This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole is a warm and cheesy delight. Stuffed with beans, meat, and your favorite toppings, it’s a tasty twist on classic burritos!
If you’re like me, you love a dish that makes a crowd happy! Just layer everything, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got dinner sorted. Perfect for busy evenings! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef gives a great flavor. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too. If you’re vegetarian, consider using black beans or lentils instead!
Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet is super convenient, but homemade taco seasoning is easy! Just mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a fresh version.
Refried Beans: Canned refried beans are handy, but you can also use black beans for a different texture. Just mash them well if you choose the whole beans!
Flour Tortillas: While flour tortillas give a soft layer, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just layer them with a little extra sauce to help them soften.
Shredded Cheese: Mexican blend cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack can add some heat, or go for a classic cheddar for a milder taste.
How Do I Layer the Casserole for the Best Results?
Layering is key for an even bake and nice texture. Start with a thin layer of the bean and rice mixture; this prevents the tortillas from sticking. Here’s how to do it:
- Spread the bean mix evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 4 tortillas, making sure they overlap slightly.
- Add half of your beef mixture and then half of the remaining bean mixture.
- Sprinkle a third of your cheese and then repeat the layers again with 4 more tortillas on top.
- Finish with the remaining beef mixture, bean mix, and cheese on top.
Letting it rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavor!
Easy Baked Burrito Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
For Garnish:
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced olives, jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat.
3. Add Seasoning:
Stir in the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the flavors to combine well.
4. Mix the Base:
In a separate bowl, combine the refried beans, cooked rice, and salsa (or enchilada sauce) until well mixed. This will be the base of your casserole!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the bean and rice mixture on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, layer 4 tortillas on top, slightly overlapping them as needed.
6. Add the Filling:
Next, spread half of the seasoned beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the remaining bean mixture. Top this layer with one-third of the shredded cheese.
7. Repeat Layers:
Layer another 4 tortillas on top of this, followed by the remaining beef mixture, the rest of the bean mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese all over the top.
8. Bake:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will make cutting and serving easier!
10. Garnish:
Just before serving, sprinkle the diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro (or green onions) over the top for a fresh touch. Don’t forget those optional toppings like sour cream, sliced olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor!
Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful Easy Baked Burrito Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this casserole. Just follow the same cooking instructions and season it as you would beef for the best flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also include additional veggies like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added texture and flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist if needed.