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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

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

5-Ingredient Baked Honey Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

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Close up image of a honey teriyaki salmon fillet on a plate with rice and sliced green onion.

My family and I are creatures of habit. When we find a meal we love, we stick to it. Our current favorites are my one-pan hunan chicken recipe and Instant Pot white chicken chili with gluten-free cornbread. We seriously eat those at least once a week!

However, as soon as this honey teriyaki salmon recipe came along, I instantly added it to our weekly rotation. My husband went crazy for this perfectly flaky and incredibly flavorful salmon! Served with rice and steamed veggies for a healthy, balanced, and satisfying meal.

honey teryaki salmon on a plate with rice, broccoli, green onion, and a lime.

What You’ll Need to Make Honey Teriyaki Salmon

Salmon: The star of our show – salmon brings a rich, flaky texture and a dose of omega-3 fatty acids to the dish. Opt for fresh, quality fillets for the best results.

Honey: A natural sweet touch – honey brings a luscious sweetness to the teriyaki sauce, balancing the savory elements.

Tamari or Soy Sauce: Tamari adds a gluten-free option for our sauce, while soy sauce brings that classic umami flavor. Choose based on your dietary preferences.

Fresh Ginger: Opt for fresh, not powdered ginger in this recipe! I like to buy my fresh ginger in bulk, then store it in the freezer until I need some. Then, I cut off a hunk of fresh ginger, peel off the skin, and grate it into the honey teriyaki sauce.

salmon fillets in a baking dish with salt on top
salmon fillets in a baking dish with honey teriyaki sauce
cooked honey teriyaki salmon in a baking dish

Tips and Tricks

  • Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor infusion. For an extra boost, marinate it up to 8 hours for an even more succulent result.
  • While baking, spoon the sauce from the bottom of the dish over the salmon. This basting ensures that the fillets are coated in the delectable teriyaki goodness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the salmon’s internal temperature. Aim for 125°F for a perfectly cooked, moist fillet.
Honey teriyaki salmon flaked apart on a plate.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free while maintaining that savory teriyaki taste.

Make it Grain-Free: Serve the honey teriyaki salmon over cauliflower rice for a grain-free option, keeping it light and satisfying.

close-up overhead image of honey teriyaki salmon on a plate with rice.
5 from 1 vote

5-Ingredient Baked Honey Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

This honey teriyaki salmon recipe is my new favorite quick and easy weeknight meal! It comes together with just 5 ingredients, is packed with flavor, and super healthy too. The salmon is marinated then baked until perfectly flaky and tender every time!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 6-8 ounce salmon fillets
  • salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup tamari
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

For serving:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 crown broccoli, steamed
  • sliced green onion
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Place the salmon skin side down in a large baking dish. Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and lightly season with salt.
    honey teriyaki salmon step 1
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
  • Pour the sauce over the salmon fillets, then cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit and remove then uncover baking dish with salmon from the fridge.
  • Spoon the sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over the salmon, then bake for 10-12 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon reads 125° Fahrenheit.
  • Assemble four bowls with rice and steamed broccoli, then place one salmon fillet into each bowl. Pour they honey teriyaki sauce over top of each fillet, then finish off the bowls with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.
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30 Minutes or Less

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Recipe

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overhead image of chicken and rice in a pan with lemon slices on top.

Quick, easy, and super delicious one-pan chicken and rice! Full of flavor, with a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. This chicken and rice recipe is the perfect weeknight meal, ready in just 30 minutes!

overhead image of chicken and rice on a plate with lemon, parsley, and white wine on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make This Chicken and Rice Recipe

Chicken – Any piece of chicken will work in this recipe! I used skin-on bone-in chicken thighs, because they pack in tons of delicious flavor. However, feel free to use chicken breasts for a healthier option, or chicken legs if that’s what you have handy.

White Rice – The rice in this recipe must specifically be long grain white rice. Other rices will have a different cook time/method, and simply won’t work. I used this brand of organic long grain white rice, but any will work!

Broth – Either chicken or vegetable broth will taste great! Though if you don’t have broth, you can use 2 cups of water plus one chicken or vegetable bouillon cube instead.

chicken and rice in a pan with a serving spoon.

Tips and Tricks

  • I recommend a large skillet with high sides and a tight fitting lid for this chicken and rice recipe. Since everything gets cooked in the same skillet, make sure the one you use is large enough to fit all ingredients! I use and looooove my Always Pan – I can’t recommend it enough.
  • You can make this in your Instant Pot if you’d like! To do that, sear the chicken then cook the onion and garlic on the saute setting. Then, add in all remaining ingredients, secure lid, and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, your chicken should be cooked through, and your rice fluffy!
close-up image of chicken and rice in a pan with lemon slices on top.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: While this recipe is already both gluten and dairy-free, I always recommend double checking your rice to make sure it’s 100% gluten-free. Most rice is, but some contain trace amounts of gluten.

Make it Paleo/Grain-Free: For a paleo chicken and “rice” recipe, replace the white rice with cauliflower rice. To do this, reduce the amount of broth you use to just 1/4 cup, then cover skillet and cook until the chicken is cooked through.

overhead image of chicken and rice in a pan with lemon slices on top.
5 from 1 vote

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Recipe

Quick, easy, and super delicious one-pan chicken and rice! Full of flavor, with a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. This chicken and rice recipe is the perfect weeknight meal, ready in just 30 minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces chicken (I use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs)
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • fresh chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

  • Pat chicken dry with a paper towel, then season well with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken into hot skillet, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (You do not want to fully cook the chicken in this step, just sear it until brown).
  • Remove chicken from skillet, then add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes or until onion is soft.
  • Add in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Gently stir and lift any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Return chicken to the skillet, then bring rice to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Cover skillet with lid, and leave to simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Remove from heat, add in lemon juice and gently fluff rice with a fork. Serve warm with fresh chopped parsley on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
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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.
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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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