Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole – Easy, Cheesy & Delicious

This Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole takes just 10 minutes of prep and delivers cheesy, beefy goodness every single time. It’s my go-to dinner solution for crazy weeknights—minimal effort, maximum flavor. Let your slow cooker handle the hard work while you get back to everything else on your to-do list.

I found this shortcut when I wanted the classic comfort of enchiladas but didn’t have the time (or energy) to roll each one individually. Instead of assembling, layering everything in the slow cooker was a total game-changer. You’ll get all those familiar flavors of tender beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese without all the hands-on work. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why This Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole Is a Game-Changer

• It saves you over an hour compared to traditional oven-baked enchiladas. No rolling, no mess.
• This casserole layers everything for that cheesy, saucy texture in every bite.
• Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free for hours.
• The slow cooker brings out deep, irresistible flavors as everything melds together.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole

Let’s talk gear. The star of this recipe is a dependable slow cooker. If you’re in the market, a basic 6-quart model is perfect for this quick slow cooker beef casserole. It’s big enough to fit all the hearty layers but still compact for easy storage.

• Slow Cooker: Look for one with low and high heat settings, plus a “Warm” option for serving.
• Large Skillet: You’ll need this to brown the beef before mixing everything together.
• Kitchen Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping your onion and slicing those tortillas into perfect little wedges.

Pro tip: Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray before layering ingredients. Cleanup will be a breeze!

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole

This homemade beef enchilada casserole is made from pantry staples you probably already have. Here are the rockstar ingredients that make this dish sing:

• Lean Ground Beef: Go for 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease.
• Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought works great, but if you’ve got a homemade version, even better. You’ll need a full 28-ounce jar.
• Corn Tortillas: These hold up beautifully in the slow cooker’s heat. Swap with flour tortillas if needed, but the texture will be slightly different.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Pre-shredded saves time, but freshly grated melts like a dream. Use a combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack if you’re grating your own.

Optional but highly recommended: fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, and sour cream for toppings!

Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Details

• Servings: 8 to 10
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) can beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 ounce) jar enchilada sauce
• 1 (4 ounce) can green chilies
• 1 white onion, diced
• 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into wedges
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Pico de gallo, for garnish
• Sour cream, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning.
2. Transfer the seasoned beef into your slow cooker.
3. Add the enchilada sauce, beans, green chilies, and diced onion. Stir until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours.
5. After 3 hours, stir half the tortilla wedges and half the shredded cheese into the slow cooker.
6. Top with the rest of the tortilla wedges and cheese.
7. Switch your slow cooker to High and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Get the best beef texture: Brown your ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker—this step enhances flavor and prevents clumping.
• Add cheese in stages: Stirring some cheese in halfway gives you melty pockets throughout, and the top layer creates that gorgeous gooey blanket.
• Prolong freshness: Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheat like a pro: Pop individual servings in the microwave for quick lunches or reheat the whole batch in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
• Clean as you go: Pre-measure ingredients (like cutting tortillas and dicing onions) to make layering a breeze.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or cooked lentils.
• Spicier kick: Use hot enchilada sauce and add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Low-carb option: Replace tortillas with layers of thinly sliced zucchini.
• Cheese swap: Switch Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack for a zesty twist.

Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can! Flour tortillas will be softer and may absorb more sauce, resulting in a slightly different texture.

Do I need to cook the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Browning the beef first ensures better texture and flavor—it’s worth the extra step!

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.

Can I double the recipe?

If your slow cooker is large enough, absolutely. Just ensure there’s enough room for proper layering and even cooking.

You’re going to love how easy this Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole makes dinnertime. What’s your go-to weeknight time-saver? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your tips!