Southwestern Black Bean Tortilla Casserole
Indulge in the bold flavors of the Southwest with this Southwestern Black Bean Tortilla Casserole. This hearty, one-dish meal features a delightful layering of all-natural lean ground beef, oven-browned to perfection, and combined with tender black beans, zesty stewed tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers, all seasoned with an array of southwest spices. Each layer is interlaced with soft, fluffy flour tortillas, enriched with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and diced green chilies. To finish, it’s topped with a generous sprinkle of mild Monterey Jack cheese, resulting in a bubbly, golden-brown crust that captures the essence of comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to make but also freezes beautifully for later enjoyment.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (lean)
Chopped Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Black Beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Stewed Tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (diced or blended)
Enchilada Sauce
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Flour Tortillas
6 (medium-sized)
Cream Cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Diced Green Chiles
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2
If using stewed tomatoes, carefully blend them in a blender for a few seconds to break up the large tomato pieces. If using diced tomatoes, skip this step.
3
Add the blended or diced tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir in the rinsed black beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4
Meanwhile, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on one side of each flour tortilla. Sprinkle drained green chiles over the cream cheese and fold the tortillas in half.
5
In a 7-by-11-inch baking dish, pour half of the cooled meat and bean mixture into the bottom. Layer the folded tortillas over the top, overlapping as necessary. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the tortillas, ensuring even coverage.
6
If you wish to freeze the casserole, this is the time. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it to a slushy state.
7
To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Southwestern Black Bean Tortilla Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwestern Black Bean Tortilla Casserole?
It is a hearty, one-dish meal featuring layers of lean ground beef, black beans, tomatoes, and flour tortillas with a creamy green chili filling.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef, browned with chopped onions.
Can I use different types of beans?
While the recipe specifies black beans, you could substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans if desired.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for the sauce?
If using stewed tomatoes, blend them for a few seconds to break up large pieces. If using diced tomatoes, they can be added directly.
What spices give it the Southwestern flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and enchilada sauce.
What type of tortillas are recommended?
The recipe uses six medium-sized flour tortillas.
How is the cream cheese used?
Softened cream cheese is spread on one side of each tortilla before adding diced green chiles and folding them.
What kind of cheese goes on top?
One cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is used for the topping.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it tightly covered with foil before the baking step.
How do I bake the casserole from frozen?
Thaw the casserole to a slushy state, then bake at 350°F covered for 20-30 minutes before adding cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
How long does the meat mixture need to simmer?
After adding the beans, tomatoes, and spices, let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 7-by-11-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the skillet.
Are the green chiles spicy?
The recipe uses canned diced green chiles, which are generally mild but add a zesty flavor.
How do I layer the casserole?
Start with half the meat mixture, then the folded tortillas, then the remaining meat sauce on top.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas, though the texture will be slightly different and less fluffy.
How long does the cheese take to melt?
After adding the cheese, bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until bubbly.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped and cooked with the beef until softened.
Should the beef be drained after browning?
Yes, it is important to drain any excess fat after browning the beef and onions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is easy to make and stores well, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a side salad, avocado slices, sour cream, or Spanish rice.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or your favorite homemade enchilada sauce.
How many tortillas are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 medium-sized flour tortillas.
What is the role of the cream cheese?
The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy interior layer that balances the spice of the meat and chiles.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, corn, or zucchini would make great additions to the meat and bean mixture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, the black beans and tomatoes provide a good source of dietary fiber.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, lean ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.