This Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the wholesome goodness of black and pinto beans. Layered with corn tortillas, green chili peppers, sour cream, enchilada sauce, and cheddar cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner and makes excellent leftovers. This gluten-free casserole is easy to prepare and brings a taste of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

½ pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz green chili peppers, diced
16 oz sour cream
12 corn tortillas (6 inches in diameter)
10 oz enchilada sauce (gluten-free)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Prepare the Bean-Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat or liquid from the pan.
- Add chili powder, cumin, and salt to the meat mixture.
- Cook, stirring, for about a minute to blend the spices and soften the onion.
- Remove from heat and add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, black beans, and undrained green chili peppers.
- Mix well and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 3-quart (2.8 L) baking dish, place 4 corn tortillas on the bottom, overlapping to cover the base.
- Spread ⅓ of the bean-meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Drop ⅓ of the sour cream in small dollops over the meat mixture and carefully spread it out.
- Drizzle ⅓ of the enchilada sauce over the sour cream.
- Repeat these layers two more times for a total of three layers.
- For the final layer, reverse the order by adding sour cream and enchilada sauce first, then top with the remaining bean-meat mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrients

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 494 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: Not specified
Sugar: Not specified
Sodium: Not specified

The Beauty of Layering: The Secret to the Perfect Casserole

One of the defining characteristics of this Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is its layering technique. Instead of rolling each tortilla with filling, you create layers of tortillas, meat, beans, sour cream, and cheese to build up the casserole. This method is not only more efficient, but it also results in a more even distribution of the flavors throughout the dish. As the casserole bakes in the oven, the tortillas soften and absorb the enchilada sauce, while the beef, beans, and cheese meld together to create a satisfying and cohesive flavor.

The layers of corn tortillas provide structure and absorb the bold flavors of the enchilada sauce, which infuses the whole casserole with its tangy, slightly spicy essence. The combination of black beans and ground beef gives the dish depth and heartiness, making it perfect for a filling meal. The sour cream, spread throughout the layers, adds a creamy element that helps balance the richness of the beef and cheese while enhancing the overall texture of the casserole.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite Among Families

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dish. Whether you have kids who are picky eaters or adults who enjoy a little heat in their meals, this casserole caters to a variety of tastes. The ground beef provides a savory and familiar base that most people love, while the black beans introduce a slight earthiness and a healthy dose of fiber and protein. These beans are an excellent addition for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into their diet while still enjoying the hearty flavors of a meat-based dish.

Furthermore, the casserole is an easy way to feed a large group of people, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or busy weeknights when you need to prepare something quickly but satisfying. Because it’s made in one dish, you don’t need to worry about multiple components or serving separate sides, which saves both time and effort. Simply bake, serve, and enjoy.

The Role of Beans in the Casserole

Black beans are an essential ingredient in this casserole. They provide a firm texture and a subtly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and sharp cheddar cheese. Beans are also incredibly nutritious, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Including beans in your meals helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and promote overall health.

In this recipe, black beans also help to extend the dish, making it more filling without the need for additional meat. This is a clever way to stretch the budget while still offering a nutritious, balanced meal. For families or individuals trying to reduce their meat consumption, substituting some or all of the beef with beans or other plant-based proteins is a great way to maintain the heartiness of the dish.

Cheese and Sour Cream: The Creamy Components

Another standout feature of Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is its creamy, cheesy layers. The shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a melty, gooey texture that binds all the ingredients together while delivering a comforting, rich flavor. Cheese is often seen as the star ingredient in many casserole dishes, and in this recipe, the cheese provides not only flavor but also visual appeal, as it creates a beautifully golden, bubbly top layer.

Sour cream plays a crucial role in balancing the richness of the cheese and beef. Its tangy, creamy texture cuts through the heaviness of the other ingredients and adds a refreshing contrast. As the casserole bakes, the sour cream melds into the layers, adding moisture and helping to create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s also an ingredient that can be customized: For a more tangy flavor, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, or for an added kick, mix in some spicy jalapeños or hot sauce.

Customizing the Casserole to Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this casserole recipe is its versatility. While the basic ingredients provide a great starting point, there are many ways to personalize the dish to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for making the casserole your own:

Add Vegetables: If you want to boost the vegetable content of the casserole, you can easily add bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the layers. Sautéing some onions, garlic, and zucchini with the ground beef creates even more flavor and texture. You can also top the casserole with fresh tomatoes or avocado slices just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or stirring in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a more robust flavor. For extra spiciness, use a hotter enchilada sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sour cream or on top of the finished casserole.
Use a Different Protein: While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap this for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. These alternatives will still provide a hearty base while making the dish lighter or more plant-forward.
Gluten-Free or Low-Carb: For those following gluten-free or low-carb diets, the recipe is already adaptable. By using gluten-free tortillas or substituting the tortillas with cauliflower or zucchini slices, you can easily make this dish suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Health Benefits of Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole not only satisfies your hunger but also offers several health benefits. The combination of lean ground beef and black beans creates a balanced meal that provides a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Protein is essential for muscle repair and immune function, while fiber is beneficial for digestive health and regulating blood sugar.

Serving Suggestions

To make this meal even more enjoyable, consider serving it with some delicious sides. A simple green salad with fresh veggies and a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent accompaniment. You could also serve it with some homemade guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. For a heartier side, consider pairing it with Spanish rice, cilantro-lime rice, or tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex feast.

Conclusion

Black Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a wonderfully hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best elements of Tex-Mex cuisine into a simple, easy-to-make casserole. Its layered construction provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the savory beef and black beans to the creamy sour cream and gooey cheese.

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