Nothing beats a warm, cheesy, and satisfying casserole when the week is hectic, and that is exactly why I adore this Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe. It’s packed with layers of soft corn tortillas, hearty black beans, ooey-gooey cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce that brings everything together flawlessly. This dish feels like a big, comforting hug after a long day, yet it comes together quickly with simple ingredients that are pantry-friendly and crowd-pleasing. If you’re craving flavor and ease, this casserole is exactly what your dinner table needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, requiring a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role—from the soft tortillas that create layers to the spices that bring warmth and depth. Every component contributes to the casserole’s irresistible combination of flavor, texture, and color.
- Corn tortillas: Soft and sturdy, these are perfect for layering and adding authentic texture to the casserole.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and add a subtle richness without overwhelming the dish.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch when cooked down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Elevates the savory base with its unmistakable flavor punch.
- Black beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed): They bring protein, creaminess, and a hearty bite to the casserole.
- Cumin (optional): A warm spice that offers depth and a hint of earthiness.
- Chili powder (optional): Adds a subtle kick and Southwestern flair.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Enchilada sauce (3 cups, red or green): The saucy backbone that brings moisture and tangy heat.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend provides gooey, melty goodness on every layer.
- Optional toppings (cilantro, avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce): Fresh finishes that add bright colors and cool textures.
How to Make Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the black beans along with the optional cumin and chili powder for added warmth and spice. Lightly mash some of the beans to create a creamy but textured filling. Season with salt and pepper to your liking—that seasoning will make all the difference in infusing flavor into every bite.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
To get things ready for baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully without drying out.
Step 3: Assemble Layers of Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and slather the bottom with about ½ cup of enchilada sauce to keep everything moist. Then lay down a layer of corn tortillas covering the base. Spread half of the bean mixture over the tortillas, sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese, and drizzle another ½ cup of sauce on top. This layered approach builds flavors while keeping the casserole wonderfully cheesy and saucy.
Step 4: Repeat Layers
Repeat the layering process once more with tortillas, the remaining bean mixture, another third of the cheese, and more sauce. For the final touch, top the casserole with the last layer of tortillas, the remaining sauce, and the leftover cheese. This triple-layered masterpiece will come out perfectly saucy and cheesy.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake the casserole for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to warm through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the cheese bubbles and turns golden on top. Your kitchen will smell incredible—almost too good to wait!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set and makes serving easier. At this point, add your favorite optional toppings like chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, fresh diced tomatoes, or crisp shredded lettuce for tasty contrast and freshness that brighten up each bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes transforms this casserole from cozy comfort food into a vibrant, colorful meal. Cilantro adds a fresh herbal note, avocado brings creaminess, diced tomatoes add a juicy pop, and lettuce contributes a refreshing crunch. These finishes also add gorgeous visual appeal to your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp garden salad to round out the meal without overshadowing the casserole’s star ingredients. Cornbread is also a fantastic companion to soak up extra sauce and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for perfectly portioned servings at dinner parties or family meals. You can also layer it in small casserole dishes for meal prep and reheat to enjoy throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating slices in the oven or microwave will bring back that melty cheese goodness and cozy flavor fast.
Freezing
Want to make life easier? Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet, then freeze it covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready, bake directly from frozen by increasing the cooking time by about 20 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers by covering the casserole with foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Microwaving works too for single portions, but baking helps maintain the perfect texture and cheese melt.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work well and provide a slightly different texture—softer and less crumbly than corn tortillas. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the cheese for your favorite vegan cheese alternative and make sure the enchilada sauce is free from dairy or animal products. The beans and spices will keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I add meat to the Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe?
Of course! Ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo would be delicious additions. Just cook and season the meat before layering it with the beans and cheese.
What type of cheese melts best in this casserole?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent melting cheeses for this dish. They provide flavor and that irresistible gooey texture we all crave.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the enchilada sauce and whether you add cumin and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice according to your taste by using milder or hotter sauces and spices.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe is a true culinary treasure when weeknights get busy and you still want something comforting, delicious, and fuss-free. It’s one of my personal go-to meals—bringing together wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and that satisfying cheesy pull with every forkful. I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation just like it is in mine. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy a little slice of cozy happiness!
Print
Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole for Easy Weeknight Comfort Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Bean and Cheese Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and easy weeknight meal featuring layers of corn tortillas, a flavorful black bean filling, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 10–12 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prep the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the drained black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Lightly mash some of the beans with a spoon to create a textured filling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Assemble Layers: Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of corn tortillas over the sauce. Spread half of the bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese and drizzle with another ½ cup of enchilada sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of tortillas over the first layer, followed by the remaining bean mixture, another one-third of the cheese, and ½ cup more enchilada sauce. Finally, top with the remaining tortillas, the last of the enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover the assembled casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce as desired.
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked shredded chicken or ground beef if not vegetarian.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the bean filling.
- You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese and skip or substitute any optional toppings accordingly.
