Baked Burrito Casserole

If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of a burrito, but want to skip the hassle of rolling each one individually, this Baked Burrito Casserole is your new best friend! It’s like all your favorite burrito ingredients layered together in a cozy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer—full of flavor, super easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy your taco cravings in the best way possible!

Why You’ll Love Baked Burrito Casserole

Taco Tuesday, Elevated: Imagine all the flavors you love in a burrito—seasoned meat, melty cheese, beans, rice, and all your favorite toppings—layered up into one hearty casserole. It’s taco night but without the mess!

Quick and Easy: This casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight. There’s no rolling required—just layer everything up, bake, and you’re ready to go! Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so clean-up is a breeze.

Feed a Crowd: Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or feeding your hungry crew, this casserole is perfect for large groups. You can easily make enough to serve a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable: Make it your own! You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Add some spice, switch up the protein, or load it with extra veggies—this casserole is totally versatile.

Comfort Food: It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. With layers of cheesy goodness, savory beef or chicken, and a crispy top, it’s pure comfort food that everyone will love.

Ingredients in Baked Burrito Casserole

Ground Beef or Chicken

The protein is the star of the casserole, and ground beef or chicken is perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can even use ground turkey for a leaner option.

Taco Seasoning

No burrito is complete without taco seasoning! It adds all the flavor you need to make your casserole pop with that bold, zesty taste we all crave.

Refried Beans

Creamy refried beans are the perfect base for your casserole layers. They add richness and texture, plus a little extra flavor that makes the dish even better.

Salsa

Salsa brings a burst of tangy freshness to the casserole, and it’s essential for keeping things moist while adding a kick of flavor.

Tortillas

You’ll need soft flour tortillas to create the layers in the casserole. They get soft and pillowy in the oven, adding that beloved tortilla texture to the dish.

Shredded Cheese

The more cheese, the better! Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese work wonderfully here, melting into gooey deliciousness. You can also use a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.

Sour Cream (Optional)

Sour cream is the perfect topping to cool things down and add a little extra creaminess to each bite.

Green Onions and Cilantro (Optional)

Top off your casserole with fresh green onions and cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that balances out all the rich flavors.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Meat

Start by cooking the ground beef or chicken in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and a little water according to the packet instructions. Set aside.

Prepare the Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This will ensure everything comes out easily after baking.

Layer the Ingredients

Now it’s time to layer! Start by spreading a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, place a layer of tortillas (you might need to overlap them slightly). Then, spread a layer of refried beans over the tortillas, followed by half of the cooked ground meat mixture. Sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheese.

Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining refried beans, ground meat, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of tortillas and top with any leftover salsa and cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be completely melted and the edges slightly crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve warm and watch it disappear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: ~400-500 (depending on the size and toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

How to Serve Baked Burrito Casserole

With Chips and Guacamole: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips and homemade guacamole for the perfect Mexican-inspired meal.

Crisp Green Salad: Pair it with a refreshing green salad, dressed in a light vinaigrette or a tangy lime dressing, to balance the richness of the casserole.

Mexican Rice: You can’t go wrong with a side of fluffy Mexican rice. It complements the casserole and adds a nice touch of flavor.

Salsa and Sour Cream: Don’t forget the salsa and sour cream on the side for extra flavor and that creamy touch.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa in your casserole layers. You can even sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking for extra kick.

Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover taco meat or chicken from another meal, this casserole is the perfect way to use it up. Just layer it in with the beans and cheese for a quick dinner solution.

Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time, or until it’s hot and bubbly.

Make It Veggie: To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground meat for black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A1: Yes, you can definitely use corn tortillas. They may get a bit crunchier in texture, but they will still taste great in the casserole.

Q2: Can I add other veggies to the casserole?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the layers for extra flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes! To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q5: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A5: Yes, ground turkey works great in this casserole if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well for maximum flavor.

Q6: Can I add more cheese?
A6: Of course! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to pile on the extra cheese in each layer for an even cheesier casserole.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Q8: Can I use fresh salsa?
A8: Yes! Fresh salsa will add an even brighter, more vibrant flavor to the casserole. Just be sure it’s not too watery, as it can affect the texture of the casserole.

Q9: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: To add some heat, try using spicy salsa, adding chopped jalapeños to the layers, or mixing in some chili powder or hot sauce.

Q10: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A10: Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas and ensuring all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Baked Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with all the delicious flavors of a burrito, layered up in a casserole for a simple and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, with its cheesy, flavorful layers, it’s a dish everyone will love. So go ahead and bake this up—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite!

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