Description
This quick and easy Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef, black beans, corn, and seasoned rice are combined with tangy enchilada sauce and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onions for a comforting casserole the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 10.75 ounce can red enchilada sauce
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained, rinsed
- 15 ounce can corn, drained
Grains and Dairy
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary, then return the mixture to the pan.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and all the seasonings — Slap Ya Mama seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through. Stir occasionally during this time.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cooked brown rice for white rice to increase fiber content.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños along with the garlic.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the Slap Ya Mama seasoning and reduce chili powder.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
