Enchilada Meatball Bake
Enchilada Meatball Bake has all of the delicious and addictive flavors of a traditional enchilada casserole but uses pre-cooked meatballs with the addition of protein-packed black beans, onions, enchilada sauce, and tangy shredded cheddar cheese!
Serve this Enchilada Meatball Bake with a side of sweet corn, cornbread, or another Tex-Mex dish to enjoy on the side.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, it’s perfect for this recipe. You can sauté the ingredients on the stove and transfer the same skillet directly to the oven.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you like your food spicy, opt for a hotter enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Pair with Sides: Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal. Adding a side of guacamole or a fresh green salad can also balance the rich flavors.
Yes it can be frozen. Freeze this dish after it’s been fully baked. Cover with foil and plastic. You can then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until heated through thoroughly.
If you opt to cover it with foil while reheating, create a slight tent shape in the foil covering to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil.
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than 3 – 4 days. Heat through in the oven or the microwave, being careful not to overbake and dry out the ingredients.
To increase the spice level, use a spicier enchilada sauce or add extra chili powder or jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic.
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Pinto beans or kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans.
Ingredients Needed:
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions to bring out their sweetness.
- Onion: A staple in many recipes, it provides a flavorful base with a hint of sweetness when cooked.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber, they add texture and heartiness to the dish.
- Meatballs: Convenient and delicious, pre-cooked meatballs make this dish both satisfying and quick to prepare.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: The star of the show, this sauce infuses the bake with a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the dish, adding a creamy and indulgent finish.
- Green Onions: A fresh and vibrant garnish that adds a bit of crunch and color.
Substitutions
Enchilada Sauce: If you’re out of enchilada sauce, salsa or even a spicy tomato sauce can work in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used in place of olive oil.
Meatballs: Turkey or chicken meatballs can be substituted for a lighter version, or use vegetarian meatballs for a meatless option.
Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Enchilada Meatball Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Place olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook until golden and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the black beans, meatballs and red enchilada sauce and stir to combine.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, about 8-10 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve as is or over rice or pasta.
More Recipes for the Enchilada Lovers
Enchilada Meatball Bake
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 15.5 oz can of Black Beans drained (approximately 1 ½ cups)
- 30 Meatballs pre-cooked and thawed
- 14 oz can Red Enchilada Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Green Onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Place olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook until golden and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the black beans, meatballs and red enchilada sauce and stir to combine.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, about 8-10 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or pasta
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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