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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin enchilada sauce layer to prevent sticking and enhance flavor foundation.
- Construct layered architecture: arrange tortillas as the base, generously distribute beef mixture, and sprinkle cheese. Repeat these layers until ingredients are fully utilized.
- Crown the casserole with remaining enchilada sauce and a lavish cheese topping, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
- 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