Description

This hearty Burrito Casserole is a flavorful, all-in-one meal perfect for family dinners. Made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, bell peppers, rice, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s baked to perfection and customizable with your favorite fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream. Easy to assemble and delicious to eat, this casserole captures all the deliciousness of a burrito in a comforting baked dish.

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion (120 grams)
2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste

Casserole

2 cups diced bell peppers (240 grams)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
1 cup uncooked white rice, rinsed
1 1/2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
1 heaping cup shredded cheddar cheese (3 ounces)

For Serving

Tortilla chips or tortillas
Toppings of choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado, salsa, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm for about 30 seconds. Add diced onions, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and sauté until fragrant and fully combined. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish, leaving most of the excess grease in the skillet.
Assemble the Casserole: Add diced bell peppers, black beans, salsa, uncooked rinsed rice, and additional salt and pepper to the casserole dish. Mix well to combine, ensuring even distribution. Pour in the broth and stir again, pressing down the ingredients so they are well incorporated and mostly covered by liquid.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the rice is partially cooked.
Bake Uncovered and Add Cheese: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered to allow the liquid to absorb completely. Remove from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into 8 portions. Serve with tortilla chips or tortillas and top with your favorite fresh toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado, salsa, lime juice, cilantro, or jalapeño.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend instead of cheddar for varied flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired