Easy Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe

Looking for a quick, hearty dinner idea? This Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas recipe is your new go-to for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, wholesome beans, and melty cheese, these enchiladas deliver bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, this dish combines convenience with mouthwatering taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings where time is tight.
• Satisfying and Filling: A balanced combination of protein, fiber, and cheese keeps you full and energized.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: Mild spices and rich textures make this a hit for all ages without overwhelming heat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite toppings, veggies, or dietary swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each plays a vital role in crafting the final delicious result. From the hearty beef to creamy beans and bold cheese, every element brings its own flavor and texture to the table.

• Ground beef: The foundation providing rich, savory flavor and protein.
• Black beans: Adds creamy texture and fiber for a nutritious boost.
• Enchilada sauce: Brings tangy, slightly spicy depth to the dish.
• Flour or corn tortillas: Soft wraps to hold the filling and soak up sauce.
• Shredded cheese: Melts perfectly, adding gooey richness and a golden finish.
• Onions and garlic: Layers of aromatic flavor that elevate the beef.
• Spices (cumin, chili powder): Essential for traditional Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, fresh note when sprinkled on top.

Variations for Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it simple to tweak for different tastes, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry. Here are some favorite ways to make the dish your own:

• Chicken instead of beef: Substitute shredded cooked chicken to lighten the dish.
• Vegetarian option: Use extra beans, sautéed veggies, or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Spicy variation: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Gluten-free tortillas: Swap in corn or gluten-free wraps without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegan adaptation: Use vegan cheese and skip the beef for a plant-based delight.

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How to Make Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in black beans, enchilada sauce, and spices, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 2: Assemble the enchiladas

Lay out the tortillas and spoon a generous amount of the beef and bean mixture onto each. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 3: Add sauce and cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the wrapped tortillas, then top with a final layer of shredded cheese for that irresistible golden crust once baked.

Step 4: Bake until bubbly

Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling hot throughout.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Let the enchiladas rest a few minutes out of the oven, then garnish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado if you like. Serve warm for maximum coziness.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas

• Drain the beans well: Avoid watery enchiladas by thoroughly draining canned beans before adding.
• Don’t overfill tortillas: Stuff just enough to roll easily and prevent splitting during baking.
• Use a mix of cheeses: Combining cheddar and Monterey Jack adds both flavor and meltiness.
• Warm tortillas before rolling: Heat them briefly to make them more pliable and less likely to crack.
• Cover with foil when baking: Tent with foil the first 15 minutes to keep enchiladas moist, then uncover to brown cheese.

How to Serve Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take your enchiladas from great to gourmet. Dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of cilantro add brightness and creaminess that complement the baked goodness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these enchiladas with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to create a balanced meal that’s both comforting and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a fancy dinner, or pile them high on a large family platter loaded with extra sauce and fresh toppings for a festive feel. For parties, cut into bite-sized pieces as enchilada roll-ups to make finger food easy and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover enchiladas completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, which makes for convenient next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce helps keep them moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What type of beans work best in this recipe?

Black beans or pinto beans are ideal for this dish because they hold their shape well and complement the beef’s flavor.

How spicy is this enchilada recipe?

This recipe is mildly spiced, making it family-friendly. You can easily increase or reduce the chili powder or add jalapeños to adjust the heat level.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Definitely! Homemade sauce adds a fresh, personalized touch. Just use your favorite recipe in place of store-bought sauce with no changes needed.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, swap regular cheese for a dairy-free alternative and omit sour cream or use a vegan version for a fully dairy-free meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about cozying up with a plate of homemade Baked Beef & Bean Enchiladas that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe promises delicious comfort food everyone will ask you to make again. So go ahead, dive in and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness that’s just waiting to be shared!

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