Baked Burrito Casserole: Hearty Mexican-Inspired Beef and Cheese Casserole

This Baked Burrito Casserole is a cozy, flavor-packed twist on the classic burrito. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, gooey cheese, and soft tortillas, it’s everything I love about Mexican comfort food in one easy-to-bake dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together all the bold, comforting flavors of a burrito without the hassle of rolling each one individually. It’s easy to assemble, highly customizable, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing. Whether I’m feeding the family on a busy weeknight or serving guests, this one always disappears fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (1 lb, lean)

• Flour tortillas (medium size, about 8)

• Refried beans (1 can)

• Salsa (1 cup, any brand or homemade)

• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)

• Taco seasoning (1 packet or homemade)

• Chopped onions (1 small)

• Minced garlic (2 cloves)

• Sour cream (for topping)

• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.

3. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.

4. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer until fully cooked and thickened.

5. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread a thin layer of salsa.

6. Layer two tortillas on the bottom, followed by half the refried beans, half the beef mixture, and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

7. Repeat layers, ending with tortillas topped with salsa and the remaining cheese.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Version: I sometimes swap the beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist.

• Vegetarian Version: I love using black beans, corn, and bell peppers instead of beef.

• Spicy Kick: When I want heat, I add jalapeños or use spicy salsa between the layers.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either microwave individual servings or bake at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, I’ve used corn tortillas and they give a deliciously different texture and flavor. Just handle them gently as they can crumble more easily.

How do I make this gluten-free?

I simply swap in certified gluten-free tortillas and ensure the taco seasoning and refried beans are also gluten-free.

How spicy is the original version?

The base recipe is mild, but I easily adjust the heat with spicy salsa or chopped chilies.

Can I add cooked rice to the layers?

Definitely. I’ve layered in Mexican rice for extra heartiness and it blends wonderfully.

What’s the best cheese combo for melty goodness?

I stick with cheddar and Monterey Jack for the perfect balance of flavor and melt, but I occasionally mix in mozzarella or pepper jack.

Conclusion

Baked Burrito Casserole is my go-to comfort meal when I want something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding my family or prepping ahead, it always hits the spot and earns rave reviews. Give it a try—this one’s a keeper.

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