Easy Burrito Casserole: Your New Go-To Family Dinner Recipe
Indulge in the deliciousness of a classic burrito, transformed into a simple, comforting, and crowd-pleasing casserole! This Burrito Casserole is packed with all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors, making it a perfect quick and easy meal for the entire family. Plus, it offers countless ways to customize, prepare in advance, or even freeze for later!
If you’ve been following my culinary adventures, you know my love for Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes runs deep. From vibrant salsas to hearty enchiladas, these flavors always bring joy to my kitchen. Among the many popular dishes on my site, the Wet Burrito holds a special place. Taking inspiration from its beloved components, I’ve created this incredibly simple yet flavorful Burrito Casserole. It captures the essence of a traditional burrito but in a convenient, layered form that’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation.
What Exactly is a Burrito Casserole?
At its heart, a casserole is a dish where various ingredients are mixed or layered together in a single baking pan, then baked until hot and bubbly. This versatile cooking method lends itself to endless possibilities, from comforting classics like Tater Tot casserole to delicious side dishes like Cheesy Potato Casserole. Our Burrito Casserole takes this concept and infuses it with exciting Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a meal that’s both familiar and delightfully innovative.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility. Just like a traditional burrito, you can customize the filling to your heart’s content. Feel free to experiment with different beans, meats, cheeses, and additional vegetables. I’ll share some fantastic variations below, but remember, this recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity. Make it uniquely yours and adapt it to your family’s preferences!
Why This Burrito Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite
This Burrito Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a solution for busy evenings, a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, and a comforting meal prep option. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Beyond browning the ground beef and chopping an onion, the hands-on assembly takes mere minutes. Once layered, it simply bakes in the oven, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or relax. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” kind of dish for most of the cooking time!
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: The recipe is perfectly scaled for an 8-inch square pan, serving a cozy family dinner. However, it’s incredibly simple to double the ingredients and bake it in a 13×9 inch pan, making it ideal for larger family meals, potlucks, or entertaining guests without extra fuss.
- Fantastic for Meal Prep and Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping on the weekend. Prepare it entirely in advance and simply pop it into the oven on a busy weeknight, or portion out leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week. Its flavors only seem to deepen overnight!
- Highly Customizable: Whether you prefer chicken over beef, pinto beans over black beans, or want to load it up with extra veggies, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Freezer-Friendly: Looking for a convenient freezer meal? This casserole freezes wonderfully, allowing you to stock your freezer with delicious homemade dinners for those truly hectic days.
Essential Ingredients for Your Burrito Casserole
For the exact measurements and a complete, printable recipe card, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Ground Beef: I typically opt for lean ground beef to keep things lighter, but ground turkey or even ground chicken are excellent alternatives if you prefer. They absorb the taco seasoning wonderfully.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a foundational layer of savory flavor to the meat mixture.
- Taco Seasoning: A packet of store-bought taco seasoning is incredibly convenient, but for a fresher, more customizable flavor, consider using my Homemade Taco Seasoning blend. It’s simple to make and allows you to adjust the spice level.
- Black Beans: Remember to drain and rinse your black beans thoroughly before adding them to the mixture. This removes excess sodium and starch. Pinto beans or kidney beans also work well if you’re looking for a change!
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel): This ingredient is key for that signature Tex-Mex tang and a touch of heat. You can choose mild, medium, or hot Rotel depending on your preferred spice level.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream creates a creamy, tangy sauce that binds everything together and adds a rich texture. Full-fat or light sour cream both work beautifully. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for a tangier, protein-rich option.
- Shredded Cheese: A good quality shredded Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and adds incredible flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend are all fantastic choices. Feel free to mix and match!
- Flour Tortillas: I find that 8-inch flour tortillas fit perfectly in an 8-inch square baking pan, forming neat layers. If your tortillas are larger, you might need to trim them slightly to fit. For a slightly different texture and flavor, corn tortillas can be used, though for a truly authentic corn tortilla experience, I often lean towards a Beef Enchilada Casserole.
How to Make This Easy Burrito Casserole
Creating this delicious casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Continue for about 5-6 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and drained and rinsed black beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel) and the sour cream. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a vibrant, tangy, and creamy layer that adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.
- Assemble the Layers: Lightly spray an 8-inch square baking pan (or a similar sized oven-safe dish with high sides) with non-stick cooking spray. Place one flour tortilla snugly in the bottom of the pan. Evenly spread half of the savory ground beef mixture over the tortilla. Follow this with half of the creamy tomato and sour cream sauce, spreading it gently. Finally, sprinkle about one-third of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the sauce layer.
- Repeat and Finish: Place another flour tortilla over the cheese layer. Repeat the filling process with the remaining ground beef mixture and the remaining sauce mixture. Top with the third and final flour tortilla, and then generously sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the very top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the casserole, ensuring it heats through evenly and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and thoroughly heated through.
- Serve with Your Favorite Toppings: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Top with your desired fresh toppings, such as diced tomatoes, extra sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or jalapeños, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips & Delicious Variations for Customization
One of the best aspects of this Burrito Casserole is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to make it truly your own:
- Bean Alternatives: If black beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them out! Refried beans or pinto beans are fantastic replacements, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of beans at all, you can simply omit them or replace them with an equal amount of corn kernels. Or, for those who love both, add corn alongside the beans for extra sweetness and crunch!
- Elevate with Toppings: Toppings are essential for adding freshness, texture, and a burst of flavor. Consider a vibrant array of options like freshly diced tomatoes, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced black olives, finely chopped fresh cilantro, zesty pickled or fresh jalapeños, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, creamy sliced or mashed avocado, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.
- Protein Power: While ground beef is classic, this casserole is incredibly forgiving. Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully for a leaner option. You can also use shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect for this!), or even diced cooked chicken breasts. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for extra beans, sautéed bell peppers and onions, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Tortilla Choices: Flour tortillas are traditionally used in burritos and create a soft, yielding layer in this casserole. If you prefer a more robust texture and distinct corn flavor, corn tortillas can be used. Just be aware that corn tortillas can sometimes become a bit softer when baked in this manner. For recipes specifically designed for corn tortillas, my Beef Enchilada Casserole is a great alternative.
- Pan Size Matters: While an 8-inch square pan is recommended, you can also use a deep-dish pie plate or a springform pan if its sides are high enough. This can often accommodate the tortillas perfectly, creating beautiful layers.
- Prevent Sticking: Always remember to generously spray the bottom and sides of your baking pan with non-stick spray before layering the tortillas. This crucial step ensures that your casserole can be easily scooped out and nothing gets left behind at the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the Spice: For those who love a kick, there are several ways to amp up the heat. Add finely diced fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the meat. Alternatively, choose the “hot” variety of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles for an all-over warmth.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding extra vegetables to the meat mixture. Bell peppers (any color), corn, or even finely diced zucchini can be sautéed with the onions.
- Cheese, Please! Don’t limit yourself to just a Mexican blend. Pepper Jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while a sharp cheddar provides a deeper, bolder flavor.
What to Serve with Burrito Casserole
While some burritos might include rice directly in the filling, I often prefer to serve it alongside this casserole. It makes for a satisfying and complete meal, and you have more control over portion sizes. Cilantro Lime Rice or Spanish Rice are both phenomenal choices, adding a light and flavorful contrast.
Beyond rice, consider these classic Mexican accompaniments:
- Homemade Guacamole: Fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor, guacamole is always a winner.
- Restaurant Style Salsa: A vibrant, fresh salsa provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich casserole.
- Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing element.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted corn, bell peppers, or zucchini can be a great addition.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Instructions
Unlike some casseroles that rely heavily on soaking sauces (like enchilada sauce) for their texture, this burrito casserole holds up exceptionally well, making it ideal for leftovers and meal preparation.
Refrigerate: Any leftover Burrito Casserole should be stored in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal, or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through.
Freezer: This casserole is a fantastic candidate for freezing, allowing you to prepare meals in advance for ultimate convenience. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely after baking. Cover it tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the foil and bake according to the original recipe instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through. If baking from frozen (without thawing), cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through, removing the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making Burrito Casserole:
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with additional black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. You could also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredient that contains gluten here is the flour tortillas. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. Ensure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free.
How can I make this spicier?
For more heat, use “hot” diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel). You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or include finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeños. Serving with a hot sauce is another great option.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite melting cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack (for a spicy kick) are all excellent choices that will melt beautifully.
Do I have to drain the grease from the beef?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to drain the grease after browning the ground beef. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily and ensures a better texture and flavor.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved the ease and flavor of this Burrito Casserole, you’re sure to enjoy these other simple yet delicious dinner ideas:
- Crispy Baked Shrimp
- Barbecue Chicken Nachos
- Big Mac Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Hawaiian Chicken
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Burrito Casserole
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Ingredients
- 3 8 inch flour tortillas
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion together, breaking up for 5-6 minutes, until the beef is cooked and the onions are soft. Drain away any grease.1 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 onion
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Add taco seasoning, water, and black beans. Simmer for a couple minutes until the sauce has thickened.1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water, 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
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Make the sauce by mixing together diced tomatoes with the sour cream.1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 1/2 cup sour cream
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Spray an 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Place a flour tortilla in the bottom. Add 1/2 of the ground beef mixture, 1/2 of the sauce mixture and about 1/3 of the cheese.3 8 inch flour tortillas, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
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Repeat with the rest of the ingredients ending with a tortilla topped with cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until everything is nice and hot.
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Remove from the oven and top with desired toppings.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 19g |
Protein: 35g |
Fat: 24g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g |
Cholesterol: 114mg |
Sodium: 849mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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