Savory Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Tucking into a hearty black bean and beef enchilada casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of rich, spicy flavors meld together in this Southwest-inspired dish.

Mexican cuisine offers bold combinations that surprise and delight hungry souls.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender beef and creamy beans.

Each bite promises a satisfying explosion of textures and tastes.

Warm tortillas cradle the savory filling, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Why Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Stands Out

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This casserole brings together hearty beef, creamy beans, and zesty spices that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just a few easy steps, you can create a delicious dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
• Customize for Family Preferences: Easily adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to suit different tastes, making it a versatile option for picky eaters.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, beans, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime a breeze.

Essential Ingredients for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein for the casserole.
• Pinto Beans, Black Beans: Classic legumes that add texture and additional protein.

• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds tangy richness to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden topping.

• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that builds a deep savory base for the casserole.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Warm spices that provide authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute subtle heat and complexity.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and intensifies overall taste.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that create layered structure of the casserole.
• Enchilada Sauce: Traditional Mexican sauce that adds moisture and authentic taste.

How to Prepare Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat.

Keep stirring until the beef transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things lean.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Green chilies

Let the mixture simmer and heat through, allowing all the spices and ingredients to mingle and create a mouthwatering filling.

Step 4: Prepare The Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, blend sour cream with a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build The Casserole Layers

• First layer: Tortillas
• Second layer: Beef-bean mixture
• Third layer: Sour cream mixture
• Fourth layer: Enchilada sauce

Repeat these layers, then crown the top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the layers settle.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your incredible Mexican-inspired comfort food!

Pro Tips for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Remove all excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Alternate tortillas and filling evenly to create balanced bites with consistent texture and taste in every serving.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or spicy based on your liking.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create perfect, gooey cheese pulls.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian alternative without compromising the dish's hearty essence.

Delicious Variations of Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Bean Feast: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, keeping the same bean and spice profile for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Enchilada Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains the casserole's hearty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free certified for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace tortillas with thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower rounds to create a keto-friendly version of the original casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Family Feast Finale: Pair this hearty casserole with fresh cilantro-lime rice for a complete meal that'll make everyone smile.
• Zesty Side Kick: Add a crisp green salad with avocado slices and tangy ranch dressing to balance the rich, warm enchilada flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of cool sour cream to elevate the dish's visual appeal and taste.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve with a sunny-side-up egg on top and warm tortillas for a delicious breakfast-style transformation of the classic casserole.

Proper Storage for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of enchilada sauce to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for fresh, melty finish.

FAQs

• Are black beans and pinto beans necessary for this recipe?

Yes, both beans add texture, protein, and flavor to the enchilada casserole. They complement the ground beef and provide nutritional balance.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded chicken work great as alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with beans and spices.

• How spicy is this enchilada casserole?

The recipe includes green chilies and spices like chili powder and cumin, which provide mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing these ingredients.

• Is this recipe considered a complete meal?

Yes, the casserole contains protein from beef and beans, carbohydrates from tortillas, and dairy from cheese and sour cream, making it a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole combines layers of Mexican-inspired comfort with rich, spicy flavors. Melted cheese, tender beef, and creamy black beans create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 15 ounces (425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces (113 grams) diced green chili peppers (canned)
• 1 small onion, chopped

Other Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas (6 inches in diameter)
• 10 ounces (284 grams) gluten-free enchilada sauce
• 16 ounces (454 grams) sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the casserole ingredients.
2. Sauté ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until meat browns completely and loses its pink color.
3. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture to reduce excess grease.
4. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, pinto beans, black beans, and green chilies into the beef, stirring until thoroughly heated and well combined.
5. Separately prepare the creamy mixture by blending sour cream with salt until smooth and consistent.
6. Arrange the first layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish by placing tortillas as the base, followed by an even spread of the beef-bean mixture.
7. Drizzle the sour cream mixture and enchilada sauce over the first layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef-bean mixture, sour cream mixture, and enchilada sauce.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top layer to create a melty, golden crust.
10. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra spice.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that works great for different dietary needs.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 376 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg