Craving a meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen?

This Beef Burrito Casserole is a simple, one-dish wonder that combines all the best elements of your favorite burrito—seasoned beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and a hint of spice—into a casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Beef Burrito Casserole Ingredients

Simple Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights - Beef Burrito Casserole pin — Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

1 tablespoon cooking oil
½ pound ground beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch salt
4 cups cooked rice*
1 15 ounces can black beans
1 16 ounces jar salsa
4 green onions, divided
½ tablespoon chili powder
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar**

*Chilling the rice before using it in the casserole prevents it from getting sticky or gummy when mixed with the other ingredients.

**Stock up on shredded cheese when it’s on sale and freeze it for later use! This recipe is perfect for those times when you want a quick and easy meal.

How to Make Beef Burrito Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Heat cooking oil in a skillet. Add beef, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Rinse and drain the canned beans. Slice the green onions.
In a large bowl, mix together the beans, half of the green onions, cooked rice, browned beef, salsa, and chili powder.
Coat a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread half of the rice and beef mixture into the bottom of the dish. Dot with small dollops of cream cheese, then cover with the remaining rice and beef mixture.
Cover the dish with foil to prevent the rice from drying out. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with the remaining sliced green onions just before serving. Enjoy your delicious Beef Burrito Casserole!

Serving Suggestions

Simple Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights - Beef Burrito Casserole ingredients — Image Credit: Davin Eberhardt

Beef Burrito Casserole stands as a dish on its own, but you can have it with multiple sides and toppings to enhance your meal:

Fresh & Light Sides

Green Salad: A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a citrusy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Pico de Gallo: This classic salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a burst of fresh flavor and acidity.
Guacamole or Avocado Slices: The creamy texture of guacamole or avocado slices complements the heartiness of the casserole.

Hearty Sides

Mexican Rice: This flavorful rice dish is a traditional accompaniment to Mexican cuisine and complements the flavors of the casserole.
Refried Beans: A side of refried beans adds protein and fiber, making the meal even more satisfying.
Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: These provide a contrasting texture and a base for scooping up the casserole.

Additional Toppings

Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: These creamy toppings add a cooling element and a touch of tanginess.
Shredded Lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and another layer of texture.
Diced Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, these options can spice up the casserole.

This dish’s versatility, ease of preparation, and explosion of flavors make it a winner for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Beef Burrito Casserole

Beef Burrito Casserole is a one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and spices, baked to perfection for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 257 kcal

Equipment

1 Preheated oven
1 3-quart casserole dish
1 Skillet
1 Large bowl
1 Piece of Aluminum Foil
1 Colander or strainer
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1 tbsp cooking oil
½ lb ground beef
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 pinch salt
4 cups cooked rice*
1 15 oz can black beans
1 16 oz jar salsa
4 green onions (divided)
½ tbsp chili powder
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Heat cooking oil in a skillet. Add beef, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Rinse and drain the canned beans. Slice the green onions.
In a large bowl, mix together the beans, half of the green onions, cooked rice, browned beef, salsa, and chili powder.
Coat a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread half of the rice and beef mixture into the bottom of the dish. Dot with small dollops of cream cheese, then cover with the remaining rice and beef mixture.
Cover the dish with foil to prevent the rice from drying out. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with the remaining sliced green onions just before serving. Enjoy your delicious Beef Burrito Casserole!

Notes

*Chilling the rice before using it in the casserole prevents it from getting sticky or gummy when mixed with the other ingredients.

**Stock up on shredded cheese when it’s on sale and freeze it for later use! This recipe is perfect for those times when you want a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 13gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 399mgPotassium: 399mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 535IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 2mg

Keyword beef burrito casserole, casserole, casserole recipe

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