Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a crave-worthy weeknight meal that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, look no further than this Baked Burrito Casserole. This layered casserole takes everything you adore about cheesy, saucy burritos and transforms them into a bubbly, golden family-style bake. With flavorful ground beef, two kinds of beans, plenty of melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, every bite is bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends for game night, this is one of those can’t-miss recipes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients are all it takes to build layers of flavor in this Baked Burrito Casserole. Each element has its own delicious job—think hearty texture, creamy contrast, or a punch of color that makes the entire dish irresistible.
- Ground beef (or turkey): The classic burrito filling; feel free to substitute with ground turkey or even chicken for a lighter twist.
- Small onion, diced: Perfumes the entire casserole and adds subtle sweetness as it cooks down with the meat.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings out deep, savory notes in the filling.
- Taco seasoning: This trusty packet (or your homemade blend) delivers all the spicy, smoky flair you’d expect in a top-notch burrito.
- Water: Just enough to help the seasonings absorb and meld into the meat.
- Refried beans: For creamy, hearty layers, refried beans are essential—use canned for convenience or homemade for a special touch.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds tang, color, and a gentle kick; no chopping required.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: These pack in extra protein, fiber, and a rustic bite that balances creamier components.
- Enchilada sauce: Pouring this over every layer keeps things luscious and ties all the flavors together.
- Large flour tortillas: They soak up all the delicious sauces and act as the casserole’s foundation and lid.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: The gooey magic that melts and bubbles into that irresistible top crust.
- Chopped green onions: Sprinkle these on top for freshness and a bit of mild crunch.
- Fresh cilantro: The ultimate finishing flourish—don’t skip it unless you really, truly must!
How to Make Baked Burrito Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by browning your ground beef (or turkey) with the diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The key is to let the meat get beautifully golden while the onion softens and sweetens, infusing the base with flavor. Once the beef is cooked through and any excess grease is drained, add in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and a splash of water. Let everything simmer so the spices permeate every bite.
Step 2: Add Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in the refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans. This combination layers on creamy density, zesty tang, and earthy texture. Mix until it all comes together into a hearty, scoopable filling—think of this as the ultimate burrito interior, now ready for casserole mode.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat your oven to 375°F. Begin assembly by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Cover with two flour tortillas, overlapping if necessary. Spoon on some of the beef and bean mixture, sprinkle with a generous handful of cheese, and drizzle more enchilada sauce. Repeat these satisfying layers—tortillas, filling, cheese, sauce—until you use up all your ingredients, finishing with a final cap of tortillas, a shower of cheese, and the last of the sauce.
Step 4: Bake and Garnish
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing all those irresistible flavors to meld and the cheese to melt luxuriously. Remove the foil, then bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and begging to be cut into. Right before serving, shower your Baked Burrito Casserole with chopped green onions and plenty of fresh cilantro. This is where the dish goes from delicious to completely show-stopping.
How to Serve Baked Burrito Casserole
Garnishes
Pile on fresh garnishes to elevate your Baked Burrito Casserole from homey to restaurant-worthy. A dollop of sour cream provides cool, creamy contrast to the zesty filling, while freshly chopped tomatoes, sliced avocados, or a zingy squeeze of lime can brighten every serving. For even more flair, scatter extra green onions, pickled jalapeños, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before digging in.
Side Dishes
The bold flavors of this casserole pair wonderfully with simple sides. Set out bowls of fluffy Mexican rice, crisp shredded lettuce, or a vibrant corn salad for color and crunch. Classic chips and salsa are always welcome, and refried or charro beans will ensure no one leaves the table hungry. Choose your favorites and make it a festive, build-your-own burrito bowl night!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Baked Burrito Casserole into a party-worthy spread by cutting it into neat squares and serving on a platter topped with fun fixings. For a handheld approach, tuck squares into lettuce wraps or serve dolloped onto tostadas for a taco-night twist. Mini ramekins make adorable individual portions for brunch or casual gatherings—just don’t forget to layer on extra cheese!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Burrito Casserole tastes just as amazing the next day, and storing it is a breeze. Let any leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, everything melds together beautifully, and the texture often gets even better after a night of rest.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly (foil and plastic wrap both help prevent freezer burn), and freeze it for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked portions. To reheat from frozen, simply bake covered at 375°F, adding about 20 minutes to the usual cook time. The flavors come through just as vibrant as the day you made it.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, reheat leftover slices in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—usually about 20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the oven keeps the edges perfectly crisp. For best results, add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of extra enchilada sauce before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will bring a more pronounced flavor and a slightly different texture to your Baked Burrito Casserole. They’re a fantastic gluten-free option and soak up the sauce in a deliciously rustic way.
Is this casserole spicy?
Baked Burrito Casserole is flavorful but not too spicy. The level of heat mostly depends on your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce; for a milder version, opt for mild varieties, or kick things up by adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian Baked Burrito Casserole, simply omit the meat and double up on beans or add roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potato. The flavors are just as irresistible.
How do I prevent soggy casserole?
Layering is key: start and finish with tortillas, and make sure to drain any excess liquid from your tomatoes and beans before adding them. If you notice extra moisture, a five-minute uncovered bake at the end can help the top crisp up perfectly.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Baked Burrito Casserole makes a fabulous next-day lunch. Reheat a slice and wrap it in a warm tortilla for a super-quick burrito, or spoon it over a bed of greens for a zesty, satisfying salad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up dinner and win rave reviews, give this Baked Burrito Casserole a try. It’s hearty, customizable, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to bring people together around the table. Grab your baking dish and get layering—you’re about to discover your new go-to casserole!
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Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas are baked to melty perfection, then topped with fresh garnishes for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
Additional Layers:
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook beef mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion, then add garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Stir in refried beans, diced tomatoes, and black beans.
- Layer ingredients: Spread enchilada sauce in the baking dish. Layer tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and sauce. Repeat layers and top with cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side.
- You can make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding extra beans or roasted vegetables.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead and bake from frozen with an additional 20 minutes of cook time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
