Sante Fe Burrito Bake
A flavorful Tex-Mex-inspired baked burrito dish featuring seasoned beef, green chilies, and melted cheese wrapped in bread dough, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the bread dough and allow it to rise before rolling it out.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef until no pink remains.
- Stir in water, chopped green chilies, taco seasoning, and fajita dry seasoning.
- Add crushed Wheat Chex cereal to the meat mixture and stir well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll the dough into a 10 x 15-inch oblong shape.
- Place the dough on a baking sheet and spread half of the meat mixture down the center, about 4 inches wide.
- Sprinkle cheese over the meat mixture, then add the remaining meat mixture on top.
- Fold the sides of the dough up over the filling and seal the edges.
- Turn the rolled dough seam side down and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush the top with margarine and sprinkle lightly with chili powder or paprika.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce with sour cream and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use homemade seasoning blends to adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you want a crunchier texture, consider adding some diced bell peppers or corn to the filling. This recipe can be made ahead of time; just assemble it the day before and bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sante Fe Burrito Bake on a bed of fresh lettuce for a refreshing contrast. Top with sour cream and salsa for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of refried beans or a simple avocado salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with tortilla chips or a side of Eight Layer Taco Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the dough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sante Fe Burrito Bake contains roughly 321 calories, with 11g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as necessary, particularly if using leaner meats that may cook faster.
What can I use instead of Wheat Chex?
If you don't have Wheat Chex, crushed tortilla chips or cornflakes work well as a substitute to add crunch to the filling. Just ensure they are crushed to a similar size for even distribution throughout the meat mixture.
Can I freeze the burrito bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked burrito bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to prep meals ahead of time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).