Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Burrito Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that delivers all the flavor of traditional burritos with minimal effort. It layers seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese into a comforting, family-friendly meal. For another quick casserole option, try the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ready in 30 Minutes. Customize your seasoning with this Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe for a fresh, from-scratch taste.

Ingredients

This Baked Burrito Casserole delivers layers of savory ground beef, creamy beans, and melted cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection with a golden top.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil for covering

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Baked Burrito Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes since you skip individually wrapping each burrito.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Filling

Brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat before adding 1 packet of taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 2 — Assemble the Base Layer

Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4–5 large flour tortillas in a single layer, overlapping slightly to cover the entire base.

Step 3 — Layer the Ingredients

Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Top with 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of black beans (rinsed and drained), and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Drizzle with another ½ cup of enchilada sauce.

Step 4 — Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining meat, rice, beans, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of tortillas and cover them with the rest of the sauce.

Step 5 — Add the Final Toppings

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. For extra flavor, add sliced olives or diced green chiles. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the casserole moist during baking.

Step 6 — Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the covered Baked Burrito Casserole for 25 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges when it’s ready.

Step 7 — Brown the Cheese

Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Baked Burrito Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Step 9 — Garnish and Enjoy

Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced avocado. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, family-friendly Baked Burrito Casserole.

Nutritional Information

Calories	425
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	18g
Fiber	8g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option with similar texture to ground beef but lower in saturated fat.
• Cauliflower rice instead of regular rice — Reduces carbs and calories while adding extra vegetables to your Baked Burrito Casserole.
• Black beans or lentils — Plant-based protein alternatives that work well for vegetarian versions of this dish.
• Low-sodium taco seasoning — Controls sodium intake while maintaining the classic Mexican flavor profile.
• Dairy-free cheese alternatives — Perfect for those avoiding dairy while still achieving the melty, cheesy texture.
• Corn tortillas instead of flour — Gluten-free option that adds authentic flavor and firmer texture to the casserole.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Provides tangy creaminess with more protein and less fat for topping.
• Extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini — Boosts nutrition and fiber content without compromising the Baked Burrito Casserole experience.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn for a complete meal.
• Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Serve alongside Spanish rice and black beans for a hearty dinner.
• Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Offer a variety of hot sauces and salsas for customizable heat levels.
• Garnish with sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

This Baked Burrito Casserole is versatile enough for weeknight meals yet impressive for entertaining, making it a crowd-pleasing choice any day of the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold tortillas straight from the fridge. Fix: Warm them briefly to prevent cracking when rolling.
• Mistake: Overfilling burritos until they burst. Fix: Use about ½ cup filling per large tortilla for a secure seal.
• Mistake: Skipping the sauce layer on the bottom of the dish. Fix: Spread a thin sauce base to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time, drying out the top. Fix: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to brown.
• Mistake: Adding watery fresh veggies like tomatoes directly. Fix: Sauté or drain them first to avoid a soggy Baked Burrito Casserole.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the filling, relying only on sauce. Fix: Season each component—beans, rice, meat—individually for depth.
• Mistake: Cutting the casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest 10 minutes so layers set for clean slices.
• Mistake: Using only one type of cheese. Fix: Blend melty (e.g., Monterey Jack) and flavorful (e.g., sharp cheddar) cheeses.
• Mistake: Not preheating the oven fully. Fix: Ensure the oven reaches 375°F before baking for even cooking.
• Mistake: Overlooking the tortilla edges in the pan. Fix: Tuck edges inward or coat with sauce to prevent burning.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Baked Burrito Casserole completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the entire dish or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which is the safe temperature for reheated food.

For best results when reheating your Baked Burrito Casserole, cover it with foil to prevent the top from drying out.

Conclusion

This Baked Burrito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Fajita Chicken Casserole Bake Recipe next! Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

Print

FAQs

Can I prepare this Baked Burrito Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze the Baked Burrito Casserole?

Absolutely. This Baked Burrito Casserole freezes well after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it securely. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

What are some good toppings for this casserole?

Popular toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These additions complement the flavors of the Baked Burrito Casserole beautifully.