Simple Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe

Melting cheese, tender beef, and a symphony of spices dance together in this mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole with rice that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Layers of savory goodness create a comforting meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

The rich, hearty flavors blend seamlessly, turning a simple dinner into a fiesta of taste.

Each bite brings a perfect combination of soft tortillas, seasoned beef, and melted cheese that wraps you in warmth.

Fluffy rice adds a delightful texture to complement the robust enchilada layers.

This dish brings the soul of Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone with this irresistible culinary creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 7

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty foundation with deep protein punch; choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Onion: Builds aromatic base with sweet undertones; select firm, glossy onions for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust depth and zesty kick; fresh cloves deliver more intense taste than pre-minced.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates juicy texture and tangy background; fire-roasted varieties offer smokier profile.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic Mexican-style warmth and complexity; look for authentic brands.
• Black Beans: Introduces creamy texture and protein boost; rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Corn: Brings sweet crunch and vibrant color; opt for sweet kernel varieties.

• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: Delivers signature spicy punch; can substitute with Cajun or Mexican blend.
• Chili Powder: Provides earthy, warming heat; fresher blends offer more intense flavor.
• Ground Cumin: Introduces smoky, nutty undertones; whole seeds ground fresh taste more vibrant.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory notes; ensures consistent seasoning distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness; freshly ground offers more intense flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle spicy kick; adjust quantity for personal heat preference.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creates creamy, melty layer with tangy bite; freshly shredded melts best.
• Cilantro

Tools That Help Layer Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking ground beef and mixing ingredients perfectly.
• 3-quart casserole dish: Key for baking and presenting the delicious enchilada casserole.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures easy dish preparation and prevents sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese grater: Useful if shredding your own cheddar cheese for topping.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping cilantro, green onions, and dicing onions.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Instructions for Making Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Culinary Preparation

Set up your cooking workspace with all necessary tools and ingredients. Choose a large skillet and casserole dish for seamless cooking.

• Meat and Vegetable Sauté

Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, creating a rich and flavorful base. Add garlic for an extra layer of depth and aromatic complexity.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine beef mixture with tomatoes, beans, corn, and rice. Infuse with bold southwestern seasonings that create a zesty and vibrant profile.

• Cheese and Comfort

Transfer the hearty mixture into a prepared casserole dish. Generously sprinkle cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melty goodness.

• Oven Magic

Bake the casserole until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape. The heat will marry all ingredients into a cohesive, mouthwatering dish.

• Final Flourish

Adorn the casserole with fresh cilantro and green onions. These bright herbs elevate the dish, adding freshness and visual appeal just before serving.

Flavor Additions for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Meat Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist without losing flavor.
• Spice Adventure: Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes and choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce to match your taste preferences.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Mix different cheese types like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend to create a more complex and rich cheesy topping.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Ways to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Fresh Fiesta Topping Adventure: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips over the casserole for an extra crunch that adds exciting texture and delightful southwestern flair.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole to balance the warm, spicy flavors and provide a refreshing contrast that makes every bite more luxurious.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Scatter fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving to brighten the dish with zesty, vibrant notes that enhance the overall flavor profile and add a pop of color.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside additional protein options like sliced grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a side of black beans to make the meal more substantial and satisfying for hungry diners.

Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freezer Friend Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of enchilada sauce to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Portion Prep Hack: Divide casserole into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Keeps meal prep simple and ensures delicious meals throughout the week without daily cooking.

Hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor this hearty beef enchilada casserole with rice that blends Mexican-inspired flavors into one comforting dish. Cheese-covered layers and spicy meat combine perfectly, inviting you to enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef
• 10.75 oz (305 g) red enchilada sauce
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz (425 g) corn, drained
• 1.5 cups (340 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 14.5 oz (411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.33 cup (80 mL) chopped cilantro
• 0.25 cup (60 mL) sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick coating.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef and onions until meat browns and vegetables become translucent, releasing rich aromatics.
3. Flavor Layering: Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, drain excess fat, then incorporate diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cooked rice with Slap Ya Mama, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmering Fusion: Allow mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until ingredients meld and heat thoroughly, creating a cohesive, intensely flavored filling.
5. Cheese Topping: Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish, evenly spread, and generously cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Baking Transformation: Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape.
7. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onion slices, serving immediately to capture peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is cooked completely and onions are translucent for maximum flavor development and food safety.
• Manage Fat Carefully: Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and reduce unnecessary calories in the final dish.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add spices gradually and taste-test to balance heat and depth, preventing overwhelming or bland results.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch casserole closely during final baking to achieve perfect golden-brown cheese without burning or overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg