Last Saturday, I was chatting with my neighbor, a fellow food lover, when the topic of comfort food came up. She was reminiscing about the classic burritos her family used to make for special occasions.
As we exchanged stories about our favorite comfort dishes, we realized that some of the best meals are the ones that take minimal effort but leave you feeling like you’ve just indulged in something truly special.
That’s when the idea for this baked burrito casserole came to mind. I’d been craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This casserole is one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to make, yet still packs all the flavors and textures we love about burritos, but in a more convenient, layered form.
Short Description
This Baked Burrito Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese layered between flour tortillas and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or dish for any family gathering.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 pack taco seasoning
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 pack large flour tortillas
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Wooden spoon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the beef apart as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion becomes tender, around 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and refried beans. Allow the mixture to heat through, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Soup Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing them until smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Now, grab your baking dish and spread half of the soup mixture on the bottom, creating a nice even layer.
Next, take your tortillas and tear them into pieces to fit the dish. Layer them over the soup mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
Step 4: Add the Beef Mixture and Cheese
Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef.
Repeat this process, layering the remaining soup mixture, tortillas, beef mixture, and the rest of the cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden brown at the edges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in no time and requires only a handful of ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Comforting: The layers of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese are irresistibly satisfying, offering all the flavors you love from a burrito but with less work.
Versatile: You can customize the casserole to fit your taste preferences. Want extra heat? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the beef with a veggie option like black beans and mushrooms.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a crowd, this dish is sure to please everyone.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake: The casserole doesn’t hold its shape after baking.
Solution: Make sure you let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Mistake: The tortillas are soggy.
Solution: To prevent this, ensure the beef mixture isn’t too watery. If you find it’s too loose, you can reduce the liquid in the beef mixture or add a touch more cheese to help absorb moisture.
Mistake: Cheese doesn’t melt evenly.
Solution: Spread the cheese evenly across the top layer and avoid covering it with foil while baking. This will ensure that the cheese melts perfectly and creates a crispy top.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Main Dish: This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad with avocado and lime dressing for a complete meal.
Drink Pairing: Pair this dish with a light beer, a margarita, or a refreshing iced tea to complement the richness of the casserole.
Serving Style: Serve it family-style in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves, or portion it out individually on plates for a more formal setting.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot. If you want to restore some of the crispy edges, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey makes a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure to season it well to keep the flavor balanced.
2. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap the Mexican blend for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.
4. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce to the beef mixture, or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking for extra heat.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with black beans or a combination of beans and vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Tips & Tricks
If you want a bit of crunch, top your casserole with crushed tortilla chips during the last 5 minutes of baking.
For an extra creamy texture, stir in a little extra sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture.
To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper before layering the casserole.
Recipe Variations
Meat-Free Version: Swap the ground beef for black beans and sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, and zucchini, for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Spicy Southwest Twist: Add diced green chilies or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the beef mixture for a smoky, spicy kick.
Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the layers for a fun breakfast or brunch twist on this dish. The eggs pair perfectly with the beef and cheese.
Final Thoughts
This baked burrito casserole is a true weeknight winner. It’s the kind of dish that requires minimal effort but rewards you with maximum comfort and flavor. The layers of seasoned beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests at your next gathering.
You can change up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or tweak the flavor to suit your mood. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make, this casserole should be your go-to. There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy dish that brings everyone together around the table.
Baked Burrito Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 pack taco seasoning
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup undiluted
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 pack large flour tortillas
- 2½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and refried beans. Heat through for 3-4 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread half of the soup mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Tear tortillas into pieces and layer them on top, covering the soup.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining soup, tortillas, beef, and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
