Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and melted Mexican blend cheese over a bed of rice. It’s baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings for a delicious family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Grains and Sauces
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
Spices and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Garnish and Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
- Season and combine ingredients: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. Add the black beans and thawed corn to the mixture, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through to blend the flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the rice. Layer the beef mixture over the sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese layer, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes before serving warm for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Use brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- For spicier casserole, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
