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Comforting Skillet Beef Enchilada Rice Casserole

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A quick and easy one-pan beef enchilada rice casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and fluffy rice for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190 g)
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (240 ml)
  • 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz / 425 g), drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (170 g)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to your skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
  2. Add garlic and beef: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  3. Spice it up: Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin, stirring to coat the beef and onions evenly. Let it cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add rice and beans: Stir in the uncooked rice and black beans (if using), mixing well so the rice is coated with the spices and beef juices.
  5. Pour liquids: Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  7. Add cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Replace the lid and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes so the cheese melts.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

If rice isn’t fully cooked after 20 minutes, add a splash of water or broth, cover again, and cook a few minutes longer. For crispy edges, remove the lid and increase heat to medium for the last 2-3 minutes. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep steam trapped. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or omit cheese. Black beans are optional and can be swapped with pinto beans or omitted.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, skillet recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, ground beef, enchilada rice casserole

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/comforting-skillet-beef-enchilada-rice-casserole-easy-recipe-for-beginners/