The Best Burrito Casserole Recipe (Easy to Make)

Burrito Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving Mexican flavors. With layers of flour tortillas, a rich and savory meat mixture featuring ground beef and refried beans, and a generous sprinkle of cheese, this dish promises a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Burrito Casserole

I have a simple but tasty dinner idea for you this week! It is this burrito casserole.

Seasoned ground beef, green chiles, onion, jalapeno, refried beans, taco sauce, tortillas and more all layered in a casserole dish and baked to perfection.

Slice and serve with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and any other taco toppings.

I love Tex-Mex dinners that the whole family will gobble up, and this burrito casserole recipe does just that. Plus the prep is crazy simple, and that is always a win in my book.

The melted cheese on top just sings to my heart. Pair your Mexican casserole with this easy Mexican rice for an easy side dish. Or try this creamy corn dip, it is addictive.

Why You’ll Love My Burrito Casserole

This bubbly, golden-brown casserole dish filled with ground beef, tortillas, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, and taco sauce topped with melty cheese is sure to win over the entire family.

Here’s more reasons to love it:

• Easy to Make: This burrito casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare a hearty meal without too much hassle.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a family favorite, designed to please the whole family. Its familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and tortillas make it a hit with both adults and children.
• Versatile: Feel free to tweak the recipe to include your favorite burrito fillings. Whether you prefer black beans over refried beans or want to add some corn or bell peppers, you can truly make my Burrito Casserole recipe your own.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. It stays good for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: If you love easy casserole recipes that you can freeze, this burrito bake is ideal. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and you can have a frozen burrito casserole ready for a night you don’t feel like cooking.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to. 

Burrito Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to form the hearty base of this beef burrito casserole. If using a fattier cut, brown the beef over medium heat in a large skillet, then drain any excess grease.

• Onion: Choose either a yellow or white onion for a subtle sweetness. Finely dice the onion before adding it to the ground beef mixture, sautéing them together until the onions are translucent and aromatic.

• Jalapeno: Adjust the heat to your preference. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and white membrane. If you enjoy a bit of spice, leave some seeds in. Finely chop the jalapeno before incorporating it into the meat mixture.

• Garlic: Fresh or jarred minced garlic adds amazing flavor to your casserole. Defintley don’t skip it!

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• Green Chiles: Available in mild, medium, or hot varieties, green chiles add some Southwestern flavors. Ensure to drain them well before adding to your casserole dish to avoid excess liquid. You can rinse them to reduce the sodium too.

• Rotel: A can of Rotel, which is just diced tomatoes and green chiles, introduces an additional layer of texture and zest. Drain the can well to maintain the perfect consistency for youBurrito Casserole.

• Taco Sauce: The cornerstone of flavor for this dish, taco sauce infuses the casserole with authentic Mexican flavors. You can buy it from the grocery store or make my Homemade Taco Sauce.

• Refried Beans: What Mexican casserole is complete without homemade refried beans? You can make my beans recipe or just use a can of store-bought refried beans. 

• Tortillas: Flour tortillas create layers throughout the casserole (kinda like a lasagna!). They absorb the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

• Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheese, such as cheddar cheese or a blend, promises a gooey, melted cheese topping that’s irresistible. 

• Cilantro or Green Onions: Add a burst of freshness by garnishing your baked burrito casserole with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions just before serving (or heck, use both!). 

How to Make Burrito Casserole

1. Prep the Skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add lean ground beef and let it brown for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. 
2. Add Vegetables: To the skillet, incorporate diced onions and bell peppers. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Mix in Flavor: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant, then drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add chopped tomatoes, green chiles, taco sauce, and refried beans to the skillet. Combine everything well and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, start with a layer of the beef and bean mixture. Follow with a layer of tortillas, then sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers until all the meat mixture is used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
5. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. Cut into portions and serve with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite burrito toppings like black olives, lime juice, or hot sauce.

Variations to Recipe

• Change up the Meat: Opt for ground turkey, pork or even chicken to replace the ground beef.
• Use Taco Seasoning Instead of Taco Sauce: You can season the beef with taco seasoning in place of the taco sauce. I find the taco sauce is best as it helps to create a nice creamy texture. I recommend that you my homemade taco sauce to use instead of using store-bought.
• Use a Combination of Beans: Swap the refried beans with one can refried beans and another can of pinto for added texture. You could also use refriend black beans instead or pinto beans. 
• Cheese Blends: Use any flavor of cheese you would like for this, or do a blend of two types of cheese.
• Rice Addition: Add a layer of cooked white rice or Mexican Rice beneath the layer of tortillas for an extra filling burrito casserole. 
• Adjust the Heat: Increase the heat by adding more jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the meat mixture OR leave it out altogether.
• Creamy Version: Mix sour cream with the refried beans before layering to create a creamy burrito casserole.
• Tortilla Alternative: Substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas for a different texture and a nod to traditional Mexican cuisine. 
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: For busy weeknights, adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef in a hot skillet, then layer all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an ultimate comfort food experience.

More Recipes to Try

• Mexican Corn Sauce (perfect for steaks)
• Mexican Style Cauliflower Rice
• Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)
• Elote Salad
• Pork Tacos
• Chiles Rellenos
• Black Bean and Corn Salsa
• Black Bean Balls

Tips for Making This Burrito Casserole

• Make sure to fully cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Then ensure you drain off the excess grease.
• Drain off the liquid on the tomatoes and the green chiles.
• Stir the mixture often, so it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the skillet.
• Create several layers so each bite you get all the flavors of the dish.
• Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before you slice it.
• Ensure you grease your casserole dish before you begin layering your meat and tortillas.

FAQs

Can I prepare a burrito casserole ahead of time?

Yes, feel free to whip this up ahead of time, and assemble the casserole. Instead of baking, just cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it is fully warmed through.

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of burrito casserole?

Go right ahead and leave out the meat for this recipe. Just use extra beans or even a meat replacement if you would like. If you are making vegan, reach for vegan-friendly dairy products.

Can I make a gluten-free burrito casserole?

To make gluten-free reach for gluten-free ingredients and swap out the tortillas with a gluten-free alternative. You will assemble and bake the casserole the same way.

Print Pin

Burrito Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground chuck
• 1 Onion Chopped
• 1 Jalapeno Minced - Seeds & membranes removed
• 2 tsp Minced garlic
• 4.5 oz Can of chopped green chiles Drained
• 10 oz Can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel) Drained
• 16 oz Jar of taco sauce
• 2 16oz cans of refried beans
• 12 8-Inch Flour tortillas
• 3-4 C Shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions to garnish Optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground chuck for 5-7 minutes. Add the jalapeño and onion; continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the beef is cooked through and onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds. Drain any excess fat. 
• Mix in the green chiles, tomatoes with green chiles, taco sauce, and refried beans. Cook the mixture on low heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. 
• Spread a thin layer of the meat/bean mixture into a baking dish. I either use a 9x13 or a round 3quart casserole dish. Cover with a layer of tortillas, followed by more meat mixture and then a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat tortilla, meat, & cheese layers until all the tortillas are used. Finish off with a layer of meat mixture and cheese. 
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly browned and the casserole is bubbly. 
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.