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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the casserole ingredients.
- Sauté ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until meat browns completely and loses its pink color.
- Drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture to reduce excess grease.
- Incorporate chili powder, cumin, pinto beans, black beans, and green chilies into the beef, stirring until thoroughly heated and well combined.
- Separately prepare the creamy mixture by blending sour cream with salt until smooth and consistent.
- 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.
- Drizzle the sour cream mixture and enchilada sauce over the first layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef-bean mixture, sour cream mixture, and enchilada sauce.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top layer to create a melty, golden crust.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- 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