Enjoy all the flavours of a burrito in this easy Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, sweetcorn, black beans, and colourful peppers, every bite is full of Tex-Mex flair.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder takes the fuss out of cooking without skimping on flavour. Serve it straight from the oven just as it is or with some addition sides, it's a great recipe for the whole family.
Calories in Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake
This recipe serves 4 and is 569 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 500+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef: Use extra lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in calories while still getting that hearty, satisfying flavour. Brown it well to build depth before adding the seasoning.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that ties all the spices together.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that unmistakable punch of flavour that makes Tex-Mex dishes so moreish.
- Burrito seasoning (paprika, mild chilli powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder): This homemade blend brings warmth, smokiness, and just the right amount of spice without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance the overall flavour and help balance the spices perfectly.
- Chopped tomatoes: Create a rich sauce that coats the rice and beef beautifully.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavour and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- Chicken stock: Helps the rice cook to fluffy perfection while infusing extra savoury flavour.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity that lifts the sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a pop of colour and gentle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Corn: Brings bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the bake.
- Black beans: Add a hearty bite and make the dish extra filling and satisfying.
- Queso: Melts beautifully into the bake, adding a creamy, indulgent layer that brings all the flavours together. I use salsa con queso, but you can also use queso blanco. In the UK, look for it sold in jars labelled Nacho Cheese.
- Cooked Long Grain Rice: I use just regular long grain rice, but basmati should be fine too, don't use sticky rices like jasmine. Brown cooked rice can be used if you prefer, also microwavecrice for convenience.
- Cheddar: Adds a sharp, tangy richness that complements the spiced beef perfectly.
- Mozzarella: Creates that lovely gooey, melty topping everyone fights over.
- Fresh tomato: Adds brightness and freshness when served, cutting through the richness of the bake.
- Coriander: Finishes the dish with a burst of freshness and colour.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
This Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake is easy to adapt with whatever ingredients you have on hand, so don't be afraid to mix things up. Here are a few simple swaps and ideas to make it your own.
- Protein options: Swap the extra lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want an even lighter option, though you may want to bump up the seasonings slightly as they have a milder flavour. You can also use diced steak or chicken thighs instead of mince for a chunkier, more textured bake. For a vegetarian version, Quorn mince or another meat substitute works well with the same burrito seasoning.
- Queso: If you don't have queso, mix light cream cheese with a splash of milk until smooth, then season with paprika, mild chilli powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to recreate that gentle heat and Tex-Mex flavour.
- Cheese: You can swap the cheddar and mozzarella for reduced fat version to bring the calories down even lower, but be aware they may not melt as well on top. Fancy a different cheese? swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for extra flavour.
- Rice: Any cooked rice works here, though long-grain or basmati holds up best without going soggy. Brown rice or a microwaveable packet can also be used for convenience.
- Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the veg based on what you have. Swap the green pepper for red or yellow, add some courgette, mushrooms or even roasted butternut squash to bulk out the dish into a even more filling meal.
- Beans and corn: Black beans can be swapped for kidney or pinto beans, and if you're not a fan of corn, feel free to omit.
- Toppings: Finish with fresh tomato and coriander as suggested, or try sliced spring onions, diced avocado, or a dollops of soured cream.
Sides for Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake
I like to pair this Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake with a simple mixed salad made from crisp lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, and cucumber. It adds a lovely fresh crunch that balances out the rich, cheesy bake perfectly.
Of course, you can always go a bit heartier with the sides. Try adding roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, peppers and onions, or even green beans for extra colour and fibre. Don't forget all the different toppings you can choose from such as salsa, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado or guacamole, fresh coriander and chopped spring onions.
Freezing and Reheating
This Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake freezes really well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Allow the bake to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Oven Reheating: Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F). Keep the portion covered with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes to retain moisture, then remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to melt and lightly brown, ensuring it is piping hot throughout before serving.
Microwave Reheating: Cover individual portions loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate to trap steam. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the centre is piping hot.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Looking for more low calorie ground beef recipes? Check out these other recipes on Slimming Eats:
See more Ground Beef Recipes →
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Recipe Card
Cheesy Beef Burrito Rice Bake
Bring all the flavours of a classic burrito together with this delicious easy, cheesy, and comforting rice bake.
Ingredients
For the burrito seasoning:
- 1.5 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of mild chilli powder
- 2 teaspoons of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
For the burrito rice:
- 455g (1lb) of ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 400g (14oz) of chopped tomatoes, canned
- 4 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 240ml (1 cup) of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 green bell pepper
- 120g (¾ cup) of frozen corn
- 120g (¾ cup) of black beans
- 8 tablespoon of salsa con queso ( or nacho cheese), jarred
- 455g (1lb) cooked long grain rice
- 50g (1.7oz) of cheddar
- 50g (1.7oz) of mozzarella
- 1 large ripe tomato, deseeded and chopped
- handful of fresh coriander
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry until lightly golden and softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the burrito seasoning mix until the meat is well coated.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, vinegar, bell pepper, sweetcorn, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens around beef..
- Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C, 400°F or gas mark 6).
- Stir the cooked rice and queso into the beef mixture until everything is well combined, taste and add some more salt and pepper to taste if needed, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar on top, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown.
- Remove from the oven, then sprinkle with the chopped tomato and a handful of fresh coriander.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free friendly - ensure the stock, spices and queso are free of gluten.
- ❄️ Suitable for Freezing
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 569Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 143mgSodium 1299mgCarbohydrates 68gFiber 9gSugar 11gProtein 41g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
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