Beef Burrito Casserole
Delight in Burrito Casserole: Layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, and cheese embraced by handmade tortillas. A savory twist on the classic burrito!
Best Beef Burrito Casserole
This Burrito Casserole recipe was born from one my Aunt Dana added to a cookbook my family made me when I was a youngster. I upgraded it a bit but the result is the same, all the flavors of a delicous burrito in an easy casserole. The hardest part of making burrito casserole is browning the ground beef. I mean that sarcastically, browning ground beef is one of the easiest things you can do cooking.
Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, freshly made refried beans, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese, all nestled between handcrafted flour or corn tortillas. That’s what you get with this delicious Burrito Casserole! It’s a nostalgic nod to your favorite burrito but with the convenience of a cozy casserole dish. The best part? You can customize it to match your taste buds!
Ingredients For Burrito Casserole
So, let’s dive into the essential ingredients you’ll need to whip up this hearty burrito casserole.
- Ground Beef – I like lean ground beef.
- Tortillas – You can use flour tortillas or corn tortillas.
- Refried Beans – Make your own with this Easy Refried Beans Recipe.
- Taco Seasoning
- Shredded Cheese
- Red Bell Pepper
- Cilantro
Burrito Casserole Toppings
Now, let’s talk toppings! The right toppings can take your Burrito Casserole from great to absolutely amazing. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Guacamole: Creamy and zesty, it adds the perfect finish to burrito casserole!
- Salsa: Fresh salsa brings a burst of flavor and acidity.
- Shredded Cheese: More cheese, please! Add your favorite cheese on top for that extra gooeyness.
- Lettuce: A sprinkle of crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides creamy tanginess that balances the spices.
- Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes add freshness and color.
- Onions: I personally prefer red onions for their sweetness. It has onions in it but some fresh crispy ones on top of the burrito casserole doesn’t hurt!
- Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy, they add color and flavor.
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, jalapeños are a must!
- Cilantro: Our favorite herb! It brightens up the dish with its fresh flavor.
With all these incredible ingredients and toppings, your Burrito Casserole will be a showstopper at dinner! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or serving it up at a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone. So roll up your sleeves, get creative, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Visual Process for Making Beef Burrito Casserole
Step 1
Cook Onions
Add the diced onions to a skillet with a little olive oil and cook until softened.
Step 2
Brown Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it is no longer pink.
Step 3
Add Refried Beans
Stir in the refried beans. This is your meat layer in the casserole.
Step 4
Assemble the Burrito Casserole
First layer is meat, tortillas, meat, cilantro and cheese. Second layer is tortillas, meat, cilantro and cheese. Third layer is tortillas, meat, cilantro and cheese. Top with chopped red pepper.
Step 5
Serve
Serve with a host of delicious topping choices like sour cream, salsa, guacamole and cilantro.
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Beef Burrito Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish deep dish
Ingredients
- 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cups refried beans
- 4 tbsp taco seasoning
- 12 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, 6-8 inch)
- 3 cups shredded cheese
- ½ large red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 bunch cilantro (leaves removed and chopped)
- optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Preheat skillet over medium heat.
- Add 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 medium onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add 2 lbs ground beef to the onions and brown until no longer pink
- Stir in 4 cups refried beans and 4 tbsp taco seasoning.
- In a large casserole dish, place ¼ of the meat mixture. Layer 3 tortillas and then ¼ of the meat mixture. Add ⅓ of the cilantro leaves and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat this 2 more times. Top with ½ large red bell pepper.
- Bake in 350℉ oven for 25 minutes. Slice and serve with optional toppings.
Notes
Substitutions
- Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for this casserole because it gives you that hearty, familiar taste and texture reminiscent of a classic beef and bean burrito.
- Shredded Chicken: If you’re feeling chickeny, shredded chicken works beautifully! Pair it with corn or black beans and some fluffy Spanish rice for a satisfying twist.
- Pulled Pork: For a smoky flavor, pulled pork is a fantastic choice! You can prepare it similarly to how I do in this recipe, using pinto beans for that extra creaminess.
- Customize: You can add ingredients like rice, corn, jalapeños, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.