Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice is the ultimate one-pan dinner that brings all your favorite enchilada flavors together without the hassle of rolling tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines ease of preparation with incredible taste. The creamy, cheesy goodness and the zesty kick from the enchilada sauce make it a standout meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: Packed with spices, cheese, and tender beef, each bite is full of flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals; it adapts well to different dietary preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness makes it a hit with kids of all ages!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right kitchen tools can make preparing Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice a breeze. Here’s what you need:
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Oven-safe dish (optional)
Why These Tools Matter
- Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and cooking everything in one pan.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect results every time.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 2 cups Instant Rice
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 10 ounce Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (undrained)
- 1 10 ounce Red Enchilada Sauce
- 1 Taco Seasoning Packet
For the Vegetables
- 1 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 cup Bell Pepper (diced)
For Topping
- 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese (shredded)

How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell peppers. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning packet until well combined.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, instant rice, and chicken broth. Mix everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Combine with Enchilada Sauce
Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh flavor and brightens up the dish.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Garnishes
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the cheesy rice, adding richness.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice enhances the flavors and adds acidity.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Accompaniments
- Corn Tortillas: Serve with warm corn tortillas for scooping up the cheesy goodness.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing side that complements the enchilada flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
To ensure your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef will elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify the taco seasoning based on your preference for spice; you can even make your own blend!
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set up nicely before serving.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate more veggies such as zucchini or corn to boost nutrition and texture.
- Check Liquid Ratio: Ensure you have enough liquid when adding rice; this prevents dryness.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty texture that pairs well with enchiladas.
- Mexican Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and fiber while enhancing the meal’s Mexican flair.
- Guacamole: A smooth guacamole not only tastes great but also adds freshness to each bite.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, Spanish rice makes an excellent companion dish.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa create a fun appetizer before the main course.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with avocado and lime dressing balances the richness of cheesy rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your beef and vegetables are at room temperature before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and enhances the overall dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add taco seasoning. It’s essential for achieving that authentic enchilada flavor. Make sure you mix it well with the beef.
- Not draining excess liquid: If there’s too much liquid from the canned tomatoes, drain some before adding them. This prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
- Overcooking the rice: Instant rice cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness; remove it from heat as soon as it absorbs all the liquid.
- Ignoring cheese variety: While Colby Jack cheese is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for added flavor depth.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
- You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
- It should be consumed within 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice?
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice is a one-pan meal that combines ground beef, rice, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a comforting dish full of flavor.
Can I use other meats for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Both work wonderfully with this recipe.
How do I spice up my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice?
Add extra spices like cumin or chili powder for more heat. You can also mix in jalapeños or hot sauce based on your taste preference.
Can I make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Just reheat before serving for a quick meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize according to your taste. Whether you choose different proteins or add extra toppings like sour cream or cilantro, this dish promises satisfaction every time. Give it a try today!

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Rice is a delightful one-pan dish that captures all the rich flavors of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, combining tender beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese into a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. With minimal cleanup required, you can focus on savoring every bite while spending quality time with loved ones. Whether served at a dinner party or as a cozy family meal, this cheesy delight is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and bell peppers until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning until well mixed. Then add the diced tomatoes (with juices), instant rice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender and liquid has absorbed.
- Mix in the enchilada sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Transfer to an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg