Quick and Easy Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole

Looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal that's sure to please everyone around the dinner table? Look no further than the Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole. This hearty dish combines flavorful beef, tender beans, and gooey cheese, all layered between soft tortillas and baked to perfection. It's perfect for home cooks who love enchiladas and need a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef – The star of the dish, providing a savory base.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans – Drained and rinsed. You can substitute pinto beans if preferred.
• 1 packet taco seasoning – Adds that classic Tex-Mex flavor.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce – Choose your preferred level of spiciness.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Drained.
• 1 cup corn kernels – Fresh, canned, or frozen (thawed).
• 8 flour tortillas – Cut into halves.
• 2 cups shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works well.
• 1 small onion – Diced.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
• Optional toppings – Sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

1. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Place a layer of tortilla halves over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
3. Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas.
4. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
5. Repeat the layers, starting with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and another layer of cheese.
6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer of cheese.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: Add a can of green chilies or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor combinations.
• Make it Spicy: If you like it hot, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole with complementary side dishes such as:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Fresh guacamole
• A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole that's sure to become a staple in your home. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish as much as we do. Don't forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with!

Happy cooking!