Hearty Burrito Casserole

Hearty Burrito Casserole is a layered Tex-Mex comfort dish featuring seasoned meat, beans, tortillas, salsa, and cheese, all baked together into a bubbly, satisfying meal. It’s like a burrito in casserole form—easy to make, serve, and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal with all your favorite burrito ingredients
• Customizable with your choice of meat, beans, and toppings
• Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor
• Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
• 1 can refried beans or black beans, drained
• 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) or plain diced tomatoes
• 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 6–8 flour tortillas, torn into pieces
• 2–3 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese
• Optional: corn, jalapeños, olives, sour cream

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook onion and bell pepper until soft. Add ground meat and brown thoroughly. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning, beans, Rotel, and salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
4. Layer torn tortillas in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the meat mixture and top with half the cheese.
5. Repeat layers: tortillas, meat mixture, and remaining cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add toppings as desired.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6–8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 30–40 minutes
• Rest time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Chicken version: Use shredded cooked chicken and black beans
• Creamy version: Mix beans with sour cream and a can of cream of mushroom soup
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans, corn, and peppers
• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture
• Low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas or layer with sliced zucchini instead

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 4–5 days
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat:
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered, until heated through
  • Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1–2 minutes
• Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas work well and add extra flavor.

2. Is it freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add rice?

Yes, layer in cooked rice for extra bulk and texture.

4. How spicy is it?

It depends on your salsa or Rotel—use mild or hot based on your preference.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.

6. What’s the best cheese to use?

Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination all work well.

7. Do I have to cook the meat first?

Yes, pre-cooking the meat ensures it’s fully cooked and flavorful.

8. Can I use leftover taco meat?

Definitely—just warm it slightly and layer it in.

9. Can I make individual servings?

Yes, use ramekins or muffin tins and bake for 15–20 minutes.

10. What toppings go well?

Sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, green onions, or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Hearty Burrito Casserole is an easy, comforting dinner packed with bold flavors and layers of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving a family meal or prepping for a week of lunches, this recipe offers a delicious and dependable solution. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

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