Contrary to common belief, weeknight dinners don’t have to be a stressful scramble between soccer practice and homework time. The Ground Beef Burrito Bake changes everything about family dinner planning. This Cheesy Mexican Bake transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty Family Weeknight Meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Furthermore, this Tex-Mex Casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the drive-through guilt. Meanwhile, busy parents discover how one dish can feed six people with minimal prep work. Additionally, this Easy Oven Recipe allows you to prep ahead and pop in the oven when hunger strikes.
Most importantly, this Comfort Food Dinner brings families together around the table. Subsequently, everyone gets customizable portions with their favorite toppings. Therefore, this Quick Beef Bake becomes your go-to solution for satisfying family dinners that actually bring smiles instead of stress.
Ingredients
This Ground Beef Dinner requires simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Consequently, your grocery shopping becomes straightforward and budget-friendly:
Protein Base:
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15 lean ratio preferred)
- Alternative: ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
Flavor Foundation:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
Seasoning Blend:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid Components:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup salsa (medium heat)
Carb Layer:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Alternative: whole wheat or corn tortillas
Cheese Trio:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
Garnish Options:
- Sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges
Timing
This Burrito Casserole requires strategic timing for perfect results. Therefore, plan approximately 90 minutes from start to finish, which proves 20% faster than traditional layered casseroles.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Moreover, active cooking time only demands 35 minutes of hands-on work. Meanwhile, the oven handles the heavy lifting while you tackle homework help or laundry. Additionally, prep work can happen up to 24 hours ahead, making this ideal for meal planning strategies.
Preheat and Prep Your Kitchen
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Additionally, gather all ingredients and measuring tools before beginning. This preparation step prevents mid-recipe scrambling and creates smooth cooking flow.
Brown the Ground Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Furthermore, the beef should develop a nice brown color without any pink remaining.
Next, add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften slightly. Subsequently, stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Pro tip: Don’t drain the beef fat completely. Instead, leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor while removing excess grease with paper towels.
Season and Simmer
Sprinkle all the seasoning blend over the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Then, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, beef broth, and salsa. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce by half, creating a thick, saucy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Layer the Tortillas and Filling
Place 4 tortillas in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the entire bottom. Subsequently, spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of the mixed cheeses on top.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining 4 tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and finally top with the remaining cheese blend. The cheese should cover the entire surface for perfect melting.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown around the edges.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a food thermometer. Let the Tex-Mex Casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow proper setting.
Nutritional Information
This Cheesy Mexican Bake provides substantial nutrition for growing families. Each serving (based on 8 portions) contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 380mg | 38% |
| Iron | 4.5mg | 25% |
Additionally, this Ground Beef Dinner provides significant amounts of vitamin B12, zinc, and phosphorus. Furthermore, the black beans contribute plant-based protein and additional fiber for digestive health.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Family Weeknight Meal into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. First, substitute 93/7 lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content by 30%. Additionally, use whole wheat tortillas for increased fiber and nutrients.
Moreover, try these smart swaps:
- Replace half the cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with shredded cheese
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach
- Use low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans thoroughly
- Choose reduced-fat cheese varieties
Furthermore, create a cauliflower rice layer between tortillas for extra vegetables. This modification adds nutrients while maintaining the satisfying texture families love.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Oven Recipe shines with thoughtful accompaniments. First, create a toppings bar with sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Subsequently, everyone customizes their portion according to personal preferences.
Additionally, serve alongside:
- Mexican street corn salad
- Cilantro lime rice
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Warm corn bread
- Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
Moreover, this Comfort Food Dinner works perfectly for potluck gatherings or meal train contributions. The portable nature makes it ideal for feeding crowds at parties or family reunions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent disappointment with these expert tips for perfect Burrito Casserole results. First, avoid overcooking the ground beef initially since it continues cooking in the oven. Additionally, don’t skip the simmering step as it concentrates flavors significantly.
Furthermore, resist the urge to skip the resting period after baking. This crucial step allows the layers to set properly for clean slicing. Moreover, using cold tortillas can cause tearing, so let them reach room temperature first.
Most importantly, don’t overload with liquid ingredients. Excess moisture creates soggy results rather than the desired cheesy, cohesive texture. Therefore, measure carefully and drain ingredients thoroughly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Quick Beef Bake stores exceptionally well for busy family schedules. First, cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation buildup. Subsequently, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers.
Refrigerated leftovers maintain quality for 4-5 days. Meanwhile, individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave for quick lunches. Additionally, freeze assembled but unbaked casseroles for up to 3 months.
For best results when freezing, wrap twice in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Burrito Bake revolutionizes family dinner time with its perfect balance of convenience and satisfaction. Moreover, the recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences while maintaining its comforting appeal.
Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine? Try this Cheesy Mexican Bake tonight and watch your family gather eagerly around the table. Share your creative variations and topping combinations in the comments below, then bookmark this recipe for regular rotation in your meal planning arsenal.
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FAQs
Can I make this Ground Beef Burrito Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy tortillas?
Ensure your beef mixture isn’t too watery by simmering until thick. Additionally, use room temperature tortillas and avoid overloading with wet ingredients like salsa.
Can I substitute different proteins?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based alternatives work perfectly. Adjust cooking times slightly for different proteins and season accordingly.
How do I know when the Burrito Casserole is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), the cheese should be bubbly and golden, and the edges should be set when gently shaken.
What sides pair best with this Tex-Mex Casserole?
Fresh guacamole, Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, or a simple green salad complement the rich flavors perfectly without overwhelming the meal.
