Irresistibly Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

A hearty beef enchilada casserole with rice promises comfort in every delicious bite.

Layers of melted cheese, tender beef, and soft tortillas create a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.

Warm spices dance through each forkful, bringing zesty excitement to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this satisfying and packed with robust flavor.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with simple ingredients.

Family members will cheer when you slide this fragrant creation onto the table.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you can’t wait to savor.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes, Black Beans, Corn: Colorful vegetables that contribute texture and nutrition.

• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of spices that creates a bold and zesty Southwestern flavor profile.
• Enchilada Sauce: A traditional sauce that adds moisture and authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

• Cooked Rice: A starchy component that helps bind the casserole together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that adds richness and golden color.

• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, crisp finish to the dish.

How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) to get ready for this delicious meal.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

• diced onion
• minced garlic

Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown and looks totally irresistible.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

• diced tomatoes
• enchilada sauce
• black beans
• corn
• cooked rice

Mix everything together so each bite will be packed with awesome flavors.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• chili powder
• cumin
• garlic powder
• black pepper
• red pepper flakes

Stir until all the spices dance together and create an amazing aroma.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish and shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and chili powder to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese mix for added flavor complexity.

Flavorful Variations of Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Enchilada Bake: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Casserole: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Casserole: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Spicy Mexican Fiesta Night: Invite friends over for a lively dinner featuring this hearty casserole as the star dish.
• Cool and Creamy Topping: Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole to balance the spicy flavors and create a creamy contrast.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve with a crisp mixed green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette to complement the rich casserole and add freshness to the meal.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Portion and store leftovers in individual containers for quick, delicious lunches during the busy work week.

Best Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the Slap Ya Mama seasoning and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting these ingredients for a milder version.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole. The seasoning and other ingredients will provide great flavor.

• Do I need to precook the rice?

No, you can use leftover cooked rice or instant rice. The recipe already incorporates cooked rice into the mixture before baking.

• What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles and melting characteristics.

Why Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Is So Satisfying

• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and rice in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation incredibly straightforward.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary ingredients into a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that brings excitement to the dinner table without complicated cooking techniques.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican beef enchilada casserole delivers layers of spicy comfort nestled with fluffy rice. Melted cheese and rich sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure culinary satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Protein and Vegetable Components:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned black beans, drained, rinsed
• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned corn, drained

Spices and Seasonings:

• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) canned red enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is thoroughly browned and crumbled.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn into the meat mixture, creating a rich, robust filling.
4. Fold in cooked rice and season the mixture with Slap Ya Mama seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, ensuring even distribution of spices.
5. Transfer the spiced beef and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a melty, golden topping.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling around the edges.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
• Prep rice ahead of time or use quick-cooking instant rice to streamline the entire cooking process and save valuable kitchen time.
• Consider reducing spice levels by cutting back on red pepper flakes and chili powder if cooking for kids or those with milder taste preferences.
• Add extra protein and nutrients by mixing in diced bell peppers or zucchini during the beef cooking stage for increased vegetable content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 422 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg