This Baked Burrito Casserole is everything you love about a cheesy, saucy burrito layered into one bubbling, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family. If you’re craving Mexican-inspired comfort food with minimal effort, this casserole is your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love Baked Burrito Casserole

Let’s be honest anything that involves seasoned beef, melty cheese, and layers of tortillas is going to be a win. But this casserole takes it up a notch:
Effortless Layers – No rolling required. Just layer, bake, and serve.
Cheesy & Satisfying – Loaded with gooey cheese in every bite.
Family Favorite – Even picky eaters clean their plates!
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Swap proteins, spice levels, or add veggies—it’s all good!

Ingredients in Baked Burrito Casserole

You’ll love how simple and budget-friendly this casserole is. Here’s what goes into it:
Ground Beef – Rich and meaty base for our burrito flavor.
Taco Seasoning – Adds bold Mexican flavor to the beef.
Refried Beans – Creamy, hearty layer that ties everything together.
Sour Cream – Adds tang and creamy texture to balance the spice.
Tortillas – Flour tortillas work best here; they layer like lasagna noodles.
Salsa or Enchilada Sauce – Choose your favorite for saucy goodness.
Shredded Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
Optional Toppings – Chopped cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado, or jalapeños.

(Note: Full measurements and detailed ingredient list are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to layer up some deliciousness? Here’s how to make it:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Add Refried Beans: Stir the refried beans into the beef mixture until everything is combined and heated through.
Layer the Casserole: Place a layer of tortillas in the bottom of your baking dish. Spread a third of the beef-bean mixture over the tortillas. Spoon on some sour cream, drizzle salsa or enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers twice more.
Top it Off: Finish with a final layer of tortillas, a generous pour of salsa or sauce, and a thick blanket of shredded cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
Rest & Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Top with your favorite garnishes and dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 420

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Baked Burrito Casserole

This dish is complete on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better:
With a fresh green salad or Mexican street corn.
Served with tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa on the side.
Topped with avocado slices, sour cream, and jalapeños for a spicy finish.
Alongside Mexican rice or black beans for a full fiesta-style dinner.
Cut into squares for easy serving at potlucks or casual get-togethers.

Additional Tips

For the best burrito casserole every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use flour tortillas for soft, easy layering that holds up during baking.
If using corn tortillas, soften them in a bit of oil first so they don’t crack.
Want it spicy? Add chopped green chilies, hot salsa, or a dash of cayenne.
Make it meatless by swapping in seasoned black beans, lentils, or tofu.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick protein swap.
Mix in sautéed peppers, onions, or corn for added texture and flavor.
Let it rest before cutting so it holds its shape better.
Double the recipe and freeze one for later this casserole freezes beautifully!
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving for brightness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze it?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. What kind of cheese is best?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

4. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Shredded chicken works great just season it well or use taco-seasoned rotisserie chicken.

5. Do I need to use refried beans?
They add creamy texture and help hold everything together, but you can skip them or swap in whole beans if preferred.

6. How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Use just enough sauce to moisten but not soak the layers, and bake uncovered at the end for a lightly crisp top.

7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes. Just check your tortillas too—some contain dairy.

8. What sides go best with this casserole?
Try it with rice, salad, chips and salsa, or grilled veggies for a full meal.

9. How long should I let it rest before serving?
5–10 minutes is perfect to help the layers set and make slicing easier.

10. Is this dish good for potlucks?
It’s perfect! It’s easy to make, travels well, and serves a crowd. Everyone loves it!

Conclusion

This Baked Burrito Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right easy to assemble, full of bold flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a game night, or simply craving something cheesy and satisfying, this casserole has your back. Bake a batch and get ready for empty plates and happy bellies!

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