Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice: A Cozy Weeknight Favorite
Ah, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty casserole enveloping your home after a long day. One of my fondest memories is from chilly weeknights spent with family, gathered at the dinner table, sharing stories as steam rose from our plates. Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is a recipe that wraps you in warmth, much like a soft blanket on a cold evening. It’s rich, cheesy, and brimming with delicious flavors that will make your heart feel full and your belly happy.
This easy weeknight dinner is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful nostalgic reminder of times spent with loved ones. As the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket over the hearty mixture, you can hear the laughter and chatter of family memories echoing around the table. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners and gatherings, delivering smiles all around the table.
- One-Dish Wonder: With everything baked together in one dish, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.
- Customizable: From zesty toppings to rich fillings, there are endless ways to make this casserole your own.
- Cheesy Goodness: Who doesn’t love the melting, gooey cheese on top? It adds an irresistible allure to every serving!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and the cooked rice until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Transfer the hearty mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it generously with shredded cheese, letting it blanket every corner.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
Spice things up and add your twist! Here are a few ideas:
- Zesty Flavor: Add diced jalapeños to the mixture for a kick that’ll warm you from the inside out.
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the beef for sautéed veggies or plant-based ground meat for a vegan-friendly option. You could use bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to keep it light yet filling.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the beef mixture for a creamy texture that elevates the casserole.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Consider adding avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole on top just before serving. The rich and creamy addition pairs perfectly!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Simply combine all ingredients, cover, and store in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh right before dinner!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment — use pinto beans instead of black beans or even add some diced tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze for up to a month; just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- Cheese Choices: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of cheese! Combining mozzarella with cheddar creates a lovely gooey melt.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Calories & Nutrition Details (Per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a day in advance for easy cooking later.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize with veggies or other protein options, as I mentioned earlier.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How long does it last?
If frozen, it can last for about a month. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
A Cozy Closing Note
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice is more than just a meal; it’s an embrace in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, it warms hearts and bellies alike. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe and experience all the love it brings to the table. Save this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Print
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and cheesy beef enchilada casserole, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and the cooked rice until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Transfer the hearty mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize with veggies or other proteins, and this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal