If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, look no further than this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe. This dish brings together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese in a layered casserole that’s easy to put together yet feels like a special occasion on your plate. The mix of black beans and corn adds a delightful texture and a pop of color, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole always impresses and satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the savory seasoned ground beef to the creamy, cheesy layers and the fresh garnishes that brighten the final bite. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes the casserole so satisfying.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cups cooked rice: A fluffy layer that soaks up all the delicious enchilada sauce.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Brings the signature tangy, spicy enchilada flavor to the dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture contrast.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Adds a natural sweetness and a burst of color.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided: Creates gooey, melty layers that tie everything together.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Infuses the beef mix with a warming, earthy spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds a subtle smoky note that’s classic in Mexican dishes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal finish to each serving.
- Optional toppings (sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes): Perfect for customizing your plate with extra creaminess and crunch.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple prep is key to a perfectly baked, easy-to-serve casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is no longer pink and the onion softens, releasing its sweetness. Once cooked, drain any excess grease—that step keeps the casserole from becoming too oily while preserving flavor.
Step 3: Season and Add Veggies
To the cooked beef and onion, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly. Then stir in the black beans and thawed corn, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. This step melds all the flavors beautifully and ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Now for the magic: spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of your enchilada sauce over the rice, creating a saucy base. Next, layer the beef mixture on top, followed by one cup of shredded cheese. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle the final cup of cheese on the very top to get that golden, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Melted
Cover the casserole with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This uncovered time allows the cheese to melt perfectly and develop those delightful browned spots that make this dish irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, brighten things up by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the top. If you love extra texture and flavor, add your choice of sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes. Serve everything warm—you’re in for a comforting, satisfying feast!
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you add those fresh, vibrant finishing touches. Chopped cilantro provides a burst of brightness that perfectly contrasts with the rich, cheesy casserole. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices, while green onions give a subtle crunch. Diced tomatoes add a fresh, juicy note that really makes every mouthful sing.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a fresh side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips can elevate the meal experience. Mexican-style street corn or a simple avocado and tomato salad with lime can also complement the flavors without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to dress things up, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a stylish presentation. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top just before serving can give it a luscious, melty crown. Or, for a festive touch, serve alongside colorful bowls of extra toppings so everyone can customize their own slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe, you’re bound to have some tasty leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover casserole in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it perfect for prepping meals ahead or for quick comfort food on a busy day.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and add fresh garnishes after reheating to restore that fresh burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted for white rice to add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just ensure the rice is cooked before layering, as the casserole doesn’t have enough bake time to cook raw rice thoroughly.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef mixture. You could also use a hot enchilada sauce instead of mild for an extra kick.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe freezes very well. Just wrap the casserole tightly or store in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn, then thaw and reheat as needed.
Can I prepare this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, or use a plant-based meat substitute. Keep all other ingredients the same to maintain that delicious layered flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Drain excess grease from the beef and avoid over-saucing the layers. Cooking the casserole covered and then uncovered helps control moisture, ensuring the final dish is perfectly moist but not soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole that brings the best of Mexican-inspired flavors into one dish, and this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe does just that effortlessly. It’s an easy recipe that delivers impressive taste and satisfying comfort, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and watch it disappear on the table—believe me, it’s a winner every time!
Print
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, rice, and melted Mexican blend cheese, all baked in a zesty enchilada sauce, this casserole offers a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
Staples & Sauces
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese & Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Season and Add Veggies: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to season the meat. Add the drained black beans and thawed corn to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked rice evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the rice. Layer the beef mixture over the sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese layer, then finish by sprinkling the remaining cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish the casserole with fresh chopped cilantro and your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Use brown rice to add more fiber and nutrients.
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
