Description
This delicious Enchilada Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a flavorful enchilada sauce layered between corn tortillas and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Sauces
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
Additional Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until completely browned. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in the black beans, diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of the red enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Tortillas: Arrange 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, slightly overlapping to cover the surface.
- Add Filling: Spread half of the meat and bean mixture over the tortillas, then pour half of the remaining enchilada sauce on top, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining 4 tortillas, meat mixture, sauce, and cheese to build a second layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt ingredients.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or increase chili powder.
- Use beef with lean content to reduce fat.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans if preferred.
- To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Letting the casserole rest helps flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers; bake covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
