Baked Burrito Casserole

If you’ve ever wished you could take all the best parts of a burrito—savory beef, creamy beans, gooey cheese, and zesty seasoning—and just bake it into one bubbly, crowd-pleasing dish, you’re in luck. This Baked Burrito Casserole is exactly that. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without spending all evening rolling tortillas one by one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the burrito flavors, none of the wrapping hassle.
• Perfect for weeknights—prep in 20 minutes, bake, and done.
• Great for crowds—makes enough to feed a big table.
• Customizable—swap fillings to suit your taste or fridge contents.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts creamier than pre-shredded.
• Warm tortillas before layering to prevent cracking.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of salsa to the meat mixture.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this keeps the layers neat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• ½ cup water
• 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, salsa

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare bean mixture: In a bowl, mix refried beans with cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
4. Layer the casserole: Place two tortillas on the bottom of the dish, overlapping as needed. Spread a portion of the bean mixture over them, followed by the beef, then a layer of cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Rest & serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Add your favorite toppings and serve hot.

Flavor & Texture Secrets

The creamy bean and sour cream layer keeps everything moist and flavorful, while the tortillas soften into tender, cheesy layers. The taco-seasoned beef gives it that irresistible Tex-Mex kick.

Serving Ideas

• With a crisp green salad and tortilla chips on the side.
• Topped with fresh avocado slices for extra creaminess.
• With a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the time.

FAQs

1. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Skip the beef and use black beans or sautéed veggies.
2. Can I use corn tortillas? You can, but they’ll have a slightly different texture.
3. Can I add rice? Absolutely—mix cooked rice into the beef layer for extra bulk.
4. Can I make it spicier? Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the beef.
5. How do I keep tortillas from getting soggy? Pre-toast them lightly before layering.

Conclusion

This Baked Burrito Casserole is everything you love about burritos—hearty, cheesy, satisfying—baked into an easy, family-friendly dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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