Baked Burrito Casserole

Craving the delicious flavors of a burrito but don’t feel like wrapping up individual ones? This Baked Burrito Casserole brings all the hearty, cheesy, and zesty goodness of burritos into an easy-to-make casserole dish. Packed with flavorful ground beef, beans, cheese, and all the classic taco ingredients, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, made with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 pack taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Flour tortillas (about 6-8, depending on the size of your casserole dish)
Sour cream and guacamole (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef.

Step 3: Add the Taco Seasoning

Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning and a small amount of water (usually around 1/4 cup, depending on the seasoning package directions). Let the beef simmer for 3-4 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Step 4: Mix in the Beans, Salsa, and Tomatoes

To the skillet, add the refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Set this mixture aside.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole! Start by placing a layer of flour tortillas at the bottom of your greased casserole dish. You might need to cut a few tortillas to fit the dish, but don’t worry about it being perfect—just get as much coverage as you can.

Next, spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese on top.

Repeat the layers: Add another layer of tortillas, then the rest of the beef and bean mixture, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of guacamole on top for added creaminess and flavor.

How to Serve

This Baked Burrito Casserole is perfect as a main dish for dinner, but it also works well as part of a Mexican-themed meal. Serve it with a side of crispy tortilla chips, Mexican rice, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. It also makes an excellent dish for meal prep—just slice and store the leftovers for an easy lunch the next day!

Tips & Tricks

Make it Spicy:
If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños, sliced green chilies, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Use Ground Turkey:
For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. You won’t lose any flavor, and it will be a little healthier.

Vary the Cheese:
While Mexican blend cheese is a great option, you can switch it up by using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little spice.

Make It Vegetarian:
Omit the ground beef and add more beans, veggies (like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini), or a meat substitute for a hearty vegetarian version of this casserole.

Prepare Ahead of Time:
You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’ll need a few extra minutes in the oven to heat through.

Why This Recipe Works

This Baked Burrito Casserole takes all the delicious elements of a burrito and combines them into an easy-to-make, filling casserole. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese is always a hit, and the layers of flour tortillas mimic the comforting feel of a burrito but without the fuss. Plus, it’s versatile—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a quick family dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

It’s the kind of dish that can be as simple or as gourmet as you want, depending on the fillings and toppings you choose. Whether you’re looking to stick to the basics or get creative with extra ingredients, this casserole always delivers on flavor.

Common Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling, store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

What can I serve it with?
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and taco salad. If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad or a zesty corn salad.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican twist. With its layers of seasoned beef, creamy beans, and melty cheese all wrapped up in warm tortillas, it’s the kind of dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just need an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe rotation.