Baked Burrito Casserole

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There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy, and hearty meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table. This Baked Burrito Casserole takes everything you love about a classic burrito—seasoned beef, refried beans, gooey cheese, and soft tortillas—and layers it into a simple, baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. No rolling or stuffing required!

If you’re anything like me, you love a good Tex-Mex-inspired dinner, but sometimes, the thought of making individual burritos for the whole family feels like too much effort. That’s why this casserole is a game-changer. It’s easy to throw together, bakes up beautifully, and satisfies even the hungriest eaters. Plus, it’s totally customizable—want to add some heat? Toss in some jalapeños! Need to sneak in extra veggies? Go for it!

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before anything else, set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 small chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease—we want all the flavor without the extra oil.

Step 3: Add Seasoning & Beans

Once your beef is cooked, stir in one packet of taco seasoning and mix well. Then, add in one can of refried beans and stir everything together until well combined. The refried beans help hold everything together while adding a creamy, rich texture. Let the mixture heat through for a couple of minutes, then set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together one can of cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) and ½ cup of sour cream. This combination might sound unexpected, but trust me—it creates a smooth, creamy layer that adds depth to the casserole. If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you could swap it for cream of chicken or even a homemade sauce.

At this point, your kitchen should already be smelling amazing. Now, it’s time for the fun part—putting everything together

How to Layer and Bake the Perfect Baked Burrito Casserole

Now that we have our seasoned beef mixture and creamy sauce ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. This step is where all the magic happens—layering everything together to create a dish that’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You don’t have to worry about rolling tortillas perfectly or making sure everything is evenly stuffed. Just layer, bake, and enjoy!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Start by spreading half of the soup mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a creamy base that helps keep the tortillas soft and flavorful as they bake.

Next, place a layer of flour tortillas over the soup mixture. Tear the tortillas as needed to fit—you want to cover as much of the surface as possible. It’s okay if there are small gaps; the layers will all meld together in the oven.

Now, it’s time to add the beef! Spread half of the seasoned beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Make sure to distribute it well so that every bite is full of flavor.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the beef layer. This will help everything stick together and add that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Now, repeat the layering process:

  • Add another layer of tortillas.
  • Spread the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas.
  • Sprinkle another cup of shredded cheese on top.

For the final touch, finish with a final layer of tortillas and spread the remaining soup mixture over the top. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese to create a bubbly, golden topping once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges. Since everything is already cooked, this step is all about allowing the flavors to meld together and creating that perfect cheesy topping.

Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up a little, making it easier to serve.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Now comes the best part—digging in! Serve the casserole warm and add your favorite toppings to take it to the next level. Here are some ideas:

  • Salsa for a fresh, zesty kick
  • Guacamole for a creamy, rich contrast
  • Sour cream to balance out the spices
  • Chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes for extra freshness
  • Jalapeños if you love a little heat

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions & Final Thoughts on Baked Burrito Casserole

By now, your kitchen probably smells incredible, and you’re ready to dig into this cheesy, layered burrito casserole. But before you do, let’s go over some common questions that might come up when making this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Assemble it as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can swap it for cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade sauce using a roux, chicken broth, and a bit of heavy cream.

4. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that corn tortillas have a firmer texture and a slightly different flavor. To prevent them from breaking, warm them up slightly before layering.

5. How do I make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat, you can mix diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce into the beef mixture. You can also use spicy taco seasoning instead of regular.

6. What other toppings go well with this casserole?
Besides salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, try adding black olives, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of hot queso on top before serving.

7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Burrito Casserole is the perfect comfort food—easy to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or make it as spicy (or mild) as you like. No matter how you customize it, one thing is for sure—this casserole is a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy all the flavors of a burrito in an easy, layered dish.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it! Have any fun variations or favorite toppings? Share them in the comments!

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Baked Burrito Casserole

This Baked Burrito Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines all the best parts of a burrito into an easy, layered casserole. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a comforting meal.

  • Author: Mark's Recipe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 pack taco seasoning
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 pack large flour tortillas
  • 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

3️⃣ Add Seasoning & Beans:
Stir in the taco seasoning and refried beans, mixing until well combined. Heat through and set aside.

4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.

5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:

Spread half of the soup mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Place a layer of flour tortillas over the soup mixture, tearing them to fit.

Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.

Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

6️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7️⃣ Serve:
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.

Notes

  • Swap the soup: Use cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
  • Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
  • Topping ideas: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6-8

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