Transform your favorite burrito ingredients into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This easy-to-make dish combines seasoned meat, beans, and cheese with classic Mexican flavors, all baked to perfection in a convenient casserole format.

Why This Recipe Works

This burrito casserole takes all the beloved components of traditional burritos and layers them into an easy-to-serve dish. The tortillas become slightly crispy on top while staying tender within, and the layers of filling create perfect portions in every bite. It’s a convenient way to serve burrito flavors to a crowd without the fuss of rolling individual burritos.

Essential Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:

• 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

For the Bean Layer:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) refried beans
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Additional Components:

• 12-14 large flour tortillas
• 3 cups Mexican blend cheese
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• Cooking spray

For Garnish:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Additional sour cream
• Guacamole

Required Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meat Filling

1. Cook the meat mixture:

• Brown ground meat with onion
• Add garlic when meat is nearly done
• Drain excess fat if needed
• Stir in taco seasoning
• Add tomatoes and green chiles
• Simmer 5 minutes

Making the Bean Layer

1. Combine ingredients:

• Mix refried beans with milk
• Add cheese and seasonings
• Stir until well combined
• Heat slightly if needed for spreading

Assembly

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Layer the casserole:

• Spray baking dish with cooking spray
• Spread thin layer of enchilada sauce
• Layer tortillas, overlapping slightly
• Spread bean mixture
• Add meat mixture
• Sprinkle cheese
• Repeat layers

1. Final topping:

• End with tortilla layer
• Pour remaining enchilada sauce
• Top with remaining cheese
• Cover with foil

Baking

1. Bake covered:

• 30 minutes at 350°F
• Remove foil
• Bake 10-15 minutes more
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for Success

1. Tortilla Tips:

• Slightly overlap tortillas
• Trim to fit if needed
• Use fresh, pliable tortillas
• Consider warming before assembly

1. Filling Advice:

• Don’t overfill layers
• Distribute evenly
• Season each layer well
• Watch liquid content

1. Baking Success:

• Don’t skip the resting time
• Watch for excessive browning
• Ensure center is hot
• Cover if browning too quickly

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare components day before
• Assemble just before baking
• Add extra sauce if made ahead
• Adjust baking time if cold

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze up to 3 months
• Thaw before reheating
• Store toppings separately

Variations and Adaptations

Protein Options:

• Shredded chicken
• Ground turkey
• Chorizo
• Vegetarian meat substitute

Bean Varieties:

• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• White beans
• Mixed beans

Different Levels of Heat:

• Mild: Remove chiles
• Medium: Add jalapeños
• Spicy: Include chipotle peppers
• Extra hot: Add habaneros

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Mexican rice
• Corn salad
• Black bean soup
• Fresh salad

Topping Bar Ideas:

• Fresh pico de gallo
• Pickled jalapeños
• Mexican crema
• Hot sauces

Troubleshooting Tips

Too Dry:

• Add more sauce
• Include extra cheese
• Cover while baking
• Don’t overbake

Too Wet:

• Drain meat well
• Reduce sauce amount
• Let rest longer
• Use less wet ingredients

This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole offers all the flavors of traditional burritos in a convenient, family-style format. Perfect for feeding a crowd or providing leftovers for busy weeknights, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.