If you're looking for a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal for your next family dinner or gathering, this Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is sure to impress. Packed with protein, rich in flavor, and topped with melty cheese, it’s an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Keep reading to find out how to make this delicious casserole from scratch!

What is a Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole?
A Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a layered, baked dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with a convenient one-pan method. Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, this casserole offers all the same rich flavors in an easier-to-assemble format. It combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a dish that is comforting, hearty, and perfect for a busy weeknight or weekend dinner party. The casserole form makes it much simpler to prepare, and it’s also a great option for meal prep because it freezes and reheats well.
Ingredients List for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole
Before you dive into the kitchen, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Here’s the complete list of ingredients required to make this savory casserole:
For the Ground Beef and Black Bean Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
For the Casserole Layers:
- 8-10 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your taste)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorites)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional, for extra heat)
Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado
- Sliced black olives
- Lime wedges
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is how customizable it is. You can switch up ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten up the dish while still keeping it hearty and flavorful.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef altogether and double the black beans or use a mix of beans, corn, and vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.
- Cheese Options: Use your favorite cheese—pepper jack, Colby, or even a vegan cheese option for dairy-free needs.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice to your liking by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and adding (or omitting) diced green chiles or jalapeños.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to assemble and cook this delicious casserole. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Tortillas: While the beef mixture is cooking, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet. This makes them easier to layer without cracking.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Place a layer of tortillas over the sauce, tearing them as needed to cover the bottom.
- Add a layer of the beef and black bean mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers—tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and sauce—until all the ingredients are used up. Make sure the final layer is tortillas topped with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
To break it down even further, here’s a simple overview of the process:
- Prep Ingredients: Chop onions, mince garlic, and drain the black beans.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Sauté onions, garlic, brown the beef, add beans and seasoning.
- Assemble Layers: Alternate layers of tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and sauce in a casserole dish.
- Bake and Serve: Bake at 375°F, first covered then uncovered, and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the easiest recipes can have some pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making your casserole:
- Overly Dry Casserole: Make sure you use enough enchilada sauce. Dry casseroles are often caused by not enough moisture, so be generous with the sauce between layers.
- Soggy Tortillas: Warming your tortillas before layering will help them hold their texture better during baking.
- Uneven Layers: Try to distribute your ingredients evenly to ensure that each bite has the perfect balance of beef, beans, sauce, and cheese.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole, the presentation can take this dish from casual to impressive. Here are some tips for a beautifully presented casserole:
- Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut neat, square portions. For extra flair, sprinkle a bit of chopped cilantro over the top before serving.
- Garnish: Arrange some sliced jalapeños, black olives, and diced avocado on top for a fresh and colorful contrast.
- Plating: Serve each slice with a dollop of sour cream, a few sprigs of cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side for a polished look.
How to Serve Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with several side dishes, or it can stand alone as a complete meal. Consider serving it with:
- Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice
- A side of Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
- A light Mexican Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado
- A fresh and zesty Pico de Gallo
Presentation Ideas for Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole
For a family dinner, you can serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual and rustic feel. If you’re hosting guests or a dinner party, you can plate each portion individually with some of the suggested garnishes and sides, making it look restaurant-worthy.
Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Adjusting for Larger Crowds: You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan to feed a bigger crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce works great for this recipe. You can also make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
Q: How do I make this casserole spicier?
A: To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños, use hot enchilada sauce, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the beef mixture.
Q: Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
A: Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber to the casserole.
Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
A: When stored in an airtight container, this casserole will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. With customizable ingredients, freezer-friendly options, and an impressive presentation, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides to make it your own!
PrintBlack Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
This Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe combines savory beef, black beans, and enchilada sauce for a flavorful, comforting dish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this casserole is a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired ingredients. With layers of tortillas, cheese, and protein, it's sure to be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the black beans and enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in a casserole dish, starting and ending with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use flour tortillas if preferred.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice, or top with sour cream and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply