilada sauce

6. 1 (10-oz) can green enchilada sauce (optional mix for contrast)

7. 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

8. 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

9. 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese

10. 1 tsp ground cumin

11. 1 tsp chili powder

12. Salt and pepper, to taste

13. Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

14. Sliced jalapeños and lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.

3. Stir in shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add corn and beans, toss to combine, and remove from heat.

4. Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the torn tortillas, half the chicken mixture, and half each sauce and cheese.

5. Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, chicken, sauces, and finish with cheese on top.

6. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.

7. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and serve with lime wedges.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Use day-old tortillas or lightly toast them to prevent sogginess.

2. Mix red and green sauces for a “Christmas” effect and layered flavor.

3. Swap chicken for ground beef or turkey—just brown first.

4. For extra creaminess, stir ½ cup sour cream into the chicken mixture.

5. Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to cooking time.

Variations & Serving Ideas

1. Vegetarian: Omit meat, add sautéed peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

2. Spicy Kick: Stir chopped chipotles in adobo into the sauce or top with hot pepper rings.

3. Cheesy Mix: Combine Oaxaca and pepper jack for stretchy, spicy melts.

4. Tex-Mex Twist: Layer in taco-seasoned beef and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.

5. Breakfast Casserole: Swap enchilada sauce for salsa verde and top with fried eggs after baking.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort bake—quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and bursting with vibrant flavors. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even meal prep, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. Tag #DaillyRecipes when you share your cheesy, saucy masterpiece!