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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Create a flavor base by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, carefully breaking it into small crumbles while incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for robust seasoning.
- Continue cooking the meat until it reaches a rich brown color and is completely cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- 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.
- Prepare the baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray and spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Construct the first layer by carefully arranging tortillas to completely cover the sauce, then evenly distribute half of the beef and bean mixture.
- Generously sprinkle the first layer with shredded cheese, creating a melty foundation for the next component.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, ensuring even coverage across the casserole.
- Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer, guaranteeing complete flavor distribution.
- 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.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- 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