Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of spice? This black bean and beef enchilada casserole is exactly what you need! Combining the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is a perfect Tex-Mex dinner that the whole family will love. The best part? It’s easy to make and can even be prepped ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal. Read on for all the details and tips to make this savory, cheesy enchilada casserole your new go-to comfort dish.

What Is a Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Black bean and beef enchilada casserole is a layered dish that combines all the elements of traditional enchiladas but without the hassle of rolling tortillas individually. Think of it as a deconstructed enchilada with layers of tortillas, a beef and black bean filling, enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheese, all baked to perfection. It's a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of enchiladas in a more straightforward, casserole format.

The combination of ground beef and black beans not only adds protein and fiber but also creates a hearty, filling dish that can easily feed a crowd. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual gathering with friends, this enchilada casserole will be a hit.

Ingredients List for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

To make this black bean and beef enchilada casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean is best, but any kind will work)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot based on your spice preference)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8-10 small corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa (for serving)

These ingredients combine to create layers of flavor and texture, from the hearty beef and beans to the melty cheese and zesty enchilada sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations you can try based on your preferences or dietary needs:

1. Ground Beef: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a slightly different flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with more black beans, pinto beans, or lentils.
2. Black Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can swap them out for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans for a smoother texture.
3. Enchilada Sauce: If you don’t have canned enchilada sauce on hand, you can make a quick homemade version by mixing tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. You can also adjust the spice level by using mild or hot enchilada sauce.
4. Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. For a lower-carb option, use low-carb tortillas or even thinly sliced zucchini as a substitute.
5. Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend works great here, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

These substitutions and variations make it easy to adjust the recipe based on what you have available or any dietary needs you might be catering to.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, here’s how to prepare this black bean and beef enchilada casserole step by step:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed.

Step 3: Season and Add Beans

To the cooked beef, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings. Add the drained black beans and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring everything together until well mixed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas and Sauce

Cut the corn tortillas into halves or quarters to make them easier to layer. Set them aside. Open the can of enchilada sauce and have it ready for assembling the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In the greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking. Start layering the casserole:

1. Layer 1: Add a layer of tortilla pieces, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
2. Layer 2: Spoon half of the beef and black bean mixture over the tortillas.
3. Layer 3: Drizzle a little enchilada sauce over the beef mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
4. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining beef and black bean mixture, more enchilada sauce, and cheese.
5. Final Layer: Top the casserole with a final layer of tortillas, a generous amount of enchilada sauce, and the rest of the shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is fairly simple, a few common mistakes can hinder your final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the beef can make your casserole greasy, so always be sure to remove any excess fat.
2. Using too much sauce: While enchilada sauce adds flavor, too much can make the casserole soggy. Stick to the suggested amount for the best texture.
3. Skipping the foil step: Covering the casserole with foil for the first half of baking helps it cook evenly and prevents the cheese from burning. Don’t skip this step!

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll end up with a delicious casserole that’s perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving this black bean and beef enchilada casserole is simple, but here are a few ideas to make it look and taste even more amazing:

• Family-style: Bring the casserole dish straight to the table and serve family-style. Add small bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for guests to add their own toppings.
• Individual servings: Slice the casserole into squares and serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top, plus a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh and vibrant look.

How to Serve Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

This enchilada casserole is great as a main course and pairs perfectly with a few simple sides:

• Mexican rice or Cilantro lime rice
• Refried beans or Charro beans
• A simple green salad with avocado and lime dressing
• Chips and salsa or guacamole

You can also enjoy leftovers as a quick lunch or dinner by reheating them in the microwave or oven.

Presentation Ideas for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here are a few ideas to make your enchilada casserole presentation pop:

• Bright colors: Garnish with vibrant ingredients like diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for a burst of color.
• Serve in a cast-iron skillet: For a rustic, restaurant-style presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet.
• Layered toppings: Drizzle sour cream or Mexican crema over the top and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco for an extra touch of elegance.

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure success with this recipe:

• Use high-quality enchilada sauce: The flavor of the enchilada sauce can make or break this dish. If possible, use a homemade or high-quality brand for the best results.
• Make it spicier: If you like more heat, add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before baking. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This black bean and beef enchilada casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its delicious combination of savory beef, hearty black beans, cheesy goodness, and tangy enchilada sauce, this casserole brings the best of Tex-Mex to your table in an easy-to-make format. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the bold flavors of Tex-Mex comfort food right at home. Happy cooking!

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