Spicy Burrito Bake
Spicy Burrito Bake offers a flavorful, cheesy casserole with seasoned ground meat, beans, and salsa, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons reduced calorie margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 16 ounces drained pinto beans ⓘ
- 18 ounces ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1 package dry taco seasoning ⓘ
- 8 ounces salsa ⓘ
- 4.5 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder together and spread into the pan to form the batter.
- Saute chopped onion in reduced calorie margarine until softened.
- Mix cooked onion, ground beef or turkey, drained pinto beans, dry taco seasoning, and salsa together.
- Pour the meat and bean mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, and you can substitute the reduced calorie margarine with olive oil or a plant-based butter. If you want to add more heat, include jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the meat mixture. Make sure to drain the beans thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Burrito Bake with a side of fresh guacamole or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Dick'S Taco Casserole for a fun taco-themed night. For extra flavor, offer some sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Burrito Bake contains roughly 993 calories, with 17g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1110mg per serving (48% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Spicy Burrito Bake vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or turkey and add more beans or some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also use lentils for added protein and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the meat mixture. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference and enjoy!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components of this Spicy Burrito Bake ahead of time. Assemble the batter and meat mixture, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply combine them and follow the baking instructions.
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).