Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that combines the hearty goodness of navy beans with the irresistible charm of enchiladas! This Navy Bean Enchilada Casserole is not just another recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with protein, bursting with authentic Mexican spices, and incredibly easy to prepare, this casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and cuisine that will make you the culinary hero of your household.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked navy beans
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and diced bell peppers over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add cooked navy beans to the skillet, stirring in cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Warm the corn tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a griddle to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Fill each tortilla with the bean and vegetable mixture, rolling tightly and placing seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the enchiladas.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and ease cutting.
Tips
- Use freshly cooked or well-drained canned navy beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Warm tortillas briefly before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more flexible.
- For extra flavor, consider roasting your bell peppers and onions before adding them to the mixture.
- Don't skip letting the casserole rest after baking - this helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
- Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate - it often tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
