Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, look no further than Cheesy Burrito Pie. This layered casserole brings together all your favorite burrito fillings—savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, gooey cheese, and tangy salsa—stacked between soft flour tortillas and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster, and I promise, it’s a total crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Each element plays its part, whether it’s adding a punch of flavor, a creamy texture, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the Cheesy Burrito Pie, bringing savory richness and protein to every bite.
- Onion (diced): Sautéed with the beef, it adds sweetness and a gentle bite that rounds out the filling.
- Taco seasoning: This seasoning packet is the secret weapon for instant flavor—smoky, spicy, and perfectly balanced.
- Water: Helps the seasoning blend into the meat and keeps everything moist and saucy.
- Refried beans: Creamy and hearty, they add body to the filling and help hold the layers together.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: These bring a subtle heat and a juicy, tangy freshness to the mix.
- Salsa: Adds zest and a bit of texture, plus another layer of Tex-Mex flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic sharp, cheesy pull in every slice.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Lends a smooth melt and creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the cheddar.
- Flour tortillas: The foundation for each layer, making the pie easy to slice and serve.
- Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkle these on top for a pop of color and a burst of herby freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Burrito Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a swipe of oil. This ensures that your Cheesy Burrito Pie will lift out easily and the edges get just a little crisp and golden.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring and breaking up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onion is tender—usually about 7 to 8 minutes. At this point, drain away any excess fat so your filling doesn’t become greasy.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onion, then pour in the water. Give everything a good stir, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the flavors really come together and start smelling incredible.
Step 4: Mix in the Beans, Tomatoes, and Salsa
Next, add the refried beans, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and salsa straight into the skillet. Stir until everything is fully combined and heated through. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and loaded with flavor—perfect for layering in your Cheesy Burrito Pie.
Step 5: Layer the Pie
Now for the fun (and delicious) part! Lay one flour tortilla on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread one-third of the meat and bean mixture over the tortilla, then sprinkle with one-third of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final tortilla and a generous blanket of cheese on top. The layers will melt together into cheesy, savory bliss.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil—this keeps the cheese from over-browning too soon—and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. The top should be melted, bubbly, and irresistibly golden. Let your Cheesy Burrito Pie rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over the top if you like. The fresh herbs add a burst of color and a little something extra to each slice. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Burrito Pie
Garnishes
Take your Cheesy Burrito Pie to the next level with a handful of vibrant garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped green onions and fresh cilantro not only adds color, but also brings a fresh, zesty note that brightens up each bite. For extra flair, dollop some sour cream, guacamole, or a spoonful of your favorite salsa right on top.
Side Dishes
This hearty Tex-Mex casserole is filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or a bowl of black beans. Tortilla chips and pico de gallo are always a hit too. These sides add balance, texture, and a little crunch to your dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party or just want to change things up? Try slicing Cheesy Burrito Pie into squares and serving them as finger food at your next gathering. You can even bake the pie in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or top each slice with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy twist. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Cheesy Burrito Pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
Cheesy Burrito Pie is freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your slice with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick lunch, a minute or two in the microwave works perfectly—just be sure to cover it to prevent dryness. The cheesy layers will be just as gooey and comforting as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Burrito Pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, crumbled tofu, or even a meatless ground alternative. The flavors stay bold and satisfying, and you’ll still get that delicious, layered effect.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option or just love that extra corn flavor. Keep in mind that they have a slightly different texture and may absorb more liquid, so be sure to cover them well with the filling.
What’s the best way to prevent sogginess?
To keep your Cheesy Burrito Pie from getting soggy, make sure to fully drain your diced tomatoes and avoid overly watery salsa. Also, let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing so the layers have time to set up nicely.
Can I assemble Cheesy Burrito Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then proceed with the baking instructions as usual.
What cheeses work best if I want to switch things up?
Feel free to play with cheese varieties! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while a blend of Mexican cheeses gives a creamy, melty finish. Cheesy Burrito Pie is wonderfully flexible, so use whatever melts your heart (and your cheese).
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a bubbling Cheesy Burrito Pie out of the oven and sharing it with people you love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
Print
Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Burrito Pie is a comforting Tex-Mex casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and a flavorful blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner that brings the flavors of a classic burrito in pie form. Garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, it’s perfect served with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Other Mixture Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 cup salsa
Cheese and Tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup water into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the refried beans, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and salsa. Stir well to combine and heat through evenly, ensuring all components are hot.
- Layer the Pie: Place one tortilla on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread one-third of the meat mixture evenly over the tortilla, then sprinkle with one-third of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing the final layer with a tortilla topped with the remaining cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat everything through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired to add fresh flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve warm with optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa to enhance the dish.
Notes
- For a lighter or vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey or black beans instead of beef.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side for added flavor and creaminess.
- Make ahead by assembling the pie a few hours before baking; keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free variation but note the texture and layering may differ.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
