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Savory Beef Enchilada Casserole with Black Beans

beef enchilada casserole - featured image

A simple, hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, tortillas, and melted cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex family dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) enchilada sauce
  • 810 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch / 15cm)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and cheddar blend)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
  5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
  7. Pour in enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in drained black beans.
  9. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping.
  10. Spread about one-third of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese.
  11. Repeat layering twice more: tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
  12. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brown the beef thoroughly to develop flavor and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Warm tortillas briefly before layering to prevent sogginess. Cover casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture, then uncover to brown cheese. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Leftovers taste better after resting overnight and reheat gently to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, black beans, Tex-Mex casserole, easy family dinner, ground beef casserole, enchilada recipe, quick dinner, layered casserole