Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and will crisp up the bottom layer a little.
Step 2: Combine the main ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, chopped onions, 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend, and the thawed meatballs. Once all the ingredients are added, pour the red enchilada sauce over the top and toss well to evenly coat all the ingredients. The sauce acts as a rich, flavorful thickener and adds a rich flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Serve the casserole
Pour the well-mixed ingredients into the prepared pan. Spread the mixture evenly so that the casserole cooks evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of Mexican cheese over the top. The cheese forms a golden, wrinkled crust that makes this casserole irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is piping hot. The result? A delicious, layered cheese casserole that’s packed with flavor and texture. Step 5: Garnish and serve
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro. This gives it a fresh, spicy flavor that lightens the heavy flavor of the cheese and sauce. Serve hot and enjoy.
