Burrito Casserole

The layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and tender tortillas melt together into a hearty and satisfying bite. When you pull that first scoop from the dish, the aroma fills the kitchen, instantly making your stomach growl in anticipation. It’s the perfect balance of savory flavors with just the right amount of spice, especially when topped with your favorite fresh garnishes. Sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro add that refreshing contrast that brightens the dish without overpowering it. This casserole is truly versatile—swap out the beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with black beans and corn if that’s more your style. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to tweak based on what you have in your pantry or what your taste buds are craving at the moment. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this burrito casserole brings the family together around the table, and there’s always something special about digging in and enjoying a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside.

Key Ingredients in Burrito Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a role in creating the dish’s irresistible layers and bold flavors. From the savory ground beef to the creamy sour cream and the melty cheese, these elements come together to give the casserole a satisfying texture and taste that everyone will love. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

• Cooked Rice: Adds a hearty base and helps absorb the flavors, making each bite filling and comforting.
• Ground Beef: The star protein of the casserole, providing rich flavor and a meaty texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Onion (chopped): Brings a mild sweetness and savory depth, enhancing the flavor of the beef and seasoning mix.
• Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and spices.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers a juicy, tangy base that keeps the casserole moist and balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Tomato Sauce: Helps to create a smooth, saucy layer that binds the casserole together while contributing a deep, tomatoey flavor.
• Diced Green Chilies: Introduces a mild heat and smoky flavor that adds complexity without overwhelming the dish.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the casserole that classic taco taste we all crave—spicy, savory, and absolutely delicious.
• Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth to the dish and enhances the savory flavors of the beef and tomatoes.
• Chili Powder: Brings a bit of heat and a smoky undertone that adds dimension to the overall flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors in the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness and a hint of heat, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Frozen Corn: Sweet and crunchy, it adds a pop of color and texture that brightens up the dish.
• Black Beans (drained and rinsed): These beans are packed with protein and fiber, offering a satisfying bite and helping to round out the casserole’s flavors.
• Sour Cream: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the spices, creating a cooling effect that balances the heat from the chilies and taco seasoning.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, melty layer that brings richness and flavor to every bite.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamier than cheddar, this cheese adds a smooth, melty texture that complements the cheddar and enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Flour Tortillas: The foundation of the casserole, these tortillas soften and absorb the sauce, creating layers of tender, comforting goodness.
• Fresh Cilantro (chopped): A fresh, herby garnish that adds brightness and a burst of flavor to finish the dish perfectly.

With these ingredients, you’re set to create a flavor-packed, comforting casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Make Burrito Casserole

Serving Suggestions for Burrito Casserole

1. Top with Fresh Garnishes: After baking, don’t forget to pile on the fresh toppings! A dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro will brighten up each bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a handful of sliced jalapeños or a few avocado slices for that creamy, cool contrast to the warm, savory casserole.

2. Serve with a Side of Mexican Rice or Chips: Want to turn it into a full fiesta? Pair your casserole with some fluffy Mexican rice or a bowl of crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy, savory side. The rice soaks up any extra sauce, and the chips provide that satisfying crunch to balance the creamy layers of the casserole. It’s a party on the plate!

3. Go for a Light Salad: If you’re looking for a refreshing contrast, serve your burrito casserole with a simple green salad. A mix of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette adds a fresh, light bite that cuts through the richness of the casserole. It’s the perfect way to balance out all those indulgent layers.

Whichever way you serve it, this casserole is sure to steal the show at the dinner table!

How to Store Burrito Casserole

Leftovers from this delicious casserole? Yes, please! Storing burrito casserole is easy, and if anything, it gets even better the next day. To keep it fresh, let the casserole cool down completely before storing it. You don’t want it to steam up the container, which could make it soggy. Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it for several meals.

If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing the casserole is a great option. Just wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap, then pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven to bring back that perfect cheesy, bubbly texture.

And don’t worry about losing that fresh flavor! The layers of ingredients will still hold up, and you’ll get to savor that savory combination of spices, meat, and cheese all over again. Reheating in the oven helps preserve the crispy edges and ensures the casserole is nice and hot, just like when you first baked it.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to making a mouthwatering burrito casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish that’ll steal the spotlight at your next family gathering, this casserole has everything you need: layers of flavorful beef, gooey cheese, and just the right balance of spices. The best part? It’s so versatile! You can swap out ingredients based on what you have in the pantry or what your taste buds are craving that day. Trust me, once you pull that bubbly, cheesy masterpiece out of the oven, you’ll be hooked.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear all about it! Did you add any fun twists of your own, or stick to the classic version? If you have any questions or just want to chat about the casserole, drop me a comment—I’m always excited to hear what’s cooking in your kitchen. And if you need any help along the way, you know I’m here to lend a hand. Happy cooking, friends!

Print Recipe

Burrito Casserole

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Calories: 550

Description

Burrito Casserole is a hearty, layered dish packed with seasoned ground beef, tender tortillas, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures—perfect for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups cooked rice

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 8 flour tortillas

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, if necessary, to keep the dish from being too oily.
6. Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies to the skillet and mix well.
7. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the mixture and stir to combine all the flavors.
8. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
9. While the beef mixture simmers, prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
10. Spread half of the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
11. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the rice, spreading it out evenly.
12. Sprinkle half of the frozen corn over the beef layer.
13. Add half of the black beans on top of the corn layer.
14. Dollop half of the sour cream over the beans, spreading it gently with a spatula.
15. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sour cream layer.
16. Take four flour tortillas and layer them over the cheese, covering the entire surface as much as possible.
17. Repeat the layers by adding the remaining cooked rice, followed by the rest of the beef mixture, the remaining corn, the remaining black beans, and the remaining sour cream.
18. Top the final layer with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
19. Take the remaining four flour tortillas and place them over the top layer of cheese, tucking the edges down into the sides of the dish for a neat presentation.
20. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during the initial baking.
21. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
22. After 25 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
23. Once the casserole is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
24. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor and freshness.
25. Slice the burrito casserole into squares and serve hot, enjoying the layers of flavors and textures.

Note

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease for a healthier option.
• For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the beef.
• Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein choice.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or use spicy taco seasoning.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, add tortilla chips as a topping during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Keywords: burrito casserole recipe, easy burrito casserole, Mexican casserole dish, ground beef burrito casserole, baked burrito casserole