The Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want all the flavors of your favorite burrito packed into one cozy, cheesy casserole dish. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, soft flour tortillas, and gooey melted cheddar dripping with rich enchilada sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s comfort food that comes together quickly, makes plenty of servings, and satisfies every craving for bold Tex-Mex flavors with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that might already be in your pantry or fridge. Each one plays a vital role: the ground beef brings hearty protein, the taco seasoning layers in authentic spice, and the black beans add creaminess and fiber. Flour tortillas create tender layers that soak up every flavorful bite, and shredded cheddar cheese ties it all together with a luscious melt.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory base and rich texture that everyone loves.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Brings a vibrant, zesty spice blend to the beef, making every bite exciting.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps the taco seasoning meld with the beef perfectly, ensuring no dryness.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and a boost of fiber for extra satisfaction.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Offers tangy, smoky depth that infuses the casserole with authentic Mexican flair.
- 8 flour tortillas, cut into quarters: Create soft, layered pockets that soak up all the sauce and cheese.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers the gooey, melty goodness that brings the whole dish together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping): Adds a cooling, creamy contrast when served on top.
How to Make Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cooking 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from feeling greasy. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in half a cup of water. Simmer this flavorful mixture for about 5 minutes – this step lets those spices soak into every morsel of beef. Finally, stir in the black beans and enchilada sauce, which will add creaminess and a rich, tangy kick. Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat to keep it fresh and ready for layering.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking bliss. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and clean-up is easy. Begin building your casserole by layering the bottom with quartered flour tortillas, making sure to cover the entire surface with these soft, chewy foundations. Next, spoon a generous portion of your beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat, then repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure the final layer is cheese to achieve that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and heat. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil so the cheese on top can melt into a perfectly bubbly, slightly crisp layer, and bake for another 10 minutes. This baking process marries all the flavors together and creates that irresistible cheesy top that makes this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When your casserole is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly – patience helps the layers set up for easy slicing. Add a scoop of sour cream on top, then sprinkle with fresh green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños if you like a bit of a kick. Gather your family or friends and dive into this hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like all the best parts of a burrito rolled into one unforgettable bake.
How to Serve Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The best part of serving your Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is the fun of garnishing. Fresh green onions add a mild, zesty crunch, while chopped cilantro brings bright, refreshing herbal notes that cut through the richness. If you’re craving a little heat, sliced jalapeños are perfect for a spicy edge. A dollop of sour cream or cool guacamole adds creamy balance and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple so the casserole remains the star. A crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette complements the cheesy richness, while Spanish rice or Mexican street corn can make your meal feel like a festive feast. For lighter options, roasted vegetables or a bowl of fresh fruit can refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to put a twist on this classic Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe? Try serving it in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layering it in a clear glass baking dish so the colorful layers peek through. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten every bite and add a little zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent sogginess, store garnishes like sour cream or fresh herbs separately and add them just before serving the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect meal prep option. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers safely in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, though the oven helps maintain that freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef for cooked lentils, tofu, or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Add extra beans or vegetables like corn and bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a creamier texture and more complex taste.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but be aware that corn tortillas are less flexible and may break apart easily. To prevent dryness, lightly warm or fry them before layering.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole fully, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Use mild taco seasoning and omit jalapeños for a gentler flavor, or add chopped fresh chilies and a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat. Customizing the spice makes this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe perfect for all tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to whip up a crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious, this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable dish that brings the festive spirit of a burrito night with half the effort. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Print
Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Burrito Casserole is a comforting, layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, enchilada sauce, and flour tortillas, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to assemble and bake, delivering the flavors of a classic burrito in a simple casserole format.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream or guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning and water to the browned beef, stirring well. Cook together for about 5 minutes so the beef absorbs the seasoning flavors thoroughly.
- Add Beans and Sauce: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans along with the enchilada sauce. Mix until everything is combined, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange a layer of quartered flour tortillas evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon a layer of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers—tortillas, beef mixture, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown Cheese: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Then top with a dollop of sour cream and your choice of garnishes like chopped green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or guacamole.
- Serve: Cut into portions and serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Notes
- Use low-fat cheddar cheese or reduce cheese amount to lower fat content.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or use a hot enchilada sauce.
- To save time, use pre-seasoned ground beef or leftover taco meat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American