Zesty Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort arrives in a delicious layered beef enchilada casserole with rice that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings together rich flavors from tender ground beef and melted cheese.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a robust southwestern-style meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The casserole combines simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will devour.

Perfectly seasoned beef nestles between soft tortillas and bubbling cheese, making every forkful irresistible.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort and maximum taste.

The combination of rice and enchilada layers creates a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice Layers

• Craft a Quick Comfort Meal: Dive into a hassle-free dinner that combines hearty beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in one delicious casserole.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra spices, different beans, or alternative toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Pack nutrition and bold flavors into a single dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple layered casserole that requires minimal prep and cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Rice Beef Enchilada Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole’s filling.

Rice: A fluffy and flavorful foundation that adds substance to the dish.

Tortilla Pieces or Chips: Provides structure and texture to the layered casserole.

Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the layers together.

• Enchilada Sauce: Delivers a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: Provides a bold and spicy seasoning blend for the beef mixture.

• Onions, Garlic: Offer aromatic depth and savory undertones to the beef filling.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and earthy flavor to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes moisture and tangy brightness to the beef mixture.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté rice and prevent sticking during cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances rice flavor and ensures proper cooking.

• Sour Cream, Olives, Cilantro: Provides fresh, creamy, and herbal finishing touches.

• Garlic Powder, Salt: Balances and enhances overall dish flavor.

How to Prepare Rice Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Cook Fragrant Rice

Heat olive oil in a saucepan.

Toss rice and let it dance around for 2 minutes.

Add chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt.

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until rice becomes tender and fluffy, about 15-18 minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle Savory Beef Filling

In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions until meat develops a rich color.

Sprinkle in garlic and taco seasoning, letting flavors meld for 2-3 minutes.

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes

Simmer the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to get acquainted.

Step 3: Build Layered Deliciousness

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Grease a casserole dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom.

• Tortilla pieces
• Beef mixture
• Rice
• Cheese
• Enchilada sauce

Repeat layers, crowning the top with a generous cheese blanket.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Optional garnishes include sour cream, olives, and fresh cilantro.

Dive in and enjoy!

Tips for a Hearty Enchilada Bake

• Toast rice in olive oil before adding broth to enhance its nutty, rich taste and prevent clumping.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy and maintain a perfect texture.
• Modify taco seasoning intensity by adding more or less to suit personal heat preferences without overwhelming other flavors.
• Spread ingredients evenly in each layer to ensure every bite contains a balanced mix of beef, rice, cheese, and sauce.
• Select a melting cheese like monterey jack or a Mexican blend for optimal gooeyness and authentic southwestern flavor.

Rice Enchilada Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like black beans, tofu crumbles, or quinoa. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla chips. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and cayenne pepper to boost heat. Include pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower. Use fewer tortillas or replace with lettuce wraps for reduced carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Rice Enchilada Bake

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a colorful side salad topped with lime vinaigrette for fresh contrast.
• Zesty Toppings Extravaganza: Offer extra toppings like diced avocado, chopped green onions, jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco for personalized flavor bursts.
• Crowd-Pleasing Companions: Pair with Mexican street corn, crisp tortilla chips, or refreshing pico de gallo to complete the delicious meal experience.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a breakfast sensation by topping with a fried egg and adding hot sauce for an extra morning kick.

How to Store Enchilada Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh cheese on top for extra melty goodness.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you use. You can control the heat by choosing a mild or medium seasoning blend.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole recipe.

• Do I need to use fresh tortillas?

No, you can use tortilla chips or pre-cut tortilla pieces. Corn or flour tortillas both work well in this recipe.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value of the casserole.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef enchilada casserole elevates Mexican comfort food with layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and tortillas. Rich flavors and hearty textures invite you to savor this soul-warming southwestern classic that promises delicious satisfaction in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or 80/20)
• 1 cup canned black beans (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Salt and pepper

Rice and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional)
• 0.25 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice by heating olive oil in a saucepan, toasting rice for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle garlic powder and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, breaking meat into crumbles. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Incorporate black beans and diced tomatoes, simmering for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a casserole dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Create first layer with tortilla pieces, followed by beef mixture, rice, shredded cheese, and another drizzle of enchilada sauce.
4. Repeat layering process, ensuring final layer is topped with cheese. This creates a rich, multi-dimensional casserole with integrated flavors.
5. Cover casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown with crispy edges.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, sliced olives, and fresh chopped cilantro for added texture and freshness.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Pre-cooking rice slightly al dente prevents mushy texture when baking, ensuring perfect rice consistency in the casserole.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to match personal spice preferences.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole quickly for a convenient weeknight meal that feeds multiple people efficiently.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 437
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 537 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg