Tortilla-Black Bean Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining black beans, cheese, and vibrant vegetables layered with tortillas — perfect for a satisfying, easy-to-make Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 1.5 cups chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained ⓘ
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded low-fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced (optional) ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (optional) ⓘ
- sliced green onion (optional) ⓘ
- sliced pitted ripe olives (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped tomatoes (undrained), picante sauce, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Bring to boiling and reduce heat.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Stir in drained black beans.
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, spread 1/3 of the bean mixture over the bottom.
- Top with 6 overlapping corn tortillas and half of the shredded cheese.
- Add another 1/3 of the bean mixture.
- Place remaining tortillas on top, overlapping as needed.
- Spread the remaining bean mixture over the tortillas.
- Cover the dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Top with optional sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced green onion, and sliced olives as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or corn to the bean mixture. If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can work in a pinch, but they may not hold up as well. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a different taste. To make this dish spicier, add additional picante sauce or your favorite hot sauce. This casserole is a great use for leftover beans or vegetables from other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tortilla-Black Bean Casserole with a side of guacamole or sour cream for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with sliced avocado and a fresh green salad. Consider adding a side of Mexican rice or corn on the cob to round out the meal. For a fun appetizer, try serving it alongside E-Z Chili Cheese Burritos for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla-Black Bean Casserole contains roughly 1150 calories, with 45g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1087mg per serving (47% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake from frozen, adding additional time to the cooking process.
What can I use instead of black beans?
If you don't have black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor and texture. Chickpeas can also be an interesting alternative, giving a unique twist to the dish while still keeping it vegetarian.
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).