Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

This Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole is the definition of comfort food with a Mexican-inspired twist. It brings together seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, tender rice, and a layer of melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Each spoonful delivers warm spices, the brightness of salsa, and the subtle crunch of fresh bell peppers, making it both filling and balanced. The recipe is simple yet flavorful, allowing you to enjoy all the taste of burritos without the need for rolling or fussing with tortillas. Plus, it is easily customizable with extra veggies, jalapeños for heat, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for serving. This burrito casserole will quickly become a reliable favorite for anyone looking for a quick, cozy, and wholesome dinner option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup cooked black beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice

• 1 1/2 cups salsa

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in diced red bell pepper, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.

5. Add cooked brown rice and salsa, mixing well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

6. Transfer the beef and bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

8. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

The Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole is a wholesome, family-friendly meal that captures the comforting flavors of a classic burrito without the hassle of individual assembly. This baked casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, tender rice, salsa, and melted cheese, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, and meal prep enthusiasts.

Inspired by the flavors of Mexican cuisine, this casserole delivers a satisfying blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, paired with the freshness of bell peppers and cilantro, creating a dish that is both warming and vibrant. The recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to add vegetables, heat, or toppings as desired.

Why You Will Love This Casserole

This burrito casserole is perfect for those looking for:

• Ease and Convenience: One pan, minimal dishes, and no need for tortilla rolling.

• Comfort and Warmth: Perfect for cozy evenings or family dinners.

• Meal Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing lunches or dinners in advance.

• Customizable Flavors: Add jalapeños for heat, top with avocado or sour cream, or incorporate extra vegetables to tailor it to your taste.

• Balanced Nutrition: Combining protein, fiber, and carbs in one dish.

Whether you are a busy professional, a parent managing family meals, or a food enthusiast looking for a comforting bake, this casserole will slot seamlessly into your recipe collection.

The Flavors that Make This Casserole Special

At its core, the Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole delivers the rich taste of ground beef cooked with aromatic spices, complemented by the earthiness of black beans and the slight sweetness of corn and bell peppers. Salsa adds a bright tang that lifts the dish, while cheddar cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust, adding creaminess to every bite.

The layering of ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully during baking, infusing the rice with spices and salsa, ensuring that each forkful is packed with depth and warmth.

Spice and Seasoning Profile

The casserole uses a combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, creating a warm, lightly spicy backdrop typical of Mexican-inspired dishes. These spices enhance the ground beef without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables and salsa, ensuring the casserole remains family-friendly.

If you prefer more heat, you can easily add cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños to the mix. For a smoky depth, a touch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika can transform the dish while staying true to its comforting nature.

Benefits of Making Casserole-Style Burritos

Burrito casseroles eliminate the need to wrap individual burritos, which can often lead to mess and uneven filling distribution. Instead, everything bakes together in a single dish, allowing flavors to meld and the cheese to form a golden layer across the top.

Additionally, casseroles like this are perfect for batch cooking and freezing. You can prepare the dish in advance, freeze portions for later, and simply reheat for a comforting meal whenever needed.

Serving Suggestions

The Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole is delicious on its own but shines when paired with simple, fresh toppings:

• Freshly chopped cilantro for brightness.

• Lime wedges to add a zesty pop.

• Sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess.

• Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spices.

• Sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

• Fresh diced tomatoes or pico de gallo for added freshness.

For a complete meal, serve with a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette or roasted vegetables on the side to complement the warm, cheesy casserole.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of this casserole is its versatility:

• Protein options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

• Vegetables: Add zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra greens.

• Beans: Use pinto beans or a mix of beans for variety.

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for added depth.

• Rice: Brown rice, white rice, or quinoa all work well.

These adjustments allow you to tailor the dish to your dietary needs or to use what you have on hand.

Ideal for Families and Entertaining

This burrito casserole is perfect for family meals as it caters to both adults and children. Its mild spice level and cheesy, comforting nature make it appealing to even picky eaters, while adults can add toppings like hot sauce or extra salsa for more flavor.

For gatherings, this dish can be prepared in advance and popped in the oven just before serving, allowing you to spend time with your guests rather than in the kitchen.

Storage and Reheating Tips

The Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for leftovers or lunchboxes. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2-3 minutes until hot.

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Pairing Ideas

While this casserole is a meal on its own, you can elevate your dinner table with these pairings:

• A fresh corn salad or grilled street corn for a vibrant side.

• A margarita or agua fresca for a refreshing beverage.

• Tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole for a starter.

• A simple black bean soup or chicken tortilla soup for a hearty addition on colder evenings.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Perspective

This dish offers a balanced macronutrient profile:

• Protein from ground beef and black beans.

• Complex carbohydrates from rice and beans for energy.

• Healthy fats from cheese and optional avocado.

• Fiber from beans, corn, and peppers for digestive health.

Using lean ground beef or substituting it with ground turkey can reduce saturated fat while maintaining protein content. The inclusion of vegetables and beans ensures you are adding micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber to your meal, aligning with a balanced diet.

Conclusion:

The Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole is more than just a convenient meal; it’s a comforting, hearty dish that transforms basic pantry staples into a flavorful and nourishing dinner. It’s perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners when you need something quick yet satisfying.

• Meal prepping for busy weeks.

• Feeding a family or a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Enjoying comforting Mexican-inspired flavors in a practical, mess-free format.

By mastering this casserole, you add a versatile and reliable recipe to your collection that adapts to your preferences while delivering consistent, delicious results.

If you’re looking for a recipe that is easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, this Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole is the dish you’ll return to over and over again.