Let me introduce you to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Burrito Casserole! If you love all the cheesy, zesty goodness of a classic beef burrito, just wait until you try it layered into a bubbling, golden, sliceable bake. This dish packs together all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in a seriously crowd-pleasing format that’s easy to serve and even easier to love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up something cozy for yourself, Burrito Casserole is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s always met with “mmm… can I have seconds?”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Burrito Casserole is in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a job, adding big flavor, creamy texture, or irresistible color. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:

Ground beef: The star protein that soaks up all those savory spices and provides hearty, satisfying bite.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture, making every layer more aromatic.
Taco seasoning: The secret weapon for instant Tex-Mex flavor without measuring out a dozen spices.
Water: Helps the seasoning meld into the beef, creating the perfect saucy consistency.
Refried beans: Creamy, savory, and spreadable, these help hold the casserole’s layers together.
Red enchilada sauce: Brings the tangy, slightly spicy kick that ties the whole dish together.
Sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the sauce and a mellow contrast to all the robust flavors.
Large flour tortillas: Acting as the “noodle” in this Tex-Mex lasagna, they soak up flavor and make every slice substantial.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melted cheese is non-negotiable—it’s what makes the top so invitingly golden and gooey!
Chopped green onions and sliced black olives (optional): Give your Burrito Casserole a colorful, zesty finish that’s totally irresistible.

How to Make Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as you stir, and cook until the beef loses all its pink and the onions are nice and soft. If there’s any extra grease, just drain it off so your casserole doesn’t get greasy.

Step 2: Taco Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and pour in half a cup of water. Stir thoroughly—this is where the meat absorbs all that Tex-Mex punch! Let it simmer together for five minutes; the aroma alone will get you hungry. Once you’re happy with the consistency, take the skillet off the heat and fold in the refried beans, making the filling creamy and extra satisfying.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

Grab a small bowl and mix together the red enchilada sauce and sour cream until smooth. This creamy, tangy sauce will both moisten the casserole and add loads of flavor to every bite. It’s this sauce that ensures your Burrito Casserole never dries out.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of that luscious sauce on the bottom (think of this as your non-stick insurance and flavor foundation!). Lay down two flour tortillas, followed by a third of the beef and bean mixture, another layer of sauce, and a generous handful of cheese. Repeat these layers twice, finishing with a final flourish of cheese on top—because who can resist that golden, bubbly finish?

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes so everything gets piping hot and melty. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. That extra time ensures the cheese on top turns perfectly bubbly and lightly golden. Let the Burrito Casserole sit for 5 minutes so it can set—making neat, beautiful slices a total breeze.

How to Serve Burrito Casserole

Garnishes

When serving Burrito Casserole, a little garnish goes a long way! Sprinkle on chopped green onions and slices of black olives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You might also add a dollop of extra sour cream, chopped tomatoes, or a handful of fresh cilantro if that’s your style. These finishing touches make each slice look as exciting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Burrito Casserole with a crisp green salad or a pile of simple cilantro-lime rice to keep things fresh and balanced. Mexican-style street corn, crunchy tortilla chips with salsa, or even a scoop of guacamole turn this casserole into a full Tex-Mex feast everyone will rave about. It’s up to you whether you want to keep things simple or go all out!

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your table by slicing Burrito Casserole into squares and fanning them out on a large platter, then topping each piece with an artful swirl of sour cream and a sprinkling of colorful garnishes. Try serving it “build-your-own” taco style: offer toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce so everyone can customize to their liking. This dish is also a star at potlucks—just keep it warm in a slow cooker for effortless, help-yourself servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Burrito Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The layers hold up beautifully for up to three days, making for dreamy next-day lunches or easy weeknight repeats. Just be sure it’s wrapped well to prevent drying out and to keep those flavors locked in.

Freezing

Burrito Casserole is an absolute lifesaver when prepared ahead! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. You can also freeze individual slices, separated by parchment, for the ultimate grab-and-go lunch.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual slices of Burrito Casserole in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel for about 1-2 minutes. If you’re warming up a whole pan, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through. A sprinkle of fresh cheese added before reheating makes that cheesy top good as new.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Burrito Casserole is flexible—ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken both work beautifully and make a lighter (but still ultra-flavorful) version. Just make sure to season the filling well for maximum taste.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Burrito Casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve. This makes it ideal for busy nights or entertaining.

What can I add to customize the filling?

Feel free to get creative! Try adding a layer of cooked rice, corn, or even sautéed peppers to add extra texture and flavor. You can adjust the spice level with mild or hot taco seasoning, too.

Is Burrito Casserole spicy?

As written, this recipe is mild and family-friendly, but if you love a kick, opt for a spicy enchilada sauce or add in some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. It’s easy to tailor the heat to your taste.

How do I prevent my casserole from getting soggy?

Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking—at least 5 minutes—so the layers set up. Also, avoid overloading with sauce, especially in the bottom layer. Layering the tortillas evenly helps create that perfect, sliceable texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hands-down delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to become a new favorite, you absolutely have to give Burrito Casserole a try. It’s hearty, cheesy, and all the flavors you crave in one simple slice—perfect for gatherings or just a comforting night in. I can’t wait for you to taste it!

Burrito Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Burrito Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make layered dish that combines all the flavors of a beef burrito in a comforting casserole format. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this cheesy Mexican casserole is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans

Sauce:

1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream

Additional Ingredients:

6 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Chopped green onions and sliced black olives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Season the beef: Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer for 5 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: Mix the enchilada sauce with sour cream.
Assemble the casserole: Layer sauce, tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and olives.