Description
This hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce layered with cooked rice and melted Mexican cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings, it makes a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish & Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole assembly.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Season and Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for flavorful seasoning. Then add the drained black beans and thawed corn to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer the cooked rice evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the rice to add moisture. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the beef and finish with the remaining cheese evenly spread on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro. Add optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes if desired. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use brown rice or white rice based on your preference, but ensure it is fully cooked before layering.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Covering the casserole with foil during the first part of baking helps keep it moist.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
