Baked Burrito Casserole

Posted on

 

If there’s one thing I know about busy weeknights, it’s that dinner needs to be easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Enter: Baked Burrito Casserole—a dish that takes everything we love about burritos and layers it into one hearty, cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece. This is the kind of meal that makes the whole family excited for dinnertime, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll have it on repeat!

I love recipes that require minimal prep but deliver maximum taste, and this one fits the bill perfectly. With seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, gooey melted cheese, and soft flour tortillas all baked to perfection, this casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, you can top it with all your favorite burrito fixings—salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream!

Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • ½ cup sour cream

For Assembly:

  • 1 pack large flour tortillas
  • 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

HOW TO MAKE BAKED BURRITO CASSEROLE

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, and the best part? It bakes in just 20 minutes! Let’s get cooking.

STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN

Before anything else, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to go in.

STEP 2: COOK THE BEEF MIXTURE

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Be sure to drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.

Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the taco seasoning and refried beans. Mix everything well and let it heat through before removing it from the stovetop. This mixture will form the hearty base of your casserole.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE CREAMY SAUCE

In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth. This sauce is the secret ingredient that adds a deliciously creamy texture to the casserole!

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Now comes the fun part—layering everything together!

  1. Spread half of the creamy soup mixture evenly on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Lay a layer of flour tortillas over the soup mixture. You may need to tear them to fit.
  3. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef.
  5. Repeat the layers with more tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and another cup of cheese.
  6. Top it off with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining soup mixture, and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

BAKING, SERVING, AND CUSTOMIZING YOUR BAKED BURRITO CASSEROLE

Now that your Baked Burrito Casserole is perfectly layered and ready to go, it’s time to let the oven do the rest of the work. In this section, we’ll cover the baking process, the best ways to serve it, and some fun customization ideas to make this dish truly your own.

STEP 5: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN AND BUBBLY

Once your casserole is fully assembled, it’s time to bake!

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • If you like your cheese extra golden and slightly crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Once done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

STEP 6: TIME TO SERVE!

Now for the best part—digging in!

You can serve your Baked Burrito Casserole as-is, or take it up a notch with some delicious toppings and sides. Here are some ideas:

Topping Ideas:

  • Salsa – Adds a fresh, tangy kick.
  • Guacamole – Creamy and rich, perfect for balancing the flavors.
  • Sour Cream – A cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Brings a bright, herby freshness.
  • Diced Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo – Adds a pop of color and a juicy bite.
  • Jalapeños – For a little extra heat, use fresh or pickled slices.

What to Serve With It:

This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with:

  • Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
  • A side of black beans or charro beans.
  • Corn on the cob or a fresh Mexican street corn salad.
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

WAYS TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR BAKED BURRITO CASSEROLE

One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily switch things up to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few great ways to make this dish your own:

1. MAKE IT SPICIER

  • If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
  • Use a spicy taco seasoning or mix in a dash of hot sauce.

2. SWITCH UP THE PROTEIN

  • Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even chorizo.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.

3. ADD EXTRA FILLINGS

  • Mix in corn, black beans, or diced green chilies to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • If you love cheese, stir in some cream cheese or extra shredded cheese into the beef filling for an even creamier texture.

4. USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TORTILLA

  • While flour tortillas work best for a soft, layered casserole, you can also try corn tortillas for a more traditional enchilada-style flavor.
  • If you’re watching your carbs, use low-carb tortillas or even thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers as a tortilla substitute.

5. TURN IT INTO A FREEZER MEAL

  • Want to prep this ahead of time? Assemble the casserole completely, but don’t bake it yet.
  • Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until fully heated through.

FAQ AND FINAL THOUGHTS ON BAKED BURRITO CASSEROLE

By now, your Baked Burrito Casserole is out of the oven, golden and cheesy, and just waiting to be devoured. But before you dig in, let’s go over some common questions that people often have about this recipe. Whether it’s about storage, substitutions, or how to make this dish even better, I’ve got you covered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just note that if it’s cold from the fridge, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

2. CAN I FREEZE BAKED BURRITO CASSEROLE?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. If you want to freeze it:

  • Before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
  • After baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then store individual portions in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.

3. HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.

4. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF CHEESE CAN I USE?

The Mexican blend cheese works great for this recipe, but you can also try:

  • Cheddar – Sharp or mild, depending on your preference.
  • Monterey Jack – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
  • Pepper Jack – For an extra spicy kick!

5. CAN I USE CORN TORTILLAS INSTEAD OF FLOUR?

Yes! Corn tortillas will give it more of an enchilada-style texture, and they hold up well in the oven. Just note that they may not be as soft as flour tortillas, but they bring a deliciously authentic flavor.

6. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE HEALTHIER?

If you’re looking for a lighter version, try these swaps:

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Swap regular flour tortillas for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas.
  • Use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
  • Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.

7. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS CASSEROLE?

This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

  • Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
  • Black beans or charro beans
  • A crisp green salad with avocado dressing
  • Cornbread or tortilla chips for crunch

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Baked Burrito Casserole is one of those dishes that never disappoints. It’s:
Quick and easy – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Cheesy and comforting – A family favorite!
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – Great for meal prep.
Customizable – Easily tweak it to fit your tastes.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Burrito Casserole


  • Author: Andrew Recipes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Description

This Baked Burrito Casserole is a deliciously cheesy and comforting meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, tortillas, and melty cheese come together in this easy-to-make dish. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños for extra flavor!


Ingredients

Scale

For the beef filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans

For the creamy sauce:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • ½ cup sour cream

For assembly:

  • 1 pack large flour tortillas
  • 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2️⃣ Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and refried beans, mixing until well combined. Let it heat through, then remove from heat.

3️⃣ Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.

4️⃣ Assemble the casserole:

Spread half of the creamy soup mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Lay a layer of tortillas over the soup mixture, tearing them as needed to fit.

Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.

Repeat the layers, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.

5️⃣ Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Notes

✅ You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
✅ Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture.
✅ Spice it up by adding diced green chilies or hot sauce to the filling.
✅ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6

Tags:

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating