Hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe for Families

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole with rice that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Layers of tender beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas create a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.

Weeknight dinners never looked this good, with each bite packed with robust Mexican-inspired seasonings.

The combination of hearty rice and rich enchilada filling makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Spicy, cheesy, and completely irresistible, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Families and friends will be asking for seconds before the first plate is even finished.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that brings the warmth of home-cooked Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table.

Why This Enchilada Rice Casserole Stands Out

• Dive into this delightful beef enchilada casserole that brings excitement to your dinner table.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Packed with protein, beans, and rice, this one-dish wonder satisfies hungry family members of all ages with its robust flavors and filling ingredients.
• Swap out ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences, making it a versatile meal that adapts to your taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
• Black Beans: A nutritious protein source that adds texture and substance to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, moisture, and additional texture to the dish.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, crisp garnish and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that infuses the casserole with traditional Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of spices that create a complex and bold flavor profile for the casserole.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A melty, tangy cheese that provides a rich and creamy topping for the dish.

• Cooked Rice: A filling and satisfying base that helps bind the ingredients and adds substance to the casserole.

Instructions for Cheesy Enchilada Rice Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 3-quart casserole dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

In a large skillet, toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Cook them together over medium heat, breaking the beef into crumbly bits.

You’re aiming for no pink meat and tender onions, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Wake Up The Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and let it dance around for 2 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Drain any extra grease.

Step 4: Mix The Flavor Explosion

• Diced tomatoes
• Enchilada sauce
• Black beans
• Corn
• Cooked rice
• Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 5: Let The Magic Simmer

Cover the skillet and let the mixture bubble gently for 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to keep everything happy and heated.

Step 6: Dish It Out

Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Shower the top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Make sure every inch gets covered.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese that’s calling your name.

Step 9: Dress And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top.

Let it rest for a few minutes, then dive in and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Enchilada Casserole

• Use fresh garlic and high-quality sharp cheddar cheese to elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole, ensuring rich and robust flavors in every bite.
• Remove excess grease completely after cooking ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and maintain the dish's optimal consistency and taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and chili powder according to personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for those who enjoy mild or spicy dishes.
• Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect texture when mixing with other ingredients in the casserole.
• Consider adding a thin layer of crushed tortilla chips between beef mixture and cheese for extra crunch and authentic Mexican-inspired texture.

How to Keep and Reheat Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions for Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Pair Spicy Mexican Lager to Complement Flavors: A crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis perfectly balances the rich, spicy beef enchilada casserole with its light and refreshing profile.
• Serve with Zesty Citrus Margarita: A classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila cuts through the casserole's richness, providing a bright, tangy counterpoint to the hearty dish.
• Enhance with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Create a vibrant side of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime to add fresh, cool texture that brightens the warm, robust casserole flavors.
• Add Cooling Sour Cream Drizzle: Top the casserole with a dollop of cold sour cream to balance the spicy seasonings and provide a creamy, smooth contrast to the dish's intense flavors.

Enchilada Casserole Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Bean Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with extra firm tofu or black beans, maintaining the same seasoning profile for protein-rich plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Rice Casserole: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice and ensure enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Keto Enchilada Bake: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, use full-fat cheese, and add more protein-rich ingredients like ground turkey or additional beans to create a low-carbohydrate version.
• Dairy-Free Southwestern Casserole: Replace sharp cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, keeping the robust Mexican-inspired flavor profile intact.

FAQs

• What makes this beef enchilada casserole different from traditional enchiladas?

This casserole combines all the classic enchilada flavors in a one-dish meal, eliminating the need for individually rolling tortillas. It’s a simplified, easier version that still delivers authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes and Slap Ya Mama seasoning. For more kick, add extra chili powder or hot sauce; for less heat, reduce spicy seasonings or omit red pepper flakes completely.

• Is this dish considered a complete meal?

Yes, this casserole is a complete one-pot meal that includes protein from beef, carbohydrates from rice, and vegetables like corn and black beans. It provides a balanced nutritional profile with all major food groups in a single dish.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. The seasonings and other ingredients will ensure the dish remains flavorful and moist when using turkey as an alternative to beef.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort to your dinner table with layers of spicy beef, melted cheese, and aromatic rice. Savory flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a quick, satisfying meal that delivers authentic southwestern warmth you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can corn, drained
• 13 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
• 14 cup sliced green onions for garnish

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (10.75-ounce/305 grams) can red enchilada sauce
• 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
• 12 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 1.5 cups (340 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat until beef browns and onions soften, approximately 8-10 minutes, crumbling meat during cooking.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic, then drain excess grease.
4. Blend diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and seasonings into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to integrate all components.
5. Reduce heat and simmer the combined ingredients for 10 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure even heating and flavor development.
6. Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, distributing evenly across the surface.
7. Generously distribute shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a complete coverage.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbling texture.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions, allowing the casserole to rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• Keep ground beef lean to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter casserole texture.
• Drain beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent a watery final dish and maintain rich flavor concentration.
• Consider using low-sodium enchilada sauce and seasonings for those watching salt intake, which helps control overall sodium levels.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the recipe’s robust taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg