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EASY Burrito Bowl Casserole

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overhead image of burrito bowl casserole with cheese and avocado on top.

The last think I have the energy for most nights is making a healthy and delicious dinner for my family. Which is exactly why I have super easy, minimal effort recipes like this burrito bowl casserole, 3-ingredient cottage cheese pizza crust, and 30-minute hunan chicken stir fry in my weekly dinner rotation. Less thought, effort, and prep means more time actually enjoying evenings with my little ones! And knowing that this recipe is packed with plenty of protein, veggie, and fibers makes me feel like I’m absolutely crushing it as a Mom. So if you’re also exhausted by just the thought of making a healthy, homemade meal for your family – give this flavorful casserole a try. Trust me when I tell you, your whole family will LOVE it!

Why You’ll Love This Burrito Bowl Casserole

  • Easy, minimal effort: everything comes together in one dish with simple ingredients and very little prep!
  • Packed with flavor: loaded with taco-seasoned beef, beans, rice, and melty cheese for that classic burrito taste.
  • Healthy and balanced: high in protein, fiber, and veggies to keep you full and satisfied!
  • Naturally gluten-free: made with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients.
  • Easily dairy-free: just skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative.
  • Perfect for meal prep: great for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
  • Family-friendly: a crowd-pleasing dinner even my toddler loves!
close up image of a spoon in burrito bowl casserole.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Make it vegan/vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans or add lentils for a plant-based, protein-rich version.
  • Change the grains: Substitute white rice with brown rice (add extra cooking time and liquid), or try quinoa for added protein and texture.
  • Use salsa instead of tomatoes: A cup of your favorite salsa adds even more flavor and spice with no extra effort!
  • Add extra veggies: Stir in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the veggie and fiber content even more!
  • Top it your way: Serve with avocado, fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime for that classic burrito bowl feel.
  • Make it low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice (reduce liquid and baking time slightly).
overhead image of burrito bowl casserole with cheese and avocado on top.
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EASY Burrito Bowl Casserole

This easy burrito casserole is a healthy, flavor-packed dinner made with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and veggies – all baked in one dish! It’s high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this burrito bowl casserole is a satisfying, family-friendly meal everyone will love!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 9×14-inch baking dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • salt to taste
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes or 1 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the onions and peppers until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add in the ground beef and salt, then break up the beef and cook until it’s no longer pink.
  • Reduce the heat to low, add in the taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  • Transfer the beef mixture to a large 9×14-inch baking dish. Add the rice, black beans, frozen corn, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and chicken broth or water to the baking dish and stir to combine everything.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese over the top of the casserole, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g
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30 Minutes or Less

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

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overhead image of cottage cheese pizza crust with sauce and cheese on top.

The cottage cheese craze finally got to me! It started a few months ago with my 5-ingredient cottage cheese cookie dough which shocked me (and many of you!) with just how GOOD it is. Now we’ve moved onto a savory cottage cheese recipe, in the form of pizza! This cottage cheese pizza crust is just as light and crisp as your favorite pizza crust, but packs in a bonus 20 grams (!!!) of protein per serving. It’s also made with just 3 simple ingredients. Homemade pizza dough has truly never been easier (or healthier)!

a slice of cottage cheese pizza crust being lifted up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 3-ingredient cottage cheese pizza crust is soft, slightly chewy, and packs in extra protein with every slice. Made with just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, it’s a simple and satisfying base for your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re using a pizza oven or a standard oven, this recipe comes together fast and can be made gluten-free too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cottage cheese works best in this recipe?
Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese for best results—both blend smoothly and add richness. Make sure to blend it well until completely smooth for the ideal dough texture. I’ve used both the good culture cottage cheese and organic valley cottage cheese to make this pizza, and both turned out great!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, but the dough will be slightly more wet and may need additional flour. For best results and structure, stick with cottage cheese.

overhead image of cottage cheese pizza crust ingredients - baking powder, gluten-free all purpose flour, and cottage cheese.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Blend it smooth: Don’t skip blending the cottage cheese. It ensures your dough is cohesive and easier to work with.
  • Grease that surface: Whether using a pizza stone or parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly greasing helps the crust crisp up and prevents sticking.
  • Get creative: Top with your favorite sauces, veggies, or even extra protein like grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni for a balanced meal.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.
overhead image of cottage cheese pizza crust with sauce and cheese on top.
5 from 3 votes

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

This cottage cheese pizza crust is a higher-protein, healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough! With only three simple ingredients and the option to make it gluten-free, it's the perfect customizable base for your favorite homemade pizza. Whether you're after a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe has everything you need to land in your weekly rotation!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 large baking sheet

Ingredients

For the cottage cheese pizza crust:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup all purpose flour (I used gluten-free all purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For topping:

  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • Whatever toppings you'd like!

Instructions

If using a standard oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly grease the top of the parchment paper with oil.
  • Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  • Mix together the all purpose flour and baking powder in a large bowl, then add in the cottage cheese and mix (you might need to use your hands) until it comes together into a ball of dough.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-2
  • Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet and press/roll it into a 12-inch circle.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-3
  • Place the pizza crust in the oven and par-bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove it from the oven and add your toppings.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-4
  • Turn the oven to high broil then pop the pizza back into the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-5

If using a pizza oven:

  • Preheat your pizza oven to New York-style (635°Fahrenheit).
  • Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  • Mix together the all purpose flour and baking powder in a large bowl, then add in the cottage cheese and mix (you might need to use your hands) until it comes together into a ball of dough.
  • Lightly grease your pizza stone with oil, then transfer the dough to the stone and press/roll it into a 12-inch circle.
  • Place the pizza crust into the oven and par-bake for 6 minutes, then remove it from the oven and add your toppings.
  • Place the pizza oven on broil, then pop the pizza back into the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Nutrition info does not include pizza sauce, cheese, or toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 3g | Sugar: 2g
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30 Minutes or Less

High Protein Pesto Pasta (dairy-free!)

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overhead image of protein pesto pasta in a skillet with fresh basil on top.

I’m always trying to find ways to sneak extra protein into my toddler’s diet. He’s a carb lover (who isn’t?!) and while my 6-ingredient protein muffins and healthy chia protein pudding have been a huge hit with him during snack time, I wanted to make sure he gets extra protein in at dinner time too. This high protein pesto pasta is a sneaky way to pack in tons of extra protein without my toddler… or even my husband, noticing! It’s creamy, fresh, totally delicious, and contains almost 20 grams of protein per serving. Now that’s a major Mom win!

high protein pesto pasta in a bowl with a fork.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Pesto

  • Protein-Packed: Each serving delivers a solid protein boost from tofu and cashews – unlike traditional pesto.
  • One-Pot & Quick: Blend the pesto while the pasta cooks for a quick and easy meal!
  • Vegan & Allergy-Friendly: No dairy or gluten, with rich and fresh flavor from plant-based ingredients.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Use pine nuts, add spinach, or swap in different pasta shapes – do what you need to make this meal kid-friendly too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tofu can I use?
Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for a creamy, rich texture. Silken tofu will result in a thinner sauce.

Can I freeze this protein pesto?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight then stir well before reheating.

What can I use instead of cashews?
Pine nuts are traditional, but almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can also add a great flavor and nutty texture.

close up image of high protein pesto pasta twirled around a fork.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Drain tofu thoroughly by pressing it between towels to reduce moisture and enhance creaminess.
  • Use some pasta water to loosen the pesto – it helps it coat the pasta perfectly.
  • Bonus flavor: Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to the pesto for extra nutrients.
  • Serve suggestion: Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, or a protein garnish like chickpeas.
overhead image of protein pesto pasta in a skillet with fresh basil on top.
5 from 1 vote

High Protein Pesto Pasta (dairy-free!)

This high-protein vegan pesto pasta is a healthy, dairy-free twist on the classic dish – made with tofu, cashews, and fresh basil for a creamy, satisfying sauce! Packed with plant-based protein and tossed with gluten-free pasta, it’s the perfect quick and nourishing weeknight dinner. With just simple ingredients and bold flavor, this protein pesto is a must-try for healthy eaters and pasta lovers!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 large pot

Ingredients

For the protein pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 1 14-ounce package firm tofu drained
  • 1/2 cup unsalted cashews or pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the pasta:

  • 1 12-ounce box pasta I used gluten-free brown rice pasta

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
  • While the pasta cooks, add all protein pesto ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until mostly smooth.
  • Once the pasta is al dente, drain the pasta from the water but reserve about one cup of pasta water.
  • Add the drained pasta back into the pot, add in the protein pesto and toss the pasta together. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add in some of that reserved pasta water until the sauce is to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Sugar: 2g
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30 Minutes or Less

Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Cilantro Lime Crema

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overhead image of taco bowls with cilantro lime crema drizzled on top

Before my husband and I started dating, he ate chipotle everyday. And when I say everyday.. I mean, EVERY single day! The chipotle employees by his office knew him and his order by heart. Ya, it was pretty bad. So when things between us got more serious, I urged him to quit his chipotle habit and enjoy homemade tacos bowls instead!

Now, for the last 3 years, these ground beef taco bowls have been a staple in our weekly dinner rotation. These, along with my healthy teriyaki chicken and rice bowls and my blackened salmon and coconut rice bowls (SO GOOD!). We love any meal in a bowl. Can you tell?? We also require lots of protein (my husband’s chipotle order included “double protein”), and LOTS of flavor. These ground beef taco bowls with cilantro lime cream check all those boxes!

taco bowls with cilantro lime crema on top and chips on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make These Taco Bowls

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to both the cilantro lime rice and crema, enhancing the overall taste of the dish! If you don’t like cilantro, feel free to leave it out of this recipe altogether. But, if you’re like me, you can totally add extra fresh cilantro to suit your cravings.
Fresh Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten up the cilantro lime rice and crema. It adds a refreshing zing that complements the savory components of the dish. And if you don’t have fresh limes, bottle lime juice works too.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Browned to perfection and seasoned with taco seasoning, it forms the hearty base of these taco bowls. Or, if you prefer, use ground turkey instead!
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning infuses the ground beef with rich, savory flavors and spices, taking these bowls to the next level!

Tips and Tricks

  • For extra flavor, char the frozen corn in the skillet until it’s tender and slightly charred. This adds a delicious smoky off-the-grill type flavor to the dish!
  • Allow the seasoned ground beef to simmer in the taco seasoning sauce for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a rich, saucy texture. YUM!
  • Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite garnishes such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole to personalize your taco bowls.
overhead image of cilantro lime crema in a bowl prepped for taco bowls

Can You Meal Prep These Taco Bowls?

Of course you can! Prep these taco bowls ahead of time and divide everything except the cilantro lime crema between four large containers. Store the crema separately, then when ready to eat, reheat your bowls for 30 seconds in the microwave and drizzle the crema on top.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace the Greek yogurt in the cream with your favorite non-dairy Greek yogurt or non-dairy sour cream! I’ve used Kite Hill non-dairy sour cream to make this recipe and it turned out great.

Make it Vegan: For vegan taco bowls, take the dairy-free option above and swap out the ground beef for either a can of drained lentils, crumbled tofu, or finely chopped mushrooms. These are also great high protein vegan swaps!

Make it Paleo: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice and substitute the Greek yogurt in the cilantro lime crema for 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise instead.

overhead image of taco bowls with cilantro lime crema drizzled on top
5 from 2 votes

Ground Beef Taco Bowls with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fresh, flavorful, and fully loaded ground beef taco bowls with a cilantro lime crema! Ditch the takeout this week and make this delicious and healthy meal at home. Cilantro lime rice, seasoned ground beef, sautéed corn and veggies, and an irresistibly creamy and tangy cilantro lime crema – YUM!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the cilantro lime rice:

  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the ground beef:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (1/4 cup)

For the bowls:

  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 bell peppers, cored and sliced
  • 1 onion, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • pico de gallo

For the cilantro lime crema:

  • 1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Make the cilantro lime crema by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing it together. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
    cilantro lime crema in a bowl
  • Cook the cilantro lime rice by adding all ingredients to a medium pot and placing it over high heat. Bring the rice to a bowl, then as soon as it’s boiling reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Leave the rice to cook with the lid on for 15 minutes, then remove the lid, remove it from the heat, and set the rice aside.
    cilantro lime rice in a saucepan
  • Place a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet then add in the frozen corn. Sauté corn for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender and slightly charred. Remove corn from the skillet and set aside.
  • Next, add the sliced peppers and onions to the hot skillet (still over medium heat), and sauté those for 5-7 minutes or until soft and cooked to your liking. Remove the peppers and onions from the skillet and set aside.
  • Last, add the ground beef to the hot skillet with a big pinch of salt. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a large spoon as it cooks.
  • Once the beef is cooked through, add in your packet of taco seasoning and 1/3 cup of water. Reduce the heat to low and let the ground beef simmer for 5 minutes, or until the taco seasoning sauce has thickened.
  • Assemble your bowls by adding chopped lettuce to 4 bowls, then diving up the cooked corn, peppers and onion, ground beef, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado between four bowls.
  • Finish off each bowl with a drizzle of cilantro lime cream and enjoy!

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30 Minutes or Less

Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Creamy Dill Sauce

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overhead image of air fryer salmon patties on a platter.

Quick, easy, and full of flavor – air fryer salmon patties with a creamy dill sauce! The perfect healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free dinner recipe. Comes together in a few simple steps, and in just 15 minutes!

Overhead image of air fryer salmon patties on a plate over rice and lettuce with creamy dill sauce on top.

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Canned Salmon – I used two cans of wild sockeye salmon in my patties, but any canned salmon will work. Canned salmon is an easy addition to this already super easy meal. It’s also a great source of lean protein, vitamin B12, iron, potassium, and vitamin D. However, these air fryer salmon patties are so delicious, no one will ever guess how healthy they are!

Breadcrumbs – I used gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, but any unflavored/unseasoned breadcrumbs will taste great! Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and will yield a crispier patty. Or, if you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use 1/3 cup of almond flour in its place.

Mayonnaise – This creamy condiment comes in handy in both the salmon patties and the creamy dill sauce. If not a mayo fan, you can use unsweetened greek yogurt instead!

creamy dill sauce being poured over air fryer salmon patties.

Tips and Tricks

  • For an even crisper salmon patty, coat the outside in additional breadcrumbs. Then, place in the air fryer and coat with a drizzle of oil before cooking. The end result will be golden brown, soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside air fryer salmon patties!
  • Enjoy this recipe however you’d like. I served mine over lettuce and rice, with a drizzle of that creamy dill sauce. Though these would also taste amazing as a salmon burger between two buns!
overhead image of air fryer salmon patties on a platter.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Egg-Free: While I haven’t tested this option myself, you may be able to replace the eggs in this recipe with flax eggs. Or, try this Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer as a substitute. Also, be sure to use an egg-free mayo!

Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free dinner recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs like I did! Then, serve these air fryer salmon patties over a bed of your favorite veggies and rice.

close-up image of air fryer salmon patties on a plate with rice and cucumbers.
No ratings yet

Air Fryer Salmon Patties with Creamy Dill Sauce

Quick, easy, and full of flavor – air fryer salmon patties with a creamy dill sauce! The perfect healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free dinner recipe. Comes together in a few simple steps, and in just 15 minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 8 salmon patties

Ingredients

  • 2 (7.5 ounce) cans canned salmon, drained
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, I used gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the dill sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

  • Mix together all salmon patty ingredients in a large bowl until fully combined.
  • Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture into the palms of your hands and gently form a 1-inch thick patty. Repeat this process with remaining mixture, should form 8 salmon patties.
  • Lightly grease air fryer tray or basket, then place salmon patties into the air fryer and cook at 390° Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, pausing to flip halfway through.
  • Make the dill sauce by adding all ingredients to a small bowl and whisking until smooth, then spoon over salmon patties.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

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