Hearty & Easy Baked Tortilla Wraps: Rice, Carrot, Ham & Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Searching for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dinner that won’t strain your budget? Your search ends here! This recipe transforms humble tortilla wraps into a magnificent, oven-baked casserole, generously filled with a savory blend of fluffy rice, tender roasted carrots, crisp broccoli, and delicious ham. The true magic unfolds when the vegetables are roasted in the oven, developing an unmatched depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Once meticulously filled and rolled, these wraps are baked to cheesy, golden perfection, promising a delightful crispy crust with every single bite.

Today, we’re thrilled to share this fantastic and budget-conscious recipe for baked tortilla wraps. The core of this dish is a delectable filling where rice, finely chopped carrots, savory ham, and vibrant broccoli come together in perfect harmony. But to make it truly exceptional, we’ve incorporated a delicious twist. Before these fresh vegetables are mixed into the filling, the broccoli, carrots, and onion are first roasted in the oven. This crucial step intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a rich, caramelized flavor profile that makes all the difference. To complete this ultimate comfort food masterpiece, the assembled wraps are generously sprinkled with grated cheese and then au gratined in the oven, resulting in that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown top that everyone loves.

Why This Baked Tortilla Wrap Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a versatile, flavor-packed solution designed for busy households and anyone looking to enjoy delicious meals without overspending. The delightful combination of textures—soft, seasoned rice, slightly firm roasted vegetables, savory ham, and the satisfying crispiness of the baked tortilla—creates a truly engaging culinary experience. It’s a complete and wholesome meal conveniently packaged in individual wraps, making it perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a unique dish for entertaining guests without any stress. Beyond its delicious taste, this casserole stands out for its incredible adaptability and ease of preparation, solidifying its place as a staple in your weekly meal rotation. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together and how wonderfully satisfying it is.

Even More Budget-Friendly & Adaptable Variations

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its inherent affordability and remarkable flexibility. It’s thoughtfully designed to be kind to your wallet while still delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction. Do you want to stretch your budget even further or simply explore different culinary twists? Consider replacing the ham with a thinly sliced, seasoned omelet; it adds protein and a delightful texture without the cost of meat. Another excellent and easy option is to substitute the ham with pre-cooked chicken, perhaps using leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded and mixed through the vegetables. For a delicious vegetarian take, you can omit the ham entirely and instead increase the quantity of vegetables or incorporate a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas into the filling, adding extra protein and fiber.

If you happen to be out of wraps or simply prefer a different presentation, this recipe is still incredibly versatile. Just cook some extra rice and serve the flavorful rice and veggie mixture as a hearty bowl, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. This makes for a comforting and complete meal on its own. And speaking of rice, if you find yourself with leftover cooked rice, this recipe is a brilliant way to give it a delicious new lease on life! Simply fry it the next day in a hot pan with a little oil, and you’ll have an incredible fried rice lunch ready in minutes – a perfect way to minimize food waste and enjoy another tasty meal.

Make-Ahead Magic: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution

This casserole is a true dream come true for those busy weeknights when every minute counts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible ease of preparation and the fantastic option to assemble it almost entirely in advance. You can prepare the entire dish—from cooking the filling to rolling the wraps and arranging them in your casserole dish—either in the morning before you start your day, or even the day before you plan to bake it! Simply cover the assembled dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This advance preparation allows the flavors to meld and deepen even further, potentially making the casserole taste even better after a night in the fridge!

When you’re ready for dinner, simply pull the dish from the refrigerator. Crucially, add the grated cheese right before it goes into the oven, as adding it too early can make it less crisp. Since the filling will be chilled, it’s important to extend the baking time by an extra 5 minutes (for a total of 20 minutes) to ensure the rice, carrot, and ham filling warms through perfectly and evenly. This strategic planning means you can come home to a nearly-ready meal, spending less precious time cooking and more time relaxing and enjoying a delicious, homemade dinner with your loved ones. It’s truly an outstanding recipe for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, comforting meal without the last-minute fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Casserole

Crafting this flavorful tortilla wrap casserole begins with a careful selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in achieving the desired taste and texture. Here’s a more in-depth look at what you’ll need and how to best utilize each component:

• Rice: The recipe specifies uncooked rice, which will expand significantly once properly cooked. While classic white rice is an excellent choice for its neutral flavor and fluffy texture, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties. Basmati rice, for instance, lends a lovely aromatic quality, while brown rice will substantially boost the fiber content and impart a pleasing, nutty flavor. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking your chosen rice to achieve optimal results, ensuring it’s perfectly tender without being overly sticky or dry.
• Carrot, Broccoli, and Onion: These three vibrant vegetables are the heart of our flavorful filling. Their natural sweetness, slight bitterness, and earthy flavors are dramatically enhanced by the roasting process, which caramelizes their sugars and brings out a wonderful depth of taste. A key advantage of these specific vegetables is that they all roast beautifully together and typically require similar cooking times in the oven. If you’re feeling adventurous or simply want to utilize ingredients you have on hand, consider substituting or adding other roast-friendly vegetables such as diced cabbage, sweet pumpkin cubes, earthy parsnip, or even celeriac for a unique, savory root vegetable twist.
• Ham Cubes: Pre-cubed ham makes this recipe incredibly convenient, adding a wonderful salty, savory depth and a satisfying texture to the filling. If ham isn’t your preference, there are plenty of delicious and equally convenient alternatives. Cubes of smoked chicken breast or leftover shredded rotisserie chicken work exceptionally well. For a heartier option, browned and seasoned ground beef or turkey, cooked in a frying pan until no longer pink, can be a fantastic substitute, offering a different but equally satisfying flavor profile. Even cooked sausage, crumbled or diced, would be a great addition.
• Chili Powder: This warming spice is essential for giving the filling a delightful warmth and a subtle, appealing kick. The amount specified in the recipe is quite mild, making it suitable for families with small children or those sensitive to spice. However, feel free to adjust it to your personal preference; for more heat, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a different flavor dimension, try incorporating smoked paprika, a touch of ground cumin, or a pinch of garlic powder.
• Olive Oil: This healthy fat is crucial for roasting our vegetables, helping them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and perfectly tender texture. It also contributes to the overall Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile of the dish. If olive oil isn’t readily available, sunflower oil, canola oil, or another neutral-flavored cooking oil will work perfectly well as a substitute.
• Tortilla Wraps: These flexible canvases are what hold our delicious filling together, transforming it into a convenient, handheld meal. A crucial and often overlooked tip for success is to gently warm the tortillas for just a few seconds on each side in a dry frying pan over medium heat before you begin filling them. This simple but effective step makes them significantly more pliable, preventing them from cracking or tearing when you roll them. You have options here too: traditional flour tortillas are great, but whole wheat tortillas offer extra fiber, and vegetable-infused varieties like carrot or beet tortillas can add beautiful color and subtle flavor notes.
• Cheese: The crowning glory of our casserole! Selecting a good melting cheese is paramount for achieving that delicious, bubbly, golden crust. Gouda cheese is an excellent choice, renowned for its superb melting properties and mild, nutty flavor. Other fantastic options include sharp cheddar, mild Monterey Jack, a spicy pepper jack, or a convenient Mexican blend. The cheese not only contributes a rich, savory flavor but also acts as a binder, helping to hold the wraps together beautifully in the baking dish.

🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting Your Rice, Carrot & Ham Casserole

Creating this delightful tortilla wrap casserole is surprisingly straightforward, making it an accessible recipe even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand steps to ensure a perfect, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting dish every single time:

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables in the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats up, prepare your fresh vegetables: dice the carrots into small, even pieces (ideally about ¼ to ½ inch for consistent cooking), finely slice the onion, and cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. In a large mixing bowl, toss these prepared vegetables with a generous drizzle of olive oil, ensuring they are all lightly but thoroughly coated. Next, spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet (lining it with parchment paper is highly recommended for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking). This single layer is absolutely crucial for proper roasting and caramelization, as it prevents the vegetables from steaming instead of browning. Roast for 15 minutes, making sure to stir them once about halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and beautiful golden-brown edges. In parallel, cook your chosen rice according to the package instructions, aiming for a perfectly fluffy, al dente consistency.

Step 2: Combine and Season the Flavorful Filling. Once the vegetables are beautifully roasted and tender, transfer them from the baking sheet to a large mixing bowl. Add the perfectly cooked rice and the ham cubes to the bowl. Generously sprinkle the chili powder over the mixture, ensuring even coverage. Now, using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and evenly distributed. This vibrant, aromatic mixture will form the hearty and delicious filling for your tortilla wraps. For a little extra zest or a fresh herbaceous note, you might consider stirring in a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro at this stage. Separately, prepare your tortilla wraps by heating each one for just a few seconds on both sides in a dry frying pan over medium heat. This simple step softens them considerably, making them much more pliable and significantly easier to roll without any cracking or tearing.

Step 3: Fill and Arrange the Tortilla Wraps. Lay one of your warm, pliable tortilla wraps flat on a clean, dry surface, like a cutting board. Spoon a generous amount of the rice, carrot, ham, and broccoli filling into the middle of the wrap, spreading it into an even line that runs horizontally across the center. To roll the wrap, first fold in the two opposite sides (left and right) of the tortilla over the filling, then starting from the bottom, roll it tightly upwards, creating a neat, compact cylinder. This technique ensures the filling stays securely inside. Place the rolled wrap seam-side down into a prepared casserole dish. Repeat this process with the remaining wraps and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish. Don’t worry if they touch; this actually helps them hold their shape and keeps them moist during baking.

Step 4: Sprinkle with Grated Cheese and Bake to Golden Perfection. Once all your wraps are neatly arranged in the casserole dish, it’s time for the final, irresistible touch. Generously sprinkle your chosen grated cheese over the tops of the wraps, ensuring good coverage. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the wraps themselves have a delightful crispness on the edges. If you prepared the casserole in advance and stored it in the refrigerator, remember to extend the baking time by an additional 5 minutes (for a total of 20 minutes) to ensure the filling is thoroughly heated through. Serve immediately and savor every bite of your homemade, comforting, and incredibly satisfying casserole!

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Casserole

Unlock the full potential of this versatile recipe with these handy tips and creative variations. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier twist, adapting to dietary needs, or simply want to use up ingredients you have on hand, these suggestions will help you customize your baked tortilla wraps to perfection:

• Expand Your Vegetable Horizons: While carrots, broccoli, and onion create a fantastic and balanced base, don’t limit yourself! The key to successful substitutions is to choose vegetables that have similar roasting times to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor development. Excellent alternatives or delightful additions include sweet pumpkin, diced beets (which add a lovely color and earthy flavor), parsnip, or even celeriac for a more savory, robust root vegetable depth. Feel free to mix and match based on seasonal availability and your personal taste preferences.
• Boost Your Fiber Intake: For a meal that’s even more wholesome and satisfying, easily swap out white rice for brown rice. Brown rice not only provides significantly more fiber but also offers a pleasant nutty flavor and chewier texture that complements the roasted vegetables beautifully. Similarly, for an extra nutritional boost, opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas to increase the dietary fiber content of your meal, making it even more satisfying and beneficial for your digestive health.
• Achieving Perfectly Pliable Tortillas: This is a simple yet game-changing tip! Always warm your tortilla wraps for just a few seconds on each side in a dry frying pan before you begin filling them. This quick step makes them significantly more flexible and less prone to cracking or tearing when you roll them, ensuring your wraps stay intact and look beautifully presented in the casserole dish.
• Savory Leftover Solutions: Don’t let any leftover filling go to waste! If you find yourself with more of the delicious rice, carrot, broccoli, and ham mixture than you need for your wraps, you have a couple of fantastic options. You can either assemble a few extra wraps to enjoy later as another meal, or even better, transform it into an amazing fried rice for lunch the next day. To do this, simply heat a little oil in a frying pan, add the leftover filling, and stir-fry until it’s heated through and slightly crispy. It’s absolutely delicious, especially when topped with a perfectly fried or scrambled egg!
• Add a Creamy Touch: For an extra layer of richness and moisture, consider stirring a dollop of cream cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, or a light creamy sauce (like a simple bechamel or a tomato cream sauce) directly into your rice and vegetable filling before assembling the wraps. This will add a decadent texture and a different dimension of flavor.
• Spice It Up or Down: Beyond chili powder, feel free to experiment with a variety of other spices and herbs. Cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Italian seasoning or a Tex-Mex blend can completely change the flavor profile of your filling, offering endless culinary possibilities to suit your palate.
• Serving Suggestions: While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each baked wrap, or a side of salsa or guacamole, can also add a delightful creamy or zesty counterpoint.

Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines

Proper storage is essential for extending the enjoyment of your homemade casserole and managing leftovers efficiently. Here’s how to best store your baked tortilla wraps and their delicious filling:

• Unbaked Casserole: You can prepare the entire casserole dish, filled and rolled with the delicious rice and vegetable mixture, up to 2 days in advance of baking. To do this, arrange the filled wraps in your casserole dish, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’s crucial not to sprinkle the cheese on top until just before you plan to bake it, as this prevents it from becoming soggy. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge, add the grated cheese, and bake for an extended time of 20 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure it heats through completely and the cheese melts beautifully.
• Leftover Filling: If you find yourself with extra filling that didn’t make it into the wraps, it’s very easy to store and repurpose. Transfer the leftover mixture to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, the filling can be safely frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before attempting to reheat it. This leftover filling is fantastic pan-fried with a little oil, perhaps with some scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top, for a quick, satisfying, and completely new meal.
• Baked Wraps: Unfortunately, once the tortilla wraps are baked, they do not store particularly well. The structure of the tortillas changes significantly once they are heated in the oven and then cooled, often becoming soggy, overly chewy, or brittle. For the absolute best culinary experience, it’s highly recommended to enjoy the wraps fresh out of the oven. If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s a better strategy to store the filling separately and then assemble and bake fresh wraps as needed, ensuring each serving is as delicious as the first.

If you loved this hearty and easy rice with carrot, ham, and broccoli casserole, you might also enjoy these other comforting and easy recipes from our kitchen:

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Rice with carrot and ham {easy casserole}

Andréa

An easy dinner recipe – a delicious filled tortilla wrap. A filling where rice with carrot, ham, and broccoli are combined. The vegetables are roasted in the oven, so they get a lot of flavors. Mix the roasted vegetables with the other ingredients and fill a wrap. You then au gratin them in the oven so that you get a delicious crispy crust.

5 of 9 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Other

Servings 4 persons

Calories 509 kcal

Equipment

• A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1⅔ cups white rice
• ▢ 1 pound broccoli
• ▢ 2 carrots
• ▢ 1 onion
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ ½ pound ham, cubed
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
• ▢ 6 tortilla wraps
• ▢ 2 oz. cheese, grated, like Gouda

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Instructions

• ▢
  Preheat the oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
• ▢
  Line a baking plate with baking paper.
• ▢
  Cook the rice until done.
• ▢
  Mix in a bowl the onion, carrot, and broccoli with olive oil.
• ▢
  Spread the vegetables on the baking plate.
• ▢
  Put the baking plate into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Stir once (halftime).