Try a fiesta of authentic Tex-Mex flavors with a definite South-of-the-Border zing! Our easy-to-make, cheese-laden Burrito Casserole will have your friends and family yelling “Muy Rico”!
Ah, Mexico – home of the world’s best beaches, Mayan ruins, tequila, Day of the Dead, and last but not least, the delicious burrito – the cheesy, ground beefy, and tortilla-topped food truck favorite often enjoyed in “as large as your head” portions. Nobody really knows how burritos were born. Some envision they were created so that 19th-century Mexican workers and travelers could have meals on the go. I think burritos were invented to soothe anyone who has had a horrible day at work and needs a satisfying, yummy dinner to end the day on a fiesta before their long evening siesta. But that’s just my theory.
Just to make it even better, you can take that delicious burrito and magically turn it into a casserole – an all-star comfort food and the Midwestern way of saying, “I know things are tough. Here’s something that will make all of your problems go away.” And voilà – you have an easy-to-make, easy-to-freeze crowd-pleaser!
Sometimes called a Tex-Mex version of lasagna, our Burrito Casserole is your express lane to a Tex-Mex flavor punch and is ideal for the work week because it’s fast, simple, and inexpensive. And because it’s freezable, it’s perfect for make-ahead meals.
So Why Is It So Delish?
Those who dig creamy textures will love the mouthfeel of this meaty treat. What’s more is, it is delicious with the Mexican restaurant standby, chips and salsa. Or make a more smokin’ rendition of the casserole with jalapeño peppers.
How long should I cook the beef in the skillet?
Make sure your ground beef is fully browned. Cooking for 5-6 minutes should be enough, but check the temperature to make sure that it’s 160 degrees. Undercooked beef can cause digestive issues such as food poisoning.
Can I make it ahead?
We love that the Burrito Casserole is a make-ahead dish. To properly keep the casserole frozen, use foil or a freezer-friendly lid. When you are ready to serve it, just defrost it and bake it for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. You have the option to bake the frozen casserole. But it takes about 30-35 minutes longer to heat it to being all the way ready. Remember, it’s a big no-no to use a cold or frozen glass dish in an oven. You can also microwave your casserole, but we prefer standard baking.
Serving Suggestions
Try your Burrito Casserole with yummy homemade guacamole – a healthy nom nom; or these Black Bean Cakes with Corn Salsa and Avocado Sauce.
Also yummy with our casserole is this Mexican Street Corn Salad, which has a fresh flavor and vibrant appearance – or try this Mexican Avocado Chicken Salad – with a delicious honey cilantro dressing. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to create a delicious meal your family will say “Si!” to again and again!
Burrito Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 medium flour tortillas 8-inch size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can black beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 10 ounces
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, for about 5-6 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then add the black beans. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with green chiles and sour cream to create the sauce.
- Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Place one flour tortilla at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortilla, followed by half of the tomato and sour cream sauce, and sprinkle with one-third of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a tortilla and the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite burrito toppings, such as sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of guacamole.
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