Zesty Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Culinary adventurers often discover a hearty black bean and beef enchilada casserole that promises pure comfort.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across each carefully layered bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender meat and soft tortillas.

Warm spices weave through robust ingredients, inviting delicious exploration.

Incredibly simple to assemble, this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make every forkful irresistible.

You’ll want to savor each delectable combination of textures and tastes.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole Essentials

• Savor Quick Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef, add extra spices, or include different beans to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, zesty layers that pack a punch of protein and classic Mexican-inspired flavors everyone can enjoy together.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tortillas to create a filling dinner that doesn't break the bank while feeding multiple people.

Ingredients Checklist for Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that forms the primary base of the casserole.
• Black Beans: A hearty legume that adds texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas that create the layered structure of the enchilada casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that provides richness and creates a golden, bubbly surface.
• Enchilada Sauce: A flavorful sauce that ties all the ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Taco Seasoning, Onion: Spices and aromatics that provide depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
• Salsa: An additional layer of flavor that complements the beef and beans.

• Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro: Cool and fresh elements that add brightness to the finished dish.

Stepwise Cooking Instructions for Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect cozy environment for this delicious dish.

Step 2: Sizzle Beef And Onions

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions together over medium heat.

Let the meat cook until it’s beautifully golden and the onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Build Flavor Explosion

• Taco seasoning
• Black beans
• Salsa

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 4: Create Sauce Foundation

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin, welcoming layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom.

Step 5: Layer First Enchilada Stack

• Tortilla pieces (1/3 of the total)
• Beef and bean mixture (1/3 of the total)
• Shredded cheese (1/3 of the total)

Step 6: Repeat Layering Magic

Duplicate the layering process two more times, ensuring each layer gets equal love.

Finish with a final sprinkle of cheese on top.

Step 7: Drench In Sauce

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly across the top, creating a saucy blanket.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

For extra pizzazz, top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving.

Helpful Tips for Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Adjust taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños to control heat intensity for different taste preferences.
• Spread ingredients evenly to guarantee each bite has a perfect balance of beef, beans, cheese, and tortilla.
• Use corn tortillas for authentic Mexican taste or flour tortillas for a softer texture; corn provides more traditional crunch.
• Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Delicious Variations of Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Enchilada Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free certified. Check salsa and enchilada sauce labels for gluten-free verification.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute tortillas with thin layers of roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the enchilada casserole's flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Mexican Fiesta Night: Gather friends and family for a fun dinner where everyone can enjoy this hearty casserole together.
• Fresh Toppings Extravaganza: Add diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or crumbled queso fresco to enhance flavor and texture.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, crisp green salad, or warm corn tortilla chips to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.

Storage Recommendations for Black Bean & Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. For mild flavor, select a mild salsa and taco seasoning. For more heat, opt for medium or hot varieties.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute. It will work perfectly in this enchilada casserole and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Do I need to warm the tortillas before layering?

No need to warm them separately. The tortillas will soften and absorb flavors during baking, creating a delicious, cohesive dish. Just layer them directly from the package.

• What if I can't find black beans?

You can substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans. The texture and taste will be slightly different, but the overall dish will still be tasty and satisfying.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired black bean and beef enchilada casserole delivers hearty comfort with layers of rich flavors and spicy goodness. Melted cheese and tender meat create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning

Beans and Vegetable Base:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup salsa

Dairy, Sauce, and Tortilla Components:

• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat after cooking.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat mixture, then fold in black beans and salsa, simmering for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Create a thin enchilada sauce base layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Construct the first casserole layer by arranging tortilla pieces across the sauce, spreading an even portion of the beef and bean mixture, then generously sprinkling shredded cheese.
6. Repeat the layering process two additional times, ensuring the final top layer features a complete cheese coverage.
7. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce uniformly across the casserole surface.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, baking for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Allow the casserole to rest momentarily after removing from the oven, then serve with optional garnishes of sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy casserole and excess grease pooling in the dish.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa and taco seasoning according to personal preference.
• Use corn tortillas for gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrition.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps flavors meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg