Protein Burrito Casserole

Crafting a Protein Burrito Casserole is like giving your taste buds a warm and hearty hug. With layers of tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a delicious spin on traditional burritos. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, making it a frequent favorite in my kitchen. One of the best parts? It’s easily customizable, so everyone at the table can get a taste of their favorite flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that checks all the boxes—quick, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor—you’ve come to the right place. This Protein Burrito Casserole is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to assemble. In less than an hour, you can whip up a meal that feels both hearty and wholesome.

“This Protein Burrito Casserole has become a go-to in our house! It’s a family favorite, and the leftovers are just as delicious!”

The seamless combination of chicken, rice, beans, and spices make it ideal for any occasion—weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to play with flavors and ingredients, making it a great canvas for creativity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing this Protein Burrito Casserole is straightforward and stress-free. All you need are a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes in the oven. Here’s how it goes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper together until everything is well-combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
5. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Enjoy with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

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Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have the following essentials on hand:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Feel free to swap in your favorite kind of cheese or use quinoa instead of rice to boost the protein content!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Serving

To elevate your meal, consider serving the Protein Burrito Casserole alongside a fresh green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips. You can also provide toppings like sliced jalapeños for heat, or a dollop of guacamole for creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with a zesty lime wedge for an extra kick.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole—just make sure to wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to dig in again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Pro Chef Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time.
• Add chopped bell peppers or diced onions for extra flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with more beans or veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

Creative Twists

Feel free to put your unique spin on this casserole! You could add taco seasoning for a bolder flavor or swap black beans for pinto beans. To cater to a gluten-free diet, ensure your salsa is certified gluten-free. And don’t be afraid to switch up the cheese—pepper jack adds a nice added spice!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this burrito casserole?

Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes of baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s refrigerated.

What if I don’t have certain ingredients?

No worries! This recipe is quite flexible. You can use any cooked protein, such as beef or turkey, and swap in different vegetables based on what you have on hand.

With this Protein Burrito Casserole, you’ve got a fulfilling meal that’s both comforting and effortless. Happy cooking!

Protein Burrito Casserole

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Mixed

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Description

A warm and hearty Protein Burrito Casserole with layers of shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for quick dinners and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
4. Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
5. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Enjoy with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. This recipe is flexible; you can swap ingredients based on your preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: burrito casserole, protein, easy dinner, Mexican, family meal