Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that comes together with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients? The Baked Burrito Casserole is truly a one-dish wonder! Layers of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, hearty beans, and melty cheese get nestled between soft flour tortillas, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a flavor-packed fusion of Tex-Mex flavors with cozy, creamy textures—easy enough for busy evenings, yet impressive enough to take center stage at any potluck gathering. One taste and you’ll understand why Baked Burrito Casserole has become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Burrito Casserole lies in its simple, familiar ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in creating irresistible flavor and satisfying comfort. Here’s what you need, along with a quick tip for each to make your casserole truly shine.
- Ground beef (or ground turkey): Adds hearty, savory richness; ground turkey is a great lean alternative with the same satisfying bite.
- Taco seasoning mix: The backbone of those signature Tex-Mex spices—choose your favorite packet or make your own blend for extra flair.
- Water: Helps blend the seasoning evenly into the meat, ensuring every bite is deliciously spiced.
- Refried beans: Creamy and earthy, these bring structure and an unmistakable burrito feel to every layer.
- Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): A surprising twist that adds silky texture and savory depth; use whichever you prefer.
- Sour cream: Lightens the soup base, making it velvety and tangy—it pulls the whole creamy element together.
- Flour tortillas: The “noodle” of this Tex-Mex lasagna; they soak up flavor while keeping every forkful tender yet hearty.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend): Melty, golden, and irresistible—don’t skimp on the cheese for that perfect finish.
- Optional toppings (diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, salsa): Personalize each serving with pops of freshness and color!
How to Make Baked Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to prep everything else while ensuring the Baked Burrito Casserole bakes evenly and the cheese turns perfectly melty and golden on top.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef (or turkey) along with onion until the meat is browned and crumbly, and those onions turn soft and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any extra fat—keeping your casserole rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Stir in Seasonings and Beans
Add the taco seasoning to your browned meat and pour in the water, stirring until everything is evenly coated with that familiar Tex-Mex aroma. Next, scoop in the refried beans. Mix and let everything heat together—this creates a delicious, hearty filling for your layers.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken) with the sour cream. Stir until smooth—this quick whisk ensures the sauce spreads easily and bakes into every nook and cranny of your Baked Burrito Casserole.
Step 5: Layer the First Base
Spread half the soup mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Tear flour tortillas as needed to cover this base in a single, even layer. This step starts building the delicious layers that make every bite special.
Step 6: Add Meat & Cheese Layers
Spoon half of your seasoned beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle about 1 cup of that glorious shredded cheese over the top. The cheese melts down beautifully, pulling the whole layer together.
Step 7: Finish the Layers
Lay down another layer of tortillas, then gently spread the remaining soup mixture on top. Add the last of the beef mixture, then shower the whole thing with the rest of your cheese. This layering locks in all the flavor and creaminess for the best Baked Burrito Casserole experience.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole (uncovered) into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection—bubbly and golden. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
How to Serve Baked Burrito Casserole
Garnishes
The beauty of Baked Burrito Casserole is that you can dress it up however you like! Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, spicy jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a scoop of salsa add a pop of color and a bright, cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. Don’t be afraid to let everyone garnish their own plate for a fun, personalized meal.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but pairing it with sides turns dinner into a fiesta. Try zesty Mexican rice, a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette, or simply some crisp tortilla chips with guacamole. The Baked Burrito Casserole also goes beautifully with roasted vegetables or refried black beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, try cutting the casserole into small squares for bite-sized, hand-held appetizers. You can also serve it with a toppings bar so guests can customize each piece. Or, get playful: layer it in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions—a show-stopping touch for dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Burrito Casserole keeps brilliantly in the fridge. Simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It stays fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it a perfect “cook once, eat twice” meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Assemble it (but don’t bake), cover tightly with two layers of foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy weeknight lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. For a quick option, a minute or two in the microwave works great—just keep an eye out so the cheese doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Burrito Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day (or the night before), cover, and keep it in the refrigerator until it’s time to bake. It’s a life-saver for busy schedules or effortless entertaining.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of canned soups or just prefer a different flavor, cream of chicken or cream of celery both work beautifully. For a homemade touch, whip up a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or extra beans (like black beans or lentils). All the other ingredients stay the same, making Baked Burrito Casserole flexible and family-friendly.
Will corn tortillas work in place of flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas lend a slightly different flavor and texture, but you can absolutely use them if you like a more traditional enchilada vibe. They’re a gluten-free alternative, too—just warm them so they’re pliable before layering.
How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
To avoid extra moisture, drain the beef well, spread fillings evenly, and don’t go overboard with the creamy sauce. Letting the casserole cool slightly before cutting also helps the layers hold together just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a comforting, crowd-loving dish, you simply can’t go wrong with Baked Burrito Casserole. It’s easy to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and always gets rave reviews. Give it a try—you might just find your new family favorite!
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Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Burrito Casserole is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional burritos. Layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, creamy sauce, tortillas, and cheese come together in a deliciously baked dish. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends!
Ingredients
For the Beef and Bean Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, salsa
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning and refried beans.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the sauce in a baking dish. Layer with torn tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding sliced jalapeños for extra heat or fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Burrito Casserole, Baked Burrito, Mexican Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole
