Easy Burrito Casserole

Introducing our Easy Burrito Casserole: a savory delight that brings together the best flavors of a classic burrito in a convenient casserole form. This dish layers tender tortillas with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, sweet corn, and zesty green chilis, all smothered in enchilada sauce and melted Fiesta blend cheese.

Baked to golden perfection, it’s garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, serve with your favorite toppings like salsa and sour cream for a customizable meal everyone will love.

How to make Easy Burrito Casserole

Ingredients

1 16 ounce can of refried beans

1 14 ounce can of whole kernel corn, drained

1 ½ pounds of ground beef, or choice of meat

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 can enchilada sauce

1 smaller can of green chilis

8 large tortillas, your choice, cut in half

2 cups Fiesta blend cheese, shredded

Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350*

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet

Add in the taco seasoning and simmer for a few minutes

Stir in the enchilada sauce, the refried beans, the corn and the small can of green chilis

Stir to combine well and simmer for a few more minutes to heat through

In a 9×13 baking pan, grease the bottom well, then place four of the cut tortillas to cover the bottom of the pan

Top the first layer of tortillas with half of the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheese

Place another layer of the cut tortillas on top of the cheese

Cover the tortillas with the remaining meat mixture and the remainder of the shredded cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes

Garnish with chopped green onions

Have small dishes of salsa, sour cream, chilis, and anything else your family or friends like to put with their burritos.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Meat Choice: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian version.

Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can also use homemade taco seasoning if preferred.

Enchilada Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own enchilada sauce for a more personalized flavor.

Tortillas: Use large tortillas and cut them in half for easier layering. Flour tortillas work best, but you can use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different taste and texture.

Layering: Ensure the baking pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. Layering the tortillas and meat mixture evenly helps distribute flavors throughout the casserole.

Cheese: Fiesta blend cheese adds a nice melty texture and flavor, but you can customize with your favorite cheese blend like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Baking Time: Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, typically around 20 minutes, but adjust based on your oven’s performance.

Garnish: Fresh chopped green onions add a pop of color and freshness. You can also add other toppings like sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or cilantro based on personal preference.

Serving Suggestions: Offer sides like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or additional chopped chilis for guests to personalize their servings.

Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it great for leftovers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like plant-based crumbles.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of a canned one?

Absolutely! You can use homemade enchilada sauce if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the quantity accordingly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply follow the instructions until step 9, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and then proceed with baking as directed.

Can I freeze leftovers of the Easy Burrito Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, portion it into individual servings or as desired, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I customize the toppings for this casserole?

Absolutely! The garnish of chopped green onions is suggested, but you can customize the toppings to your liking.

Some popular options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sliced black olives, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream.

Feel free to get creative and add your favorite flavors and textures to enhance the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables. To make it vegan, ensure that the tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese are all plant-based or dairy-free options.

Can I use different types of tortillas?

Certainly! You can use your preferred type of tortillas, whether it’s flour, corn, whole wheat, or any other variety. Choose the tortillas that you and your family enjoy the most.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add additional vegetables to the meat mixture, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.

You can customize the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or to increase the nutritional value.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready, remove the covering and bake it according to the instructions, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.

Can I freeze the Easy Burrito Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once baked and cooled, you can portion it into individual servings or as desired, wrap them tightly in foil or place in airtight containers, and store them in the freezer.

Thaw the portions overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them.