Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed dinner that will satisfy the whole family? This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is the perfect solution. It’s loaded with ground beef, black beans, corn, and rice, all smothered in enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This dish combines all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas but simplifies the process into one easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re a busy parent, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

This casserole is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal. It’s made with readily available ingredients, and the preparation takes less than an hour from start to finish. Plus, it’s an incredibly flexible dish—you can adjust the spices, swap out ingredients, or make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding extra beans or vegetables. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro for garnish
• ¼ cup sliced green onions for garnish

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You Will Need

To make this casserole, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 3-quart casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Non-stick cooking spray

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these simple steps to make your Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Break the beef apart as it cooks.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and return it to the heat.
4. Combine ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and seasonings (Slap Ya Mama seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes). Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
6. Transfer to casserole dish: Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for a nice, bubbly topping.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, hot, and bubbly.
9. Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, top it with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Adjust the spice level: If you like a little extra heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes. You can also add a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture for more kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans or a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Use leftover rice: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice. If you have some already made, you can save time and make this dish even faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the beef: After cooking the beef and onions, it’s important to drain any excess fat. Failing to do this can result in a greasy casserole.
• Undercooking the onions: Make sure the onions are soft and translucent before moving on to the next steps. Undercooked onions can leave a harsh flavor in the casserole.
• Overcooking the cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and melted, but not burnt.

How to Serve and Present the Casserole

For an eye-catching presentation, garnish the casserole with vibrant green cilantro and thinly sliced green onions right before serving. You can serve it with a side of fresh salad, a dollop of sour cream, or even some guacamole for added flavor and texture. For a complete meal, pair it with simple sides like steamed vegetables or tortilla chips.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs on Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and rice mixture, transfer it to the casserole dish, and top it with cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can make your own by mixing tomato sauce with some chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Make sure to use gluten-free enchilada sauce and double-check that all other ingredients (like the Slap Ya Mama seasoning) are gluten-free. You can also substitute rice with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa.

conclusion

If you enjoyed this delicious and easy Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice, don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family! Subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes, cooking tips, and meal ideas that will keep your kitchen busy.

Print