Zesty Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Nestled within culinary traditions, this black bean and beef enchilada casserole brings comfort straight to your table.

Layers of robust flavors promise a delightful dining experience.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of spices and textures.

Hearty protein and creamy beans create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite tells a story of rich, complex seasonings carefully combined.

Melted cheese adds a golden crown to this irresistible dish.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every mouthwatering moment of this classic southwestern favorite.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Shines at Gatherings

• Spice Up Family Dinners: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a bold, exciting meal that brings everyone together with its sweet and spicy flavor combination.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Requiring just one skillet and simple ingredients, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques or extensive culinary skills.
• Celebrate Seasonal Ingredients: Fresh peaches and jalapenos shine in this recipe, making it perfect for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues where fresh, vibrant flavors are celebrated.
• Balance Flavor Profiles: The clever mix of sweet honey, tangy peaches, and spicy jalapenos creates a mouthwatering dish that hits every taste sensation in one delightful bite.

Gather Ingredients for Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the enchilada casserole.
• Black Beans: A protein-packed legume that adds texture and nutritional value to the dish.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layered structure and hold the casserole together.

• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and spicy sauce that brings authentic Mexican flavor to the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the overall taste of the beef mixture.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.

• Cheese: A melty topping that creates a golden, creamy layer on the casserole.
• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build a flavor base for the beef mixture.
• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Black Olives, Jalapenos: Optional garnishes that add freshness, creaminess, and extra flavor.

Preparation Steps for Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

In a skillet, drizzle olive oil and dance those onions and garlic around until they’re soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Toss in ground beef and break it into delicious crumbles. Sprinkle taco seasoning and green chilies for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

Introduce black beans and enchilada sauce to the skillet. Let everything mingle and simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole

• Thin enchilada sauce base
• Tortillas
• Beef mixture
• Cheese

Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up.

Step 6: Final Cheese Blanket

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle a generous cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Dress It Up

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Black olives
• Sliced jalapenos

Cooking Shortcuts for Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Skip pre-shredding cheese to save time and use packaged shredded cheese for convenience.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative.
• Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture in the casserole.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version that adds authentic Mexican flavor.
• Add extra spice by mixing hot sauce into the enchilada sauce or using pepper jack cheese for more kick.

Mix It Up with Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Ideas

• Chicken Fiesta Edition: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option, keeping the same black bean and enchilada sauce base.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Swap beef with roasted sweet potatoes and add extra black beans, creating a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Spicy Green Chili Blast: Increase green chili quantity and add diced poblano peppers for an extra kick, complementing the existing black bean and beef combination.
• Breakfast Remix: Transform the casserole by topping with fried eggs and serving with salsa, converting the dinner recipe into a morning meal option.

Sides to Complete Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Festive Fiesta Night Gathering
• Perfect for casual dinner parties or game nights. Set up a toppings bar with fresh cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños. Guests can customize their casserole slices and create their own flavor combinations.
• Meal Prep Champion
• Slice the casserole into individual portions and store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for quick weeknight meals. Reheat in microwave or oven for a speedy, delicious dinner.
• Tex-Mex Family Dinner Experience
• Serve with Mexican rice, corn salad, or crispy tortilla chips on the side. Create a relaxed family-style dining atmosphere where everyone can dig into this hearty, comforting dish. Pair with cold Mexican beer or fresh lemonade for a complete meal.

Store Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole for More Meals

• Store remaining Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchilada casserole. Just make sure to season it well and cook it thoroughly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level from green chilies and optional jalapenos. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of green chilies or omitting jalapenos altogether.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired black bean and beef enchilada casserole delivers hearty comfort with layers of spicy, melted goodness. Cheese-topped layers promise delicious satisfaction for hungry families seeking bold southwestern flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 8–10 tortillas (small corn or flour)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano)
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Sizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sweating diced onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly while crumbling with a wooden spoon. Incorporate taco seasoning and green chilies, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Fold black beans into the meat mixture, then pour in one cup of enchilada sauce. Simmer briefly for 2-3 minutes before removing from heat.
5. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin enchilada sauce layer to prevent sticking and enhance flavor foundation.
6. Construct layered architecture: arrange tortillas as the base, generously distribute beef mixture, and sprinkle cheese. Repeat these layers until ingredients are fully utilized.
7. Crown the casserole with remaining enchilada sauce and a lavish cheese topping, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
9. Embellish with optional garnishes: dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, and jalapeño rings for a personalized finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for heat-seekers.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version that adds authentic Mexican flavor.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly faster and reduce weeknight cooking stress.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg