Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce layered with rice and melted Mexican cheese blend. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like sour cream and green onions.
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
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream
- Optional: sliced green onions
- Optional: diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Season and Add Beans and Corn: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Add the drained black beans and thawed corn, cooking for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavorful.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked rice in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rice layer. Add the beef, bean, and corn mixture on top, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over that. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top, and finish with the remaining cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer, use brown rice to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from beef to keep casserole from becoming greasy.
