If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food at its finest, look no further than this Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe. It brings together hearty ground beef, creamy black beans, and zesty enchilada sauce all wrapped snugly inside warm flour tortillas. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds — and maybe even thirds. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to friends and family. Let me walk you through how you can make this delicious meal with ease and confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create layers of rich flavor and satisfying textures. Each element plays a vital role, from the spice-kissed beef mixture to the gooey melted cheese on top that adds a lovely golden finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base full of protein and hearty richness.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess, fiber, and a subtle earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Brings a tangy, mildly spicy tomato flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and a touch of smoky heat to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Infuses a subtle nuttiness and depth of flavor that complements Mexican-inspired dishes brilliantly.
- 8 flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, these are the perfect vessel to hold all the flavorful fillings.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend): Melts beautifully on top to create a luscious, bubbly crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This assures it’s nice and hot when your baked enchiladas are ready to go in, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Don’t forget to crumble the meat as you cook it so it cooks evenly. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the browned beef. These spices will build the flavor foundation, giving the filling its signature smoky, warm taste. Stir everything well to ensure the beef is coated evenly.
Step 4: Incorporate the Beans and Sauce
Mix in the black beans and half of the enchilada sauce (about 1/2 cup) with your beef mixture. This step brings moisture and heartiness that’ll ensure every bite is rich and satisfying. Stir just until everything is combined and heated through.
Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon generous amounts of the beef and bean filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and arrange them seam-side down in a baking dish. This holds the filling in place while baking and keeps the whole dish neat and scrumptious.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one gets a good coating. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. This layer melts into a golden, bubbly topping that makes the dish irresistibly inviting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown around the edges.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Pull the enchiladas out of the oven, let them cool just a bit, and then dig in! Serve hot for the best gooey-cheesy experience combined with the robust filling inside.
How to Serve Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe, toss on some fresh, colorful garnishes like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of diced red onions. These not only add a pop of color but also balance the flavors with freshness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Think about pairing your enchiladas with sides that bring contrasting textures and flavors. Simple Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette all complement the dish perfectly and make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, serve individual enchilada portions on warm plates with a drizzle of extra enchilada sauce artistically swirled around. You could even top each serving with a slice of lime or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them an excellent choice for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, unbaked enchiladas by covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. For a super quick fix, microwave portions covered with a damp paper towel, but you may lose some crispness from the oven baking.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor and slightly different texture. Just be sure to warm them properly before rolling to avoid cracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans, vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or use a plant-based ground “meat” substitute.
How spicy is this Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe?
This recipe offers a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder and enchilada sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing a spicier sauce or adding jalapeños.
Can I prepare the enchiladas in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve for the best taste and texture.
What types of cheese work best for enchiladas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are ideal for their excellent melting qualities and complementary flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor and comforting warmth. Whether you’re making a family dinner or entertaining friends, it’s bound to be a hit. Give it a try, and soon it might just become one of your go-to favorites too!
Print
Beef and Bean Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Beef and Bean Enchiladas combine seasoned ground beef, black beans, and enchilada sauce wrapped in warm flour tortillas, topped with melted cheese baked to perfection. An easy and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Bean Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Enchiladas
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
- Season Beef: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the browned beef. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Beans and Sauce: Add the drained black beans and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce to the beef mixture. Stir until all components are well combined.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon the beef and bean mixture onto the center of each flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the enchiladas hot, garnished as desired for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef well to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Customize the cheese type to your preference or use a blend for more flavor.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Serve with sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
