Crock pot enchilada casserole layers tender beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas into a hearty Tex-Mex dinner that’s easy to make ahead and serve to a crowd. Perfect for weeknight family meals or relaxed entertaining.
20ouncestomatoes with green chiliestwo 10-ounce cans, mild or spicy
15ounceswhole kernel corncanned, drained
15ouncesblack beanscanned, rinsed and drained
15ouncespinto beanscanned, rinsed and drained
28ouncesred enchilada saucecanned
10flour tortillasmedium
16ouncesqueso quesadilla cheeseshredded
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. When done, drain excess grease by tipping the pan and spooning out the fat, or use paper towels to absorb it.
2 pounds ground beef
Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in taco seasoning and beef broth, mixing well to coat the meat.
½ cup onion, ½ cup green bell pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 2 cups beef broth
Add the Beans and Sauce
Add tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, pinto beans, and enchilada sauce. Stir to combine and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
20 ounces tomatoes with green chilies, 15 ounces whole kernel corn, 15 ounces black beans, 15 ounces pinto beans, 28 ounces red enchilada sauce
Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or oil.
Place 2 flour tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping if needed.
10 flour tortillas
Spread a few spoonfuls of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese on top.
16 ounces queso quesadilla cheese
Repeat the layering process (tortillas → beef mixture → cheese) until you have about 5 layers. Do not add cheese on the top layer yet — that goes on later.
Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours. Avoid using high heat; low and slow helps the tortillas soften perfectly.
Add Final Cheese Layer
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Replace the lid and let it melt before serving.
Serving and Topping Ideas
Serve directly from the slow cooker or dish onto plates. Add your favorite toppings such as:
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
Salsa or hot sauce
Notes
Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Keep warm in the crockpot on low or warm for up to 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual servings or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of cheese during the last 5 minutes for a fresh-baked finish.