Baked Burrito Casserole: A Delicious Family Favorite

If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful dish to satisfy the whole family, look no further than Baked Burrito Casserole! This hearty meal combines classic burrito flavors in a baked casserole form, making it perfect for any night of the week. With layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, you’ll find it hard to resist second helpings!

Why make this recipe?

Baked Burrito Casserole is the perfect blend of convenience and taste. It’s quick to prepare, makes wonderful leftovers, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that minimizes cleanup—who wouldn’t love that? 🎉

How to prepare Baked Burrito Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef 🍖
• 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
• 1 package taco seasoning 🌶️
• 1 can refried beans 🥫
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 🥫
• 1/2 cup sour cream 🥄
• 1 package large flour tortillas 🌯
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese 🧀

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat. 🍳
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and follow package instructions.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the refried beans, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until well combined.
5. To assemble the casserole, spread a layer of the bean mixture on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Layer a few tortillas over the mixture, followed by half of the cooked beef. Sprinkle on a cup of shredded cheese.
7. Repeat the layers: bean mixture, tortillas, beef, and top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 🧀🔥

How to serve Baked Burrito Casserole

Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, cut it into squares or wedges and serve with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or additional sour cream. Enjoy with a side of salsa and tortilla chips for a complete meal! 🥳

How to store Baked Burrito Casserole

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), allow the casserole to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving! 🥶

Tips for preparing Baked Burrito Casserole

• Customize it: Feel free to add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the layers for added flavor and color. 🍽️
• Cheese options: Experiment with different cheese blends or even add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a unique twist. 🧀
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add diced green chilies or hot sauce to the bean mixture. 🌶️

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or beyond meat for a veggie-friendly option.
• Chicken Casserole: Swap the beef for shredded cooked chicken for a different protein choice. 🍗
• Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour to make it gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Absolutely! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.

3. How can I make it healthier?
   You can use lean ground turkey, whole wheat tortillas, and low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.

Now, you’re ready to create a delicious Baked Burrito Casserole that will be a hit with your family! Enjoy cooking! 🍽️🎉