Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

Are you in the mood for a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare? This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, it’s a Mexican-inspired dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also versatile, allowing you to make it your own with simple ingredient swaps. Stay with us as we walk you through every step, from the ingredients list to serving and presentation tips!

this Recipe

What is Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice?

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a deconstructed enchilada dish that’s easy to assemble and bake. Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, you layer all the traditional ingredients—spiced ground beef, cheese, enchilada sauce, and tortillas—along with rice for extra heartiness. This casserole is baked to bubbly perfection, delivering all the delicious flavors of enchiladas in a fraction of the time. It’s a complete meal in itself, and the rice absorbs the rich enchilada sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients to streamline your cooking process. Here’s everything you’ll need for this mouthwatering casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef – You can use lean ground beef, or for extra flavor, go for an 80/20 blend.
• 1 cup cooked rice – White rice or brown rice works well. You can also use Spanish or Mexican rice for added flavor.
• 1 medium onion – Diced, adds flavor to the ground beef mixture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – To season the beef.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – For a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a mild spice, but adjust to your heat preference.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans – Drained and rinsed. Pinto beans also work well.
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels – Drained, or use 1 cup of frozen corn.
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies – For a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce – You can use homemade or store-bought. Green enchilada sauce can be substituted for a tangier flavor.
• 10-12 small corn tortillas – Torn into pieces to layer within the casserole.
• 2 cups shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works best.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges – For garnish, optional but adds a nice brightness.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole recipe is versatile and can be easily customized based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some substitution ideas and variations:

• Ground beef alternatives – Swap the beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Rice alternatives – You can use quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or Spanish rice to boost the Mexican flavors.
• Tortilla alternatives – If you prefer flour tortillas, feel free to use them instead of corn. You can also layer with tortilla chips for added crunch.
• Sauce variations – Try green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist or use a creamy enchilada sauce for a richer texture.
• Spice it up – Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder if you prefer more heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This step-by-step guide will ensure your Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice turns out perfect every time.

1. Preheat the oven – Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light layer of oil.
2. Cook the rice – If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package instructions. Set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Cook the beef – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until browned, about 8 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
4. Mix in the beans and corn – Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Set this mixture aside.
5. Prepare the casserole layers – Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Place a layer of torn tortillas over the sauce, followed by half of the cooked rice. Spread half of the beef mixture over the rice, then drizzle some more enchilada sauce. Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the beef.
6. Repeat the layers – Add another layer of tortillas, the remaining rice, the rest of the beef mixture, and more enchilada sauce. Top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake – Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Cool and serve – Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor.

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

For a more detailed walkthrough of how to assemble and bake this casserole, here’s a concise summary:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the casserole dish.
2. Cook the rice and beef mixture with onions, beans, corn, and spices.
3. Layer the tortillas, rice, beef mixture, sauce, and cheese in a greased casserole dish.
4. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
5. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving with your favorite garnishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

• Using uncooked rice – Always use fully cooked rice in this casserole. Uncooked rice won’t have enough liquid to cook properly in the oven.
• Not draining the ground beef – If you don’t drain the excess fat, the casserole could turn out greasy.
• Too much sauce – Be mindful of how much enchilada sauce you use. Too much sauce can make the casserole soggy, while too little may cause it to be dry. Stick to the recommended amount for the best texture.
• Skipping the foil – The foil ensures that the casserole heats evenly without the cheese burning before the inside is fully cooked. Remove it in the last 10 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a hearty, filling dish that doesn’t need much to complete it, but presentation always adds a special touch. Here are a few tips to elevate your serving:

• Serve in slices – Use a spatula to carefully cut and serve neat, layered slices of the casserole.
• Add fresh toppings – A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado not only add flavor but also brighten up the dish.
• Offer sides – Serve the casserole with a side of chips and salsa, guacamole, or a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

This casserole can be served on its own, but if you’re looking to complete the meal, here are some great options:

• With tortilla chips and salsa – A crunchy side that contrasts the soft casserole layers.
• With a fresh salad – A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• With guacamole and sour cream – These creamy toppings add extra flavor and texture to each bite.
• With roasted vegetables – Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or corn to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

A few creative presentation ideas can make your Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice look as good as it tastes:

• Bake in a colorful dish – Use a bright, oven-safe casserole dish to make the meal look more festive.
• Individual servings – Scoop portions into small, oven-safe ramekins for a personalized serving presentation.
• Garnish creatively – Top each serving with a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh and vibrant look.

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Make it ahead – This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
• Freeze leftovers – Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice freezes well. Simply portion it into airtight containers, freeze, and reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Use a variety of cheeses – For extra flavor, try using a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a little bit of queso fresco.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. To freeze, portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. The texture will be softer compared to corn tortillas, which hold up better during baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per serving, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any night of the week. With its layers of spiced ground beef, rice, enchilada sauce, and cheese, it offers the bold flavors of enchiladas in a simplified, no-fuss casserole form. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or prepping it ahead for the week, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy this delicious, hearty dish with your loved ones!

Print