Beef Burrito Casserole

Beef Burrito Casserole is the perfect answer to busy weeknights when you crave bold Tex Mex flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. This hearty baked dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, black beans, zesty salsa, and creamy cheese into one comforting meal. Ready in just 50 minutes from start to finish, it is affordable, filling, and incredibly satisfying. Each serving costs about $1.35, making it a smart choice for families and meal prep alike. If you love customizable dinners that reheat beautifully and deliver big flavor in every bite, this casserole is about to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Burrito Casserole

This Beef Burrito Casserole is everything you want in a dependable dinner recipe.

It is incredibly customizable. You can top it with your favorite burrito or nacho fixings such as sour cream, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or creamy avocado. This recipe is flexible and works beautifully with whatever ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

It is budget friendly. With simple pantry staples like rice, beans, salsa, and ground beef, you can feed six people without stretching your grocery budget.

It is meal prep friendly. The flavors deepen overnight, and leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.

It is easy to prepare. With only 10 minutes of prep time and minimal hands on work, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to make this flavorful casserole:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 1 half pound ground beef

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 pinch salt

• 4 cups cooked rice

• 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 16 ounce jar salsa

• 4 green onions, divided

• 1 half tablespoon chili powder

• 4 ounces cream cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

These everyday ingredients combine to create a balanced, protein packed dish with comforting texture and bold flavor.

Step by Step: How to Make Beef Burrito Casserole

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready once the casserole is assembled.
2. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. If needed, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. Slice the green onions and set half aside for garnish later.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef, black beans, half of the green onions, salsa, and chili powder. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and coated in the salsa.
5. Lightly coat a 3 quart casserole dish with non stick spray. Spread half of the rice and beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
6. Add small spoonfuls of cream cheese across the surface so it is distributed throughout the casserole.
7. Layer the remaining rice and beef mixture on top, smoothing it into an even layer.
8. Seal the casserole dish securely with foil to keep the moisture inside. Bake for 25 minutes.
9. Carefully remove the foil, spread the shredded cheddar evenly across the surface, and place it back in the oven. Continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly bubbly.
10. Finish by sprinkling the remaining sliced green onions over the top right before serving. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before cutting to help it hold its shape.

Helpful Tips

Use chilled rice for best results. Cold rice holds its texture better and prevents the casserole from becoming sticky. This is a perfect way to use leftover rice from earlier in the week.

Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If your beef releases a lot of fat, draining it well will keep the final dish balanced.

For extra depth of flavor, toast the chili powder in the skillet with the beef for about 30 seconds before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Do not skip covering the casserole during the first bake. This step traps steam and keeps the rice tender and moist.

If you enjoy a slightly crisp top, place the casserole under the broiler for one to two minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Substitutions And Variations

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken if you prefer a lighter option.

Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with additional beans, sautéed bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.

Use brown rice instead of white rice for extra fiber and a nutty flavor.

Switch up the cheese by using Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Add heat with diced green chilies or chopped jalapeños stirred directly into the mixture.

For a lower carb variation, replace part of the rice with cauliflower rice while keeping enough regular rice for structure.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The casserole reheats very well, making it ideal for packed lunches.

To reheat in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one minute intervals until warmed through.

To reheat in the oven, cover with foil and warm at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes.

This casserole also freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly or store in freezer safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 429.93 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 48.28 grams

• Protein: 19.93 grams

• Fat: 20.78 grams

• Sodium: 1136.87 milligrams

• Fiber: 7.77 grams

This well balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat makes it a satisfying and energizing meal that keeps you full for hours.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Beef Burrito Casserole with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.

Set out a variety of toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips so everyone can customize their plate.

Pair it with roasted vegetables or corn for a complete dinner spread.

For gatherings or potlucks, this casserole is easy to transport and stays warm for serving. It is hearty enough to stand alone yet versatile enough to complement other Tex Mex inspired dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Burrito Casserole

Can I assemble Beef Burrito Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
You can, but allow it to cool first. Fresh hot rice may become sticky and affect the texture of the casserole. Slightly chilled rice works best for fluffy results.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to cover it tightly with foil during the initial baking period. This traps steam and keeps the rice tender. Also avoid overbaking once the cheese is added.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or divide the mixture between two dishes. You may need to increase baking time slightly if the casserole is thicker.

Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild warmth from the chili powder and salsa. To increase the heat, choose a spicy salsa or add chopped jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for taking the time to try this Beef Burrito Casserole. It is one of those dependable, flavor packed meals that always brings comfort to the table. I truly love how simple it is to prepare and how every bite delivers cheesy, hearty goodness. Whether you are cooking for family dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or sharing a meal with friends, this dish makes life just a little easier and more delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Wishing you happy cooking and many satisfying meals ahead. Thank you for being part of this food loving community.

Beef Burrito Casserole

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Beef Burrito Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and budget friendly dinner made with seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, salsa, and cream cheese. This easy baked casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and customizable toppings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 half pound ground beef

1 clove garlic, minced

1 pinch salt

4 cups cooked rice, chilled if possible

1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 16 ounce jar salsa

4 green onions, sliced and divided

1 half tablespoon chili powder

4 ounces cream cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready once the casserole is assembled.
2. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. If needed, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. Slice the green onions and set half aside for garnish later.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef, black beans, half of the green onions, salsa, and chili powder. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and coated in the salsa.
5. Lightly coat a 3 quart casserole dish with non stick spray. Spread half of the rice and beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
6. Add small spoonfuls of cream cheese across the surface so it is distributed throughout the casserole.
7. Layer the remaining rice and beef mixture on top, smoothing it into an even layer.
8. Seal the casserole dish securely with foil to keep the moisture inside. Bake for 25 minutes.
9. Carefully remove the foil, spread the shredded cheddar evenly across the surface, and place it back in the oven. Continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly bubbly.
10. Finish by sprinkling the remaining sliced green onions over the top right before serving. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before cutting to help it hold its shape.

Notes

Chilled rice works best to prevent a sticky texture.

Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.

Add jalapeños or spicy salsa for more heat.

Leftovers store and reheat well for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked