Go Back

Healthy Ground Beef Burrito Casserole - A Comforting, Lighter Weeknight Favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned and drained)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Olive oil spray (or 1 teaspoon olive oil)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Brown the beef: Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Season well: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Build the filling: Add black beans, corn, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, cooked brown rice, and salsa. Stir until combined and simmer 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat.
  6. Layer and top: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheese.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Squeeze over a little lime juice, then top with dollops of Greek yogurt and a shower of cilantro. Scoop into bowls and enjoy.