Easy Baked Burrito Casserole

Hey there! Have you ever craved all the goodness of a burrito but wanted something even easier and cheesier? That’s exactly why I love making this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole—it’s like a giant burrito in casserole form, and it’s ridiculously simple to whip up.

The best part? You don’t have to roll a single tortilla. Layers of beef, cheese, and tortillas bake together to create the perfect combo of flavors. Trust me, it’s everything you love about burritos, but with way less effort.

Whenever I make this, the smell alone gets everyone running to the kitchen! And let’s be honest, melty cheese and seasoned beef are impossible to resist. You’ll feel like a total pro chef with how amazing it turns out, even though it’s so easy.

So grab your tortillas and let’s make this casserole happen! It’s quick, fun, and the ultimate comfort food—perfect for dinner tonight or sharing with friends. Ready? Let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for when you don’t have the energy to make individual burritos. Just layer it up and bake!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will clean their plates.
• Customizable: You can swap in your favorite fillings or use up whatever you have in the fridge.
• Cheesy Goodness: The melty cheese makes this casserole irresistible!
• Great for Leftovers: It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients. Don’t worry, nothing fancy here—you probably already have most of this in your kitchen.

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 can of refried beans
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (don’t dilute it!)
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• A skillet for browning the beef
• A 9×13-inch baking dish
• A mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil for baking

How to Make Easy Baked Burrito Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is super simple, so don’t worry if you’re new to making casseroles.

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions

Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through, toss in the chopped onion and let it soften. Then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and give it all a good stir. Your kitchen’s gonna smell amazing right about now!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. This creamy mixture is what makes the casserole so rich and flavorful. It’s like the glue that holds everything together!

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now comes the fun part—layering! In your greased baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy bean mixture at the bottom. Then lay down a tortilla, followed by some of the beef mixture, more creamy filling, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Then, take off the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Let It Rest

I know it’s hard to wait, but let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after you take it out of the oven. This makes it easier to slice and serve—and prevents any burnt tongues!

How to Serve

I like to cut this casserole into big, hearty squares and serve it with all the fixings. Think guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and maybe even a squeeze of lime juice if you’re feeling fancy. A little sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a nice pop of color and flavor, too!

Tips and Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for extra heat.
• Switch Up the Protein: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn for a little extra texture and flavor.
• Cheese Lovers Unite: If you can’t get enough cheese, add an extra layer of shredded cheese between the layers.

Storing and Reheating

• Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Pop a slice in the microwave for a quick meal, or warm it up in the oven for that freshly-baked vibe.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole, too! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbohydrates
1 portion	~350	~20g	~15g	~30g

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to dinner for busy nights! This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe has you covered.

So, next time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, give this casserole a try. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—leave a comment and let me know what tweaks you made or what toppings you added. Happy cooking!

FAQ

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, you might need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. If you want to keep it extra hearty, shredded rotisserie chicken works great, too.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
For sure! Just swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. Double-check your taco seasoning and canned ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some veggies like diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or even spinach. They’ll add extra flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just heat individual portions for about 1-2 minutes. For the best results, though, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the cheese gooey and the layers intact.

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Definitely! Just know that corn tortillas might make the dish a bit softer since they don’t hold up quite as well as flour ones. But if you love that corn flavor, go for it!

Q: Can I make this spicier?
Of course! Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili powder, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy Mexican cheese blend to kick it up a notch.

Q: What toppings go best with this casserole?
The toppings are my favorite part! You can’t go wrong with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, or even some pickled jalapeños. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some queso on top.