One pan burrito casserole (comfort food without the crash)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Sometimes you just want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. You want comfort food, but not the kind that leaves you feeling bloated or groggy after.

This burrito casserole gives you all the flavor of a Tex-Mex takeout meal in a much lighter, real-food version. Everything goes into one pan, and dinner is on the table in under an hour. It’s balanced, filling, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting.

And the best part? It fits beautifully into a sustainable weight loss approach. No extremes. Just food you can feel good about.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 1/3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• ⅔ large yellow onion, chopped

• 13⅓ oz extra lean ground beef

• ⅓ cup dry jasmine rice (rinsed)

• ⅔ cup cooked pinto beans (rinsed & drained)

• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 tsp taco seasoning

• 5⅓ oz shredded cheddar cheese

• 2⅔ tbsp chopped cilantro

🍴 Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add the ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.

4. Stir in the rice, pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, and taco seasoning. Cover and simmer over medium-low for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

6. Let cool for 10 minutes. Top with cilantro and enjoy!

💡 Notes

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Serving size: About 1 cup per serving.

• Serve it with: Corn tortilla chips, in a warm corn tortilla, or wrapped in a romaine leaf.

• Add more flavor: Try using shredded chicken or carnitas instead of beef. Add garlic or jalapeños for heat.

🧪 Nutrition (per serving)

Real food, real results

This is what getting real with weight loss looks like: meals that taste good, fill you up, and work with your lifestyle. No tracking every bite. No saying no to dinner with your family. Just one delicious, doable choice at a time.