Description
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a hearty, flavor-packed weeknight favorite that layers seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, beans, corn, and a rich red enchilada sauce under melted cheeses. This easy, one-dish bake delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors in about 55 minutes, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and crowd-pleasing dinners. Reheats beautifully and serves 6 with comforting texture and satisfying spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (halal)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add rice, beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), and beef broth. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake 40–45 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare the filling, refrigerate, and bake later.
- To lighten: Use part-skim cheese or reduce cheese to 1½ cups.
- Gluten-free option: Check that the enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
- Leftovers: Serves well as a next-day lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Sugar: 6-8 g
- Sodium: 700-800 mg
- Fat: 20-28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8-14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12-16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
- Fiber: 5-7 g
- Protein: 28-32 g
- Cholesterol: 90-140 mg
Keywords: Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice, beef enchilada casserole, easy beef casserole, Mexican casserole, halal beef, family dinner, weeknight meal