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This filling baked burrito casserole is my go-to when I want big flavor with minimal fuss. Instead of rolling individual burritos, you stack everything in a dish for a hearty, cheesy meal loaded with comfort and Mexican flair. Rich layers of beef, beans, and creamy sauce bubble up golden and bubbly for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Every bite tastes like classic burritos, but you only have one pan to wash.
I first threw this together for a houseful of hungry relatives and it instantly became the potluck favorite. Now I make it whenever I want something crazy simple and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: gives a hearty base and deep flavor to the whole dish. Look for fresh ground chuck because it keeps things juicy
- Small onion: adds sweetness and aroma when softened properly. Use fresh and firm onions for best taste
- Taco seasoning packet: delivers instant Mexican-inspired seasoning in a pinch. Choose a brand without artificial colors or too much sodium for the most authentic flavor
- Refried beans: make everything stick together with creamy texture. Go for smooth-style beans without added lard if you want it lighter
- Cream of mushroom soup: provides extra moisture and creates a silky sauce. Make sure to use good-quality canned soup for best taste
- Sour cream: cuts through the richness and keeps the casserole light. Choose full-fat for richness or light if you want to reduce calories
- Large flour tortillas: hold up better for layering than corn tortillas. Warm them a few seconds in the microwave so they are soft and pliable
- Mexican blend cheese: gives the best melt factor and extra savory flavor. A bag with a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar works perfectly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- Brown your ground beef in a large skillet with the diced onion over medium heat for eight minutes. Let the onion soften and be sure to break the beef into small crumbles. Once no pink remains, drain off excess fat for lighter results. Return to the stove and stir in the taco seasoning along with all the refried beans. Mix well and let everything get hot and fully combined for about three more minutes
- Mix up the creamy sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the entire can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup with the sour cream until there are no streaks left. This should turn into a smooth single-color mixture that will keep your casserole moist as it bakes
- Layer it up:
- Spread half of the soup and sour cream mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and build the flavors. Lay out flour tortillas over this layer so they overlap and fully cover the surface, tearing them if needed. Scatter half of the beef and bean mix over the tortillas and spread into a uniform layer. Sprinkle roughly one cup of shredded Mexican cheese across the top
- Finish and bake:
- Repeat the layers with more tortillas, the rest of the beef mixture, and the remaining soup mix, then shower all the rest of your cheese over the top to make a gooey finish. Put the uncovered dish into a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling at the edges, and starting to turn golden brown
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My favorite part is what the cream of mushroom soup does in this recipe. At first it sounded unusual but my grandma made this swap years ago in a pinch and now we swear by it. It keeps the casserole creamy from edge to edge and there is never a dry bite. Every family gathering someone reminds me to make this version—not the rolled kind.
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store leftovers in a covered dish in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen after a day and the texture stays good. Reheat single servings in the microwave or place larger amounts in the oven covered with foil until hot. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, label, and store for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you like things lighter. For a vegetarian option go for black beans or veggie crumbles. If you do not have cream of mushroom soup cream of chicken or celery soup work too. For more zing try adding canned diced green chiles or using pepper jack cheese in place of some regular cheese
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot with a crisp green salad and lime vinaigrette. Add some sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeno rings, and extra dollops of sour cream on the side so everyone can build their own plate. This also works beautifully with Spanish rice or sautéed corn for a full meal
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Cultural Context
Burrito casserole is a true American comfort food spin on Mexican classics. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want that Tex-Mex experience without all the work of rolling individual burritos. The creamy sauce and layered approach are pure potluck magic
Recipe FAQs
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, keep it refrigerated, then let it rest 30 minutes before baking. You may need to add extra baking time.
- → What can be used instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or celery soup works well as substitutes. You can also try condensed cheddar cheese soup mixed with diced green chilies for a different flavor.
- → How can I increase the spice level?
Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, spicy taco seasoning, diced green chilies, or swap some cheese for pepper jack to give it a kick.
- → Are corn tortillas a good alternative to flour tortillas here?
Corn tortillas can be used but have a different texture and flavor. Toast them lightly before layering to keep them sturdy.
- → Is there a vegetarian version for this dish?
Yes, replace beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetable-based cream soup and ensure refried beans are lard-free for a meatless option.
- → What toppings complement this dish well?
Fresh sliced tomatoes, avocado, olives, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, guacamole, salsa, or extra sour cream all pair nicely.