Hearty Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners call for a hearty, crowd-pleasing black bean and beef enchilada casserole that brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.

Layers of tender ground beef meld perfectly with rich black beans and melted cheese.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a mouthwatering melody of comfort food.

Packed with protein and bursting with bold seasonings, this casserole satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

Families gather around, eagerly anticipating each cheesy, savory forkful.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchilada casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe is mild, but you can easily adjust the heat by choosing a spicier taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños to increase the spice level.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

• Do I need corn or flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide more authentic flavor, but flour tortillas work well too and are often easier to layer in the casserole.

Hearty Enchiladas with Beef and Black Beans

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: This hearty casserole brings everyone together with its delicious layers of flavor and easy assembly.
• Hassle-Free Meal Prep: Minimal chopping and simple cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, satisfying dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra toppings, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with protein and bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free celebration of good eating.

Key Ingredients for Beef & Black Bean Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
• Black Beans: A nutritious and protein-rich addition that complements the beef.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, savory undertone to the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its classic Mexican-inspired flavor.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layers in the casserole.
• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and rich sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, golden topping.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing sticking.

• Favorite Toppings: Could include sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.

How to Make Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle The Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet and dance those diced onions around until they turn soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and let it release its magical aroma for a quick minute.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Tumble ground beef into the skillet and break it into crumbly bits.

Cook until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown masterpiece.

Sprinkle taco seasoning and let it mingle with the meat for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Black Beans

Fold in the black beans and pull the skillet off the heat, creating a hearty mixture that’s bursting with southwestern vibes.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole

Grab your baking dish and paint the bottom with a thin enchilada sauce canvas.

• Tortillas
• Beef and bean mixture
• Shredded cheese
• Enchilada sauce

Repeat these layers like a delicious game of culinary Jenga, finishing with a blanket of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it bubble and brown for 20-25 minutes until the cheese looks irresistibly melted.

Step 7: Rest And Garnish

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.

Top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, or salsa, then dive in and enjoy!

Tips for Robust Enchilada Casseroles

• Stack tortillas carefully to ensure even distribution of beef, beans, and cheese in every bite for maximum flavor.
• Spread enchilada sauce sparingly to prevent soggy tortillas and maintain a perfect texture throughout the casserole.
• Add extra black beans or swap ground beef for shredded chicken to create diverse protein options for different dietary needs.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot versions, allowing personalization of heat levels for individual preferences.
• Let cheese reach golden-brown edges for a crispy, appetizing top layer that adds delightful texture and rich flavor profile.

Black Bean Enchilada Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Bake: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole: Use cauliflower tortillas or skip tortillas entirely, layering ingredients directly in the baking dish for a keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwest Enchilada Casserole: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and increase taco seasoning for a fiery kick that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Enchilada Casserole

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice the casserole into neat squares and arrange on a colorful platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a stunning presentation.
• Fiesta Side Kick: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, creamy guacamole, and zesty pico de gallo to create a complete and vibrant meal that'll impress everyone at the table.
• Fresh Finish: Top individual servings with cool sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture that brings the dish to life.
• Leftover Love: Reheat portions the next day and wrap in fresh tortillas for an amazing quick lunch or stuff into a crispy taco shell for a delicious transformation.

Storing Casserole for Leftover Meals

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Portion out desired amount into a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired black bean and beef enchilada casserole brings sizzling southwestern comfort right to your dinner table. Layered with rich spices, melted cheese, and hearty ingredients, this dish promises a delicious journey through authentic flavors you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or mexican cheese blend)
• Sour cream (optional)

Vegetables, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8–10 corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

• 2 cups enchilada sauce

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Salsa

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and transform diced onions into translucent, tender morsels over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom briefly.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking down the meat into crumbly pieces until it achieves a rich, golden-brown complexion. Dust with taco seasoning, infusing the protein with robust, zesty flavors.
4. Fold black beans into the meat mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
5. Prepare the baking dish by painting a thin layer of enchilada sauce across its surface. Construct strategic layers: tortillas as the foundation, followed by the beef and bean medley, a generous sprinkle of cheese, and another cascade of enchilada sauce. Repeat this architectural process, culminating in a crowning layer of melty cheese.
6. Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
7. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes. Embellish with preferred garnishes, then serve this comforting, layered dish.

Notes

• Customize the taco seasoning blend to control sodium and spice levels, making the dish adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Layer tortillas carefully to ensure even distribution of ingredients, preventing dry spots in the casserole.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef to reduce overall calories and create a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Choose whole wheat or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, enhancing nutritional value and accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg