Beef Enchilada Casserole With Rice Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the rich taste of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen, look no further than this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice recipe. Loaded with savory ground beef, robust spices, and the perfect combination of rice, beans, and cheese, this casserole will become your new family favorite. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful twist on classic enchiladas. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to creating this amazing dish!

this Recipe

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What is Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice?

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is essentially a layered, deconstructed enchilada baked into a casserole. Instead of individually wrapping each enchilada, all the ingredients are layered in a baking dish, which not only saves time but also allows for a deeper infusion of flavors. The base is made with seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and a delicious medley of spices. The entire dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onions for an irresistible finish. This casserole is an excellent option for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a festive family gathering.

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Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 ½ pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 10.75-ounce can red enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or any Cajun seasoning blend)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Additional Ingredients:

• 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15-ounce can corn, drained
• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably long-grain or jasmine rice)
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to form a beautiful casserole that's packed with flavors and textures, making each bite a celebration of spices, beef, and cheesy goodness.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about casseroles is their flexibility. Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Ground Meat Substitutes: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses for added richness.
• Rice Alternatives: If you’re looking to add more nutrients, try substituting white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Beans: Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans depending on what you have on hand.
• Sauce: Green enchilada sauce can be used for a tangy twist in place of the red enchilada sauce.

These substitutions will not only keep the dish exciting every time you make it but also cater to different dietary needs.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice.

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic

• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Incorporate the Beans and Corn

• Add the drained black beans and corn into the beef mixture, stirring everything together until well combined.

6. Layering the Casserole

• Spread ⅓ of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Add a layer of cooked rice (about half of the rice) over the beef mixture, followed by another ⅓ of the beef mixture.
• Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the top of the beef and rice layers.

7. Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce layer.
• Repeat the layering process: add the remaining rice, the remaining beef mixture, and then pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top.
• Finally, top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

8. Bake the Casserole

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. Garnish and Serve

• Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Ground Beef: Make sure to brown the beef without overcooking it. Overcooked beef can become dry and tough in the casserole.
• Too Much Liquid: Be cautious when draining the tomatoes, beans, and corn. Excess liquid can result in a soggy casserole.
• Skipping the Foil Cover: Don’t skip the foil during baking. It helps keep the casserole moist by trapping in steam.
• Undercooking the Rice: If your rice isn’t fully cooked before adding it to the casserole, it will stay undercooked in the final dish.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice, presentation matters just as much as flavor. Here’s how you can serve it beautifully:

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Cut the casserole into generous squares and use a spatula to transfer each serving to a plate.
• Serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or fresh salsa to balance out the heat and enhance the flavors.
• Pair the dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and nutrition.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a pop of color.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a few slices of avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce.

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Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready to serve.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder casserole, reduce the chili powder and omit the red pepper flakes. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade enchilada sauce is delicious, store-bought enchilada sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

2. What side dishes go well with Beef Enchilada Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or Mexican-style rice.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

4. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

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Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. Loaded with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with plenty of room for customization, you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Be sure to follow the step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and use the tips provided to ensure a perfect dish every time. Don't forget to bookmark this recipe and enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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