Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe

Looking for a quick, cheesy, and flavorful Tex-Mex dinner? This Creamy Burrito Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. With seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, gooey cheese, and soft tortillas, it’s a family favorite that can be made ahead and baked when ready. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh lime and cilantro for a zesty punch!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 ounce taco seasoning (one packet or 2 tablespoons)
• 16 ounces refried beans (about 2 cups)
• 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted; substitute with cream of mushroom or celery if preferred)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 10 large flour tortillas, cut in half
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime

Instructions

1. Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a heavy pan until beef is fully cooked and onion is tender.
2. Drain excess fat, then stir in refried beans and taco seasoning.
3. Squeeze lime over the mixture, add chopped cilantro, and stir to combine. Set aside.
4. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
6. Spoon a layer of the sour cream mixture into the bottom of the dish.
7. Add a layer of tortillas. Arrange flat sides along the edges and use halves to cover the middle (about 3 large tortillas).
8. Spread a layer of the ground beef mixture over the tortillas.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
10. Repeat layers, starting with sour cream mixture, tortillas, beef, and cheese. Finish with a final cheese layer.
11. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days if making ahead.
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes (30 minutes if refrigerated) until heated through.
14. Let stand for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve with extra lime wedges, fresh salsa, or guacamole.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Variations

1. Chicken Burrito Casserole: Swap beef for cooked shredded chicken.
2. Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans, corn, and bell peppers.
3. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
4. Extra Cheesy: Use 1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella for ultimate cheesiness.
5. Mexican Street Corn Style: Mix in roasted corn and cotija cheese.
6. Low Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini.
7. Creamy Mushroom: Use cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed mushrooms.
8. Beef & Rice: Add 1 cup cooked rice to beef mixture for a heartier casserole.
9. Southwest Style: Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
10. Sour Cream Swap: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for lighter flavor.
11. Taco Supreme: Add sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and green onions as a topping.
12. Crispy Top: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
13. Cheddar-Pepper Jack Mix: Use half cheddar, half pepper jack for balanced flavor.
14. Make Ahead Freezer Meal: Assemble casserole and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.
15. Slow Cooker Style: Layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
   Yes! Slightly soften them in the microwave before layering to prevent cracking.
2. Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your soup and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
3. Can I make it ahead?
   Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Microwave: 2–3 minutes per serving.
5. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
   Yes, it works perfectly with the same seasonings.
6. Can I use canned black beans instead of refried beans?
   Yes, drain and mash them slightly for similar texture.
7. What cheeses work best?
   Cheddar and pepper jack are recommended, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella works too.
8. Can I add veggies?
   Yes, bell peppers, corn, or spinach are great additions.
9. Is this freezer-friendly?
   Yes, assemble and freeze. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.
10. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Substitute sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use cream of chicken soup replacement.

The Creamy Burrito Casserole is a quick, cheesy, and flavorful Tex-Mex meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it’s comfort food that everyone will love. Easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this casserole is a go-to recipe for delicious, fuss-free dinners. Serve it with fresh lime, salsa, or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor, and watch it become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

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