Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

If you're craving the flavors of classic enchiladas but want the convenience of a one-dish meal, this Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect solution. Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, tortillas, and melty cheese come together with a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce to create a dish that's comforting, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a weeknight meal, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Keep reading for the step-by-step recipe, tips, substitutions, and serving ideas to make this dish a hit!

What is Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, layered casserole that combines the flavors of traditional enchiladas with the ease of a bake. Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, this casserole is assembled by layering tortillas, seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce. It's baked until the flavors meld together, and the cheese is golden and bubbly. The result is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious and easy-to-prepare Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-fat ratio for the best flavor)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green, depending on preference)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas (cut into quarters or halves)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Sliced green onions
• Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:

• Ground beef substitute: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Black beans: Pinto beans or refried beans can be used in place of black beans if preferred.
• Enchilada sauce: Use either red or green enchilada sauce depending on your preference. You can also make homemade enchilada sauce if you want extra flavor control.
• Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great options. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based shredded cheese.
• Spice level: If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Alternatively, you can use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the drained black beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Cut your tortillas into halves or quarters. This will make them easier to layer in the casserole. If using corn tortillas, you can lightly fry them in a skillet for about 20-30 seconds per side to prevent them from getting too soggy in the casserole (optional but recommended).

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Now, begin layering the casserole:

1. Place a layer of tortilla pieces on top of the enchilada sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
2. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas.
3. Drizzle with a layer of enchilada sauce (about ⅓ of the can).
4. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese on top of the sauce.

Repeat these layers one more time: tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.

Finish with a final layer of tortillas, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, avocado slices, green onions, or jalapeños. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Cook Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef mixture by browning ground beef with onions, garlic, black beans, and diced tomatoes, seasoning with chili powder and cumin.
3. Prepare the tortillas by cutting them into quarters and optionally frying them for extra texture.
4. Assemble the casserole in layers: tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
5. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes covered with foil, then another 10-15 minutes uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Add toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and avocado, then serve and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the layers: Be mindful not to overfill each layer, as this can make the casserole too dense or difficult to cook evenly. Keep the layers balanced and spread evenly.
• Skipping the frying of tortillas: If you're using corn tortillas, frying them briefly helps prevent them from getting too soggy in the casserole. If you're using flour tortillas, this step can be skipped.
• Not covering the casserole for the first part of baking: Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking helps lock in moisture, ensuring the casserole is not too dry.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Family dinner: Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
• Potluck or party: This casserole is perfect for gatherings since it’s easy to make in advance and transport. Serve it directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style presentation.
• Taco night alternative: Serve this dish in place of traditional tacos or enchiladas for a new twist on taco night.

Presentation Ideas for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Garnish generously: Brighten up the casserole by topping it with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sour cream. A few lime wedges on the side add a nice touch.
• Serve with tortilla chips: Add some tortilla chips on the side for an extra crunch, and encourage diners to scoop up the casserole with chips.
• Create individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets.

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake it. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it without baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce works perfectly for this recipe. You can use either red or green enchilada sauce depending on your preference. If you want to make it from scratch, you can find simple enchilada sauce recipes online using basic ingredients like chili powder, tomato paste, and broth.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or veggies like sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer.

What tortillas work best for this recipe?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well in this casserole. Corn tortillas tend to give a more traditional enchilada flavor and hold up better to baking, while flour tortillas create a softer texture.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to lightly fry the corn tortillas before layering them into the casserole. This step helps seal the tortillas and prevents them from absorbing too much moisture from the sauce.

Conclusion

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the bold, savory flavors of enchiladas to a convenient one-pan meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its layers of seasoned beef, black beans, tortillas, and cheese, all smothered in enchilada sauce, it’s a delicious and hearty dish that will satisfy any appetite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this easy-to-make casserole!

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