Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal that combines all the best Tex-Mex flavors into one dish, this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is perfect for you. Packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, rice, and melted cheese, this casserole is as satisfying as it gets. Whether you're making dinner for your family or preparing a dish for a potluck, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Stick around for the full guide to mastering this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.

What Is a Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice?

A Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a deconstructed version of the traditional enchilada. Instead of rolling individual tortillas with filling, the ingredients are layered or mixed into a single dish, which is then baked until bubbly and delicious. The addition of rice makes this dish even heartier, turning it into a complete one-pan meal. The flavors are inspired by Mexican cuisine, featuring rich spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, all paired with savory beef, beans, corn, and cheese.

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice

Before you start cooking, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need for this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice recipe:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease in the casserole.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish a rich, savory flavor.
• 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor, but regular will work just as well.
• 10.75-ounce can red enchilada sauce: This sauce brings the signature enchilada flavor to the casserole.
• 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans provide protein and texture.
• 15-ounce can corn, drained: Adds sweetness and crunch to balance out the spiciness of the seasonings.
• 1 cup cooked rice: Any type of rice works, but white or brown rice is ideal for this recipe.
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning: A Cajun seasoning blend that adds spice and complexity. If you don't have it, substitute with another Cajun or Creole seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings warmth and a mild kick to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky flavor typical in Mexican dishes.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory garlic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a little bit of heat and sharpness.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but great for adding some extra heat.
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top of the casserole, adding a creamy, rich finish.
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro: A fresh herb that brightens the dish.
• ¼ cup sliced green onions: Adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor for garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about a casserole is how versatile it can be. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for this recipe:

• Ground beef substitute: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you're looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based meat substitute or add more beans and vegetables.
• Cheese options: Feel free to use different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would work well in place of sharp cheddar.
• Rice options: You can switch out white or brown rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb version), or even wild rice for a nutty flavor.
• Beans and vegetables: If you’re not a fan of black beans, substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Enchilada sauce: If red enchilada sauce isn’t your favorite, try using green enchilada sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps to prepare your Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add onions and garlic: Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
4. Incorporate spices and seasonings: Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined, allowing the spices to toast slightly.
5. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cooked rice. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Simmer the mixture: Let everything simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and some of the liquid to reduce.
7. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Smooth the surface and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a detailed breakdown of the process to help you cook this casserole like a pro:

1. Start by browning the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks so there aren’t any large chunks.
2. Add aromatics: Once the beef is browned, toss in your diced onions and minced garlic. These ingredients will add flavor and help build the base for the casserole.
3. Spice it up: After the onions have softened, it’s time to add the spices. This is where the flavor really develops, so don’t skip this step!
4. Stir in the extras: After the spices have been mixed in, add the diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cooked rice. These ingredients will give the casserole its hearty texture.
5. Bake to perfection: After assembling the casserole, let it bake until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. This step is crucial to achieving that ooey-gooey, cheesy topping that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Not draining the beef: If you don’t drain the fat from the beef after browning it, your casserole may end up greasy.
• Overcooking the casserole: Baking for too long can dry out the casserole. Keep an eye on it, and remove it once the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Using uncooked rice: Make sure to use cooked rice, as uncooked rice will absorb too much moisture and affect the texture of the casserole.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to use spices! Seasoning is key to getting the bold, rich flavor this dish is known for.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a show-stopping dish on its own, but with a few presentation tricks, you can take it to the next level. Try these tips:

• Serve with a side of chips and salsa: Adding some tortilla chips and salsa on the side will complete the Tex-Mex vibe.
• Top with sour cream and guacamole: A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Garnish generously: Don’t forget the fresh cilantro and green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice

You can make this casserole look as good as it tastes by presenting it well:

• Serve in a cast-iron skillet: If you have an oven-safe cast-iron skillet, you can bake and serve the casserole in it for a rustic and stylish presentation.
• Layered casserole dish: Present the casserole in a glass dish so guests can see the beautiful layers of meat, beans, corn, rice, and cheese.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers, this casserole freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Double the recipe: Feeding a crowd? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with more beans, lentils, or a meat substitute to make it vegetarian.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great alternatives.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a versatile, family-friendly dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. With its combination of seasoned beef, hearty rice, beans, corn, and gooey cheese, it delivers everything you love about enchiladas in a convenient casserole form. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in every bite!

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