Tortilla And Black Bean Casserole
A hearty casserole combining flavorful black beans, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables layered with tortillas, perfect for a satisfying, cheesy Mexican-inspired meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans ⓘ
- 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1 green onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sliced pitted black olives ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, chopped green pepper, diced tomatoes, picante sauce, minced garlic, and cumin in a skillet.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans.
- Spread one-third of the bean mixture in a 2-quart square baking dish.
- Top with half of the tortillas overlapping as necessary and half of the shredded cheese.
- Add another one-third of the bean mixture.
- Place remaining tortillas and the last of the bean mixture on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can substitute the black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans if desired. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the bean mixture. To make it vegan, replace the yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese. This recipe is a fantastic choice for those looking for quick vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but can be complemented with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For added freshness, serve with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Sopaipillas for a complete meal. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and olives for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through, ensuring it's hot all the way to the center.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla And Black Bean Casserole contains roughly 947 calories, with 38g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through. This method is great for meal prepping for busy nights.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the bean mixture for extra heat. Additionally, using a spicier picante sauce or adding crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I freeze the tortilla and black bean casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).