Quick & Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole with rice brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender, seasoned beef.

Soft tortillas embrace a rich, spicy filling that speaks to hearty appetites.

Each bite combines traditional mexican flavors with home-style warmth.

Fragrant rice nestled alongside adds a perfect complement to this satisfying dish.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing recipe part of your regular meal rotation.

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Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole and provides rich, meaty texture.
• Corn Tortillas: Soft, traditional Mexican tortillas that create delicious layers in the casserole.
• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty, red sauce that adds traditional Mexican flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, gooey topping that binds the casserole together.
• Cooked Rice: Adds substance and helps stretch the beef mixture while providing extra texture.

• Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: A blend of spices that creates a deep, authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Black Beans, Diced Green Chilies: Add extra protein, texture, and a mild pepper kick to the casserole.

• Fresh Cilantro, Sour Cream, Jalapeños, Avocado: Provide fresh, cool, and spicy finishing touches that complement the rich casserole.

Step-By-Step For Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to heat while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat.

Cook until the beef turns completely brown, then drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Season the Meat

• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the meat.

Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Black beans
• Diced green chilies

Blend all ingredients until well combined.

Step 5: Create First Casserole Layer

Grease a casserole dish and arrange the first layer of tortillas across the bottom, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Add First Meat Layer

Spread half of the beef and rice mixture over the tortillas. Pour half the enchilada sauce and sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 7: Repeat Layering

Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top the casserole with fresh chopped cilantro.

• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado

Enjoy the warm, hearty meal straight from the oven.

Pro Hints For Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure crispy, flavorful layers.
• Use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice for better texture and moisture absorption.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper, richer flavor that complements the spices.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican cheese mix for extra zest.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Twists For Variety

• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker, lighter protein option that adds rich flavor and tender texture.
• Vegetarian Bean Casserole: Swap ground beef with extra black beans, add diced bell peppers, and use vegetable enchilada sauce for a hearty meatless version.
• Spicy Green Chile Enchilada Bake: Increase green chiles, add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and include hot sauce for a fiery southwestern-style casserole.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Enchilada Casserole: Mix in feta cheese, add chopped spinach, use Mediterranean spices like oregano and mint, and top with kalamata olives for a unique fusion dish.

Sides To Go With Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Create a vibrant Mexican-inspired table setting with colorful plates, mini salsa bowls, and festive napkins. Invite family members to build their own enchilada casserole plates with extra toppings like diced avocados, fresh lime wedges, and chopped cilantro.
• Slice the casserole into hearty squares perfect for casual gatherings. Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, guacamole, and cold Mexican beer or refreshing margaritas. Encourage friends to customize their portions with additional hot sauce or sour cream.

Keep Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole Delicious Later

• Store leftover beef enchilada casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for convenient grab-and-go meals. These can be quickly reheated in the microwave or oven when needed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and verify that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free. Some store-bought sauces might contain wheat-based thickeners.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild spice levels from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapenos. For less spice, reduce chili powder quantity.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade beef enchilada casserole brings layers of Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and warm tortillas create a hearty meal travelers and families will savor together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican rice)
• 8–10 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional garnishes: sliced jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat until meat turns golden brown, carefully draining any excess fat.
3. Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate cooked rice, black beans, and green chilies into the seasoned meat, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious filling.
5. Create the first layer of the casserole by arranging tortillas across the bottom of the greased dish, covering the entire surface.
6. Distribute half of the beef-rice mixture over the tortilla base, followed by a generous pour of enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese, building a second complete layer.
8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, add a dollop of sour cream, and optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or diced avocado before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat-seekers or reducing it for milder palates.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and streamline the cooking process, perfect for busy weeknights.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 433 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg