Black Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Craving the bold, satisfying flavors of Mexican cuisine without the hassle of rolling individual enchiladas? This Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole delivers all the taste you love in a simple, family-friendly format.

This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground beef, protein-packed black beans, and gooey melted cheese between soft tortillas, all smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish feeds a crowd and tastes even better as leftovers!

What is Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a deconstructed version of traditional enchiladas that’s assembled in layers like a lasagna. Instead of rolling filling inside individual tortillas, this casserole alternates layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef and black bean mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce.

This cooking method makes the dish much easier to prepare while maintaining all the authentic Mexican flavors you crave. The result is a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for feeding families or entertaining guests.

Ingredients List for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

For the Beef and Bean Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• ½ cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8-10 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce, divided
• 3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced thin

For Serving:

• Sour cream
• Fresh avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Additional cilantro
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)

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

Creating this delicious casserole is straightforward when you follow these detailed steps. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• This ensures easy serving and prevents sticking.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until beef is completely browned with no pink remaining.

3. Season and Add Beans:

• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to combine.
• Add the drained black beans, diced green chiles, and water.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

4. Begin Layering the Casserole:

• Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
• Place 3-4 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
• You may need to tear tortillas to fit properly in the corners.

5. Add the First Filling Layer:

• Spread half of the beef and black bean mixture over the tortillas.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef mixture.
• Drizzle ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the cheese.

6. Create the Second Layer:

• Add another layer of 3-4 tortillas over the first filling layer.
• Spread the remaining beef and bean mixture over these tortillas.
• Add another cup of Mexican cheese blend.
• Pour ½ cup more enchilada sauce over this layer.

7. Final Layer and Topping:

• Top with the remaining tortillas.
• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, spreading evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining Mexican cheese and all of the cheddar cheese over the top.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

8. Bake the Casserole:

• Bake covered for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile casserole can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and ingredient availability:

• Protein Options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for different flavors. For a vegetarian version, double the black beans or add pinto beans and sautéed vegetables.
• Bean Alternatives: Try kidney beans, pinto beans, or refried beans instead of black beans. Each brings a unique texture and flavor.
• Tortilla Choices: Corn tortillas work well and add authentic flavor, though they may break more easily. Whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber.
• Cheese Variations: Use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses. Queso fresco adds an authentic Mexican touch.
• Spice Level: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or hot sauce to increase heat. Use mild green chiles for a family-friendly version.
• Sauce Options: Homemade enchilada sauce, salsa verde, or even chunky salsa can replace store-bought enchilada sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:

• Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole soggy and greasy.
• Overpacking Layers: Too much filling can cause the casserole to overflow or cook unevenly.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Cutting immediately after baking results in a messy, runny casserole that won’t hold its shape.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients layer better and cook more evenly.
• Insufficient Sauce: Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce; it keeps the tortillas moist and adds flavor throughout.

How to Serve Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

This hearty casserole serves as a complete meal on its own, but complementary sides enhance the dining experience. Serve generous squares topped with a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

A simple Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice pairs beautifully with the rich flavors. Add a fresh salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm corn or flour tortillas on the side allow diners to create their own soft tacos with the casserole filling.

Presentation Ideas for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Elevate your casserole’s appearance with these simple presentation tips:

• Colorful Garnishes: Top with diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
• Individual Portions: Serve in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Layered Toppings: Create a beautiful toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
• Fresh Lime: Serve with lime wedges on each plate for a fresh, zesty finish.

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

These professional tips will help you achieve the best results:

• Pre-cook Vegetables: Sauté onions and peppers until soft to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Layer Strategically: Start and end with sauce to prevent dry edges and ensure even cooking.
• Cheese Distribution: Reserve some cheese for the top layer to create an appealing golden-brown finish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
• Portion Control: Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares, wiping the blade between cuts.

How to Store Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing (within 2 hours of cooking). Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

For Refrigerated Leftovers:

• Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

For Frozen Portions:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
• Reheat using the same methods as refrigerated leftovers.
• Add a splash of enchilada sauce if needed to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cover tightly and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I freeze Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q: What if my casserole seems too dry?
A: Add more enchilada sauce between layers or drizzle extra sauce on top before baking. The tortillas absorb liquid during cooking, so don’t be afraid to be generous.

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: Yes, corn tortillas work well and add authentic flavor. They may break more easily, so handle gently and consider warming them slightly before layering.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges should be golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out hot.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or spinach all work well. Sauté vegetables first to remove excess moisture.

Conclusion

This Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole brings together all the beloved flavors of traditional enchiladas in a format that’s perfect for busy families and entertaining. The combination of seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that pleases both adults and children.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can customize it to your family’s tastes, prepare it ahead of time, and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a potluck gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Take your time with the layering process, don’t skip the resting period after baking, and feel free to experiment with different toppings and sides. Soon, you’ll have your own perfected version of this crowd-pleasing dish. Happy cooking!