If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that packs all the bold flavors of your favorite Mexican favorites into one easy meal, this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, melty cheddar cheese, and warm tortillas come together in a saucy, cheesy casserole that bakes to bubbly perfection. It’s simple to assemble, absolutely satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something hearty and delicious without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is a breeze, but each element plays an essential role in building layers of irresistible flavor, texture, and color. From savory seasoned beef to creamy cheese and soft tortillas, these ingredients create a tapestry of tastes that meld beautifully in the oven.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that absorbs all the taco seasoning magic.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds the iconic spicy, smoky flavor that makes this dish pop.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps blend the seasoning with the beef and beans for a saucy mixture.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings a creamy texture and earthy depth while packing fiber.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Infuses the casserole with rich, tangy tomato flavor and a hint of chili warmth.
- 8 flour tortillas, cut into quarters: Soft layers to hold all the filling and soak up the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness on every bite.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping): Adds creamy coolness that balances the spices perfectly.
- Chopped green onions (optional garnish): A fresh, sharp burst that brightens the dish.
- Chopped cilantro (optional garnish): Adds herbal vibrancy and color contrast.
- Sliced jalapeños (optional garnish): For a kick of heat and exciting texture.
- Sour cream or guacamole (optional garnish): Perfect finishing touches that add richness and creaminess.
How to Make Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting the blend simmer for about five minutes so the spices fully infuse the beef. Next, add in the black beans and enchilada sauce, then remove the skillet from heat. This mixture will be the hearty, flavorful filling that makes the casserole irresistible.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Begin layering by spreading a few tortilla quarters evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a soft base. Spoon on a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, and sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers — tortillas, beef mixture, cheese — until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a thick blanket of cheese to ensure that golden, bubbly crust you crave.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step helps all the flavors marry together while warming everything through. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final burst of cooking melts the cheese to a perfect bubbly consistency and gives a light golden top layer that’s simply mouthwatering.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to cool slightly—it’ll be easier to serve and the flavors will settle beautifully. Spoon out generous portions onto plates and add dollops of sour cream or guacamole for that creamy contrast. Then sprinkle your optional garnishes like chopped green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños for freshness and a bit of zing. This Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe shines when served warm and makes every bite a comforting fiesta.
How to Serve Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe with colorful garnishes to brighten every bite. Chopped green onions add a fresh, oniony crunch while cilantro brings a splash of herbal brightness. If you like a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños deliver spice and texture. Don’t forget a cooling dollop of sour cream or creamy guacamole to balance the savory, cheesy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or Mexican street corn to add freshness and zest. Alternatively, a bowl of Spanish rice or refried beans can complement the main dish and keep the meal fabulous and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests with your Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe? Serve it in individual ramekins for a personalized presentation or layer the casserole in clear glass dishes to show off the beautiful, colorful layers. Adding edible flowers or radish slices as a garnish can elevate the look and delight everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Add fresh garnishes just before serving to retain their brightness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner alternatives and will soak up the seasonings just as well, giving you a lighter but still flavorful version of this Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mix of tomato sauce and chili powder or salsa for a similar tangy, spicy kick that complements the filling perfectly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the black beans or add other veggies like sautéed peppers and onions. Use vegetarian taco seasoning to keep all the zest without meat.
Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can use corn tortillas but they tend to be less pliable and might break apart. To prevent this, lightly warm them before cutting and layering so they soften up and hold together better in the casserole.
Can I prepare the casserole a day ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! Assembling the casserole a day in advance is a huge time saver. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed when you’re ready. The flavors will develop wonderfully overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is a real winner for anyone wanting a fulfilling, flavor-packed meal without complicated steps. Whether feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, it delivers comfort and zest in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen—you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation for good!
Print
Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This delicious Baked Burrito Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, enchilada sauce, and layers of flour tortillas topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to assemble and bake, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Optional garnishes like sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños add freshness and spice to every bite.
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, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the drained black beans and enchilada sauce, stirring to combine well. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Begin layering by covering the bottom of the dish with several pieces of the cut flour tortillas, ensuring the entire base is covered.
- Add Layers: Spread a portion of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the layer of tortillas. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering process—tortillas, beef mixture, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered, which helps meld the flavors and heats the casserole through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned for the perfect texture.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with a dollop of sour cream if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or guacamole for extra flavor and freshness. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful baked burrito casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative, but note this will change texture slightly.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If preferred, add vegetables like corn or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
