Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons chili powder

1½ teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1¼ cups uncooked Basmati rice

3½ cups low sodium chicken broth

15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed

1½ cups frozen sweet corn

4 ounces shredded Mexi blend cheese, divided

8 scallions, diced

Avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the ground beef, increase heat to medium-high, and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to coat the meat evenly.

Step 3: Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Stir in the uncooked Basmati rice, chicken broth, black beans, and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender (cooking time may vary depending on rice brand).

Step 5: Once the rice is cooked, stir in half of the diced scallions and half of the shredded cheese. Evenly flatten the mixture in the pot, then sprinkle the remaining cheese and scallions on top. Cover again and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 6: Serve the burrito bake hot with sliced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use a blend of ground beef and ground pork or substitute with ground turkey.

Swap Basmati rice for long grain or brown rice, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Add chopped tomatoes or salsa for a saucier dish.

Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

If you prefer more heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can use long grain white rice or brown rice, but cooking times will vary. Brown rice will take longer to cook, so you may need to add extra broth and extend the simmering time.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chicken broth and spices to ensure they don’t contain any gluten additives.