Busy weeknights call for one thing: a dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Enter the Burrito Casserole—your new go-to meal that brings all the bold, zesty flavors of a classic burrito without the rolling, wrapping, or mess.
Imagine layers of seasoned beef, beans, salsa, and gooey cheese, all baked into one warm, bubbly dish. It’s a Tex-Mex dream come true—ready in under an hour, kid-approved, and great for leftovers (if there are any).
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just meal-prepping for the week ahead, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience. Let’s dig in.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this burrito-inspired casserole to life:
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot—your choice)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
For the Layers:
- 6 medium flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce (optional, for extra sauciness)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Then add the black beans, corn, salsa, and sour cream. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Cut your tortillas in half so they fit nicely in the dish. Lay a layer of tortillas across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
Spread 1/3 of the meat and bean mixture over the tortillas. Drizzle a little enchilada sauce on top, if using. Repeat the layers two more times: tortillas, filling, sauce. Finish with a final layer of tortillas, then top with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake It Up
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro and green onions over the top for a burst of freshness. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime—whatever your burrito-loving heart desires.
Storage and Leftovers
This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors just get better over time. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Want to freeze it? Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Variations and Add-Ons
Feeling creative? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or hot salsa.
- Go vegetarian: Swap the beef for a meatless crumble or extra black beans.
- Add rice: Mix 1 cup of cooked rice into the beef filling for a heartier version.
- Try green enchilada sauce for a tangier twist.
Burrito Casserole is everything you love about Tex-Mex—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—all in one easy-to-make, easy-to-love dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a kick and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So next time you’re craving a burrito but don’t feel like rolling anything, remember: All the flavor, none of the fuss.
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