Are you craving the hearty flavors of a classic burrito but looking for a convenient twist? Look no further than the Creamy Burrito Casserole! This Tex-Mex delight seamlessly combines the familiar taste of a burrito with the ease of a casserole, promising a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and become a beloved addition to your family’s meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1 ounce of taco seasoning
- 16 ounces of refried beans
- 10.5 ounces of condensed cream of chicken soup (you can opt for cream of mushroom or cream of celery)
- 3/4 cup of sour cream
- 10 large flour tortillas, halved
- 2 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
Directions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a heavy pan, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in the refried beans and taco seasoning until well combined. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the beef mixture, add chopped cilantro, and stir to blend. Set aside.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Layering: Spoon a layer of the sour cream mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange halved tortillas in the dish, placing them with the flat, cut sides against the sides of the dish and adding a couple of halves in the middle to cover the bottom. Spread a layer of the ground beef mixture over the tortillas, then top with a cup of shredded cheese (mixing if using both cheddar and pepper jack). Repeat the layers, starting with the sour cream mixture and finishing with a layer of cheese.
- Refrigerate (Optional): If not baking immediately, cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes or until heated through. If refrigerated, it may take up to 30 minutes to heat completely.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Garnish and Presentation: Before serving, add a pop of freshness by garnishing the casserole with additional chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of diced tomatoes. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa on top adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Accompaniments: Serve the Creamy Burrito Casserole with your favorite Tex-Mex accompaniments such as guacamole, salsa, sliced jalapeños, or a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Leftover Magic: If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! Creamy Burrito Casserole reheats beautifully. Simply cover and store any leftover portions in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- Freezing Options: Want to make a batch for future meals? This casserole freezes well! Once baked and cooled, portion the casserole into individual servings or freeze the entire dish in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Streamline your meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes dinner time a breeze on busy days or when entertaining guests.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole to suit your taste preferences. Add diced bell peppers, black olives, or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and texture. You can also swap out the types of cheese or experiment with different varieties of tortillas for a unique twist.
- Serve with a Twist: For a fun and festive twist, consider serving individual portions of the Creamy Burrito Casserole in tortilla bowls or on a bed of shredded lettuce for a taco salad-inspired presentation.
- Enjoy Every Bite: However you choose to serve and store it, remember to savor every creamy, cheesy bite of this delicious Tex-Mex creation! Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers, the Creamy Burrito Casserole is sure to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. Simply season and prepare the alternative protein according to your taste preferences before layering it in the casserole.
- Chicken Variation: Swap the ground beef for cooked shredded chicken for a lighter twist on the classic recipe. Season the chicken with taco seasoning or your favorite spices for added flavor before incorporating it into the casserole.
- Seafood Twist: Experiment with a seafood-inspired variation by using cooked shrimp, crab, or fish as the protein component. Mix the seafood with a creamy sauce flavored with lime, cilantro, and spices before layering it into the casserole for a refreshing and flavorful option.
- Vegan Makeover: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, omit the meat and dairy products. Instead of ground beef, use a plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a vegan meat substitute. Substitute dairy-free alternatives for the sour cream and cheese, such as vegan sour cream and shredded vegan cheese.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat by adding diced jalapeños, green chilies, or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. For those who prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or opt for a mild variety.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Put a spin on the classic recipe by incorporating ingredients from other cuisines. Add a layer of cooked rice or quinoa between the tortillas and beef mixture for added texture and heartiness. Experiment with different cheese blends such as Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or cotija for a unique flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make the casserole gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the taco seasoning and condensed soup, are gluten-free certified.
- Customized Toppings: Elevate the casserole with personalized toppings such as sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, green onions, or a drizzle of chipotle aioli. Let each diner customize their portion with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience.
With its simple preparation and delicious taste, Creamy Burrito Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings the best of Tex-Mex cuisine to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this flavorful dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting casserole!
