Zesty Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering black bean and beef enchilada casserole transports you to a world of comfort and flavor.

Layers of tender meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Mexican-inspired spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of taste that beckons hungry souls.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special with this crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies deep cravings.

Home cooks love how simple yet spectacular this casserole can be.

Black Bean Enchilada Casserole Components

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein for the casserole, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Black Beans: Adds plant-based protein and creamy texture, great for increasing nutritional value.

• Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that gives authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Provides mild heat and deep southwestern taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall dish seasoning.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor for the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican wrap that creates layered structure, provides slight corn flavor.
• Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds creamy richness to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking, helps develop deeper flavors.
• Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture and signature Mexican-style sauce for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture, slight heat, and extra vegetable dimension.

• Sour Cream: Adds cooling contrast to spices.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh herb that brightens overall flavor.
• Sliced Jalapenos: Increases heat level for spice lovers.
• Diced Avocado: Provides creamy, fresh element to finish the dish.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

This will ensure a perfectly cooked casserole that’s crispy and bubbling with flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook these until they become soft and fragrant, creating a delicious foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and break it into small pieces while cooking.

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Enchilada sauce

Let this simmer for 5 minutes to blend all the wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom.

Step 6: Create First Tortilla Layer

Place 4 tortillas over the sauce.

Spread half of the beef and bean mixture on top, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Add Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with another 4 tortillas, remaining beef and bean mixture, and more cheese.

Step 8: Final Sauce Coverage

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Helpful Tips For Layering Enchilada Casserole With Beans

• Select corn or flour tortillas based on personal preference, ensuring they are fresh and pliable for easy layering.
• Lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling to create a barrier against excess moisture and maintain crisp texture.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein options that suit different dietary needs.
• Adjust chili powder and choose mild or hot green chilies to tailor the heat intensity for individual taste preferences.
• Prepare casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, or freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.

Enchilada Casserole with Beans: Save It Fresh

• Store leftover enchilada casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, maintaining its delicious texture.
• Slice individual portions and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

Flavor Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Sip Spicy Mexican Margarita: Blend zesty lime margarita with tequila to complement the enchilada casserole's bold southwestern flavors and cut through the rich, meaty dish.
• Pair Crisp Cerveza: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Dos Equis to balance the casserole's spicy and hearty profile, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Serve Cilantro-Lime Rice: Create a tangy rice side dish with fresh cilantro and lime juice to enhance the casserole's Mexican-inspired taste and provide a complementary texture.
• Top with Cool Guacamole: Prepare fresh guacamole with ripe avocados, diced onions, and lime juice to add creamy contrast and brighten the casserole's robust flavors.

Black Bean Enchilada Casserole with Bold Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, using the same seasoning for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortillas with thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower rounds to create a lighter, grain-free enchilada casserole that keeps all original flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, increase chili powder, and include jalapeños throughout the mixture for those who love an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder and green chilies you use. Choose mild ingredients for a less spicy version or add hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas to create a celiac-friendly meal. Check that your enchilada sauce is also gluten-free.

• What if I want to reduce fat content?

Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. You can also use reduced-fat cheese to lower overall calorie count without compromising flavor.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Layer a thin sauce base first and don’t oversaturate tortillas with enchilada sauce. This helps maintain a good texture and prevents mushy layers.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe With Extra Kick

• Savor Quick Family Dinner: Whips up deliciously in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight meals with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Flavor Carnival: Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to match individual preferences, making every bite personalized and exciting.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef and black beans to create a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple cooking steps by layering everything in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess dramatically.

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole delivers bold flavors layered with comfort and spice. Cheesy, zesty bites promise a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around a delicious southwestern classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein and Beans:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces or 285 grams) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces or 285 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and diced avocado

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
2. Create a flavor base by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, carefully breaking it into small crumbles while incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for robust seasoning.
4. Continue cooking the meat until it reaches a rich brown color and is completely cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
5. Enhance the mixture by folding in black beans, tomatoes with green chilies, and a portion of enchilada sauce, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a brief 5-minute simmer.
6. Prepare the baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray and spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
7. Construct the first layer by carefully arranging tortillas to completely cover the sauce, then evenly distribute half of the beef and bean mixture.
8. Generously sprinkle the first layer with shredded cheese, creating a melty foundation for the next component.
9. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, ensuring even coverage across the casserole.
10. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer, guaranteeing complete flavor distribution.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
12. Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
13. Garnish with optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños to add personal flair and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and selecting mild or spicy green chilies for personal preference.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content without compromising flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Substitute corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary restrictions while maintaining authentic taste.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure consistent seasoning throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg