Savory Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe For Fiesta Night

Crafting a mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole with rice sparks joy in my kitchen every single time.

Layers of tender meat and melted cheese create a comforting masterpiece that feels like a warm hug.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate with vibrant spices and rich ingredients.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of soft tortillas and savory beef.

Hearty rice nestled beneath the enchilada layers adds depth and satisfying texture to the dish.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet incredible recipes like this one.

Rice And Beef Enchilada Casserole With Pro Polish

• Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Use a mix of corn and flour tortillas for added depth and interesting layers in your casserole.
• Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, saving time on busy weeknights.
• Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for a flexible, diet-friendly alternative.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier.

Ways to Keep Rice Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Beef enchilada casserole freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Rice-Based Enchilada Casserole Companions

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Lager: Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy beef enchilada casserole, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Complement with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright tomato, onion, and cilantro salsa adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole, balancing the heavy flavors.
• Serve with Creamy Guacamole: Smooth avocado dip provides a luxurious, cool texture that harmonizes with the spicy beef and melted cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match with Sparkling Margarita: Citrusy, tequila-based cocktail with salt rim cleanses the palate and complements the robust, cheesy enchilada casserole's intense flavors.

Rice Enchilada Casserole Flavor Tweaks

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable enchilada sauce for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat tortillas with corn tortillas. Ensure enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free rice for a completely safe meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Include pepper jack cheese for extra heat and excitement.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken or shredded chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder or adding hot sauce.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice or Mexican-style rice. Just ensure the rice is cooked and cooled before mixing with the beef mixture.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe Everyone Enjoys

• Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines beloved Mexican-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and tortillas, creating a filling meal that doesn't break the bank while feeding multiple people.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple cooking steps by combining beef, rice, and cheese in a single casserole, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a long day.

Items For Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that forms the base of the casserole and provides substantial protein.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that add deep, warm flavor and complement the beef's richness.

• Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture, tanginess, and traditional Mexican flavor to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Creates creamy texture and adds melty, rich flavor to bind ingredients together.

• Rice: Serves as a filling base and adds substance to the casserole.
• Tortillas: Creates layers and structure for the casserole, traditional Mexican bread.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the overall dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, zesty garnish that enhances the final presentation.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.

Enchilada Casserole With Rice Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Generously coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef.

Fold in warm rice, creating a rich and hearty mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Create Delicious Layers

• Placing a layer of soft tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish
• Spreading a generous portion of the beef and rice mixture
• Sprinkling a handful of shredded cheese

Repeat these layers to create a delectable stack of flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Top the casserole with a final blanket of cheese.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy beef enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of savory goodness. Melted cheese, tender beef, and zesty sauce create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 8 tortillas
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding diced onions and classic southwestern spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Break up the meat while cooking, ensuring it browns evenly and develops deep, rich flavors throughout the protein.
4. Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet, integrating the cooked ground beef with the warm, tangy liquid and previously prepared rice.
5. Create a foundational layer of soft tortillas across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a sturdy base for the casserole.
6. Spread a generous portion of the seasoned beef and rice mixture directly over the tortilla layer, ensuring even distribution.
7. Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheese across the beef layer, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, binding texture.
8. Repeat the layering process with additional tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are incorporated.
9. Cover the final layer with remaining cheese, creating a golden, bubbling topping.
10. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and edges turn crispy.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.
12. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Toast tortillas briefly before layering to enhance their texture and prevent soggy casserole bottoms, creating a crispier overall dish.
• Include extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini in the beef mixture to boost nutritional value and add colorful, fresh dimensions to the casserole.
• Prepare rice with chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to infuse deeper, more complex flavors throughout the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg