Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table! This Tex Mex Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, zesty black beans, and gooey cheese, all layered between soft corn tortillas and smothered in rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only mouthwatering but also easy to prepare in just under an hour. Trust us, once you take a bite of this cheesy delight, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Read on to discover how to whip up this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Mix in the drained black beans and corn with the seasoned beef. Cook for another 3 minutes to heat through.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a thin layer to prevent tortillas from sticking.
- Layer 4 corn tortillas on the sauce, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, then top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over this layer.
- Repeat the layering process with another 4 tortillas, remaining beef mixture, another 1/3 of cheese, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce.
- Top with the final 4 tortillas, remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle the last 1/3 of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the beef and bean mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and assemble the casserole when you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Layer Like a Pro: Ensure even cooking by overlapping the tortillas slightly and spreading the filling evenly. This will help every bite be packed with flavor.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Use a mix of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it's what makes this casserole irresistible!
- Add a Kick: If you like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This will help it set and make serving easier, plus it will be less likely to fall apart on your plate.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños right before serving. This adds color and a fresh burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
