Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Food

Ah, my dear friend, gather ‘round! Today, I’m about to share a treasure from my kitchen that has become a staple for cozy evenings and chaotic nights alike: the Creamy Burrito Casserole. This dish is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold winter evening—inviting, nourishing, and just plain comforting. I stumbled upon this recipe during my early cooking days, and it was love at first bite!

You see, it captures all the vibrant flavors of a classic burrito but presents them in a way that feels effortless and cozy. With its layers of beef, beans, cheese, and a hint of creaminess, it’s no wonder this casserole finds its way to my table time and again. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about why this Creamy Burrito Casserole stands head and shoulders above the rest. Picture this: it has all the flavors you crave—hearty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and creamy layers that make every forkful feel indulgent. It’s like having a fiesta right in your mouth!

But what really sets it apart? The ease of preparation! In just about 30 minutes, you can create a show-stopping meal that looks like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability; you can easily customize it based on what’s in your fridge. Want to switch out the beef for turkey or go fully vegetarian with lentils? Go for it! This casserole loves to play, making it the champion of weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike.

Plus, let’s not forget about that creamy goodness brought in by the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. It’s the glue that holds everything together, adding rich depth to every bite. Your family will be begging for the leftovers, which I promise will happen!

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s dive into the star players of this dish:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: A versatile protein that provides the heartiness this casserole needs. If you’re opting for leaner options, ground turkey or even plant-based meat substitutes work wonderfully.

• 1/2 Onion (chopped): This humble vegetable contributes a sweet aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t skimp on the chopping; a good rough chop will do, allowing it to melt into the dish perfectly.

• 1 package Taco Seasoning: The magic sprinkle! This blend packs a punch of spice and flavor—making this dish sing without needing your spice rack to tumble out. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix your own seasoning using cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

• 6 Large Flour Tortillas: Think of these as the cozy layers in your burrito; they absorb flavors beautifully and add a delightful chew. Whole wheat or corn tortillas also work if that’s your vibe.

• 1 can Refried Beans: The creamy texture they provide is unmatched. You can also use black beans or pinto beans if you crave a little extra texture.

• 2–3 cups Shredded Taco Cheese or Cheddar Cheese: Cheese, glorious cheese! Go for a melty taco blend for that ooey-gooey factor or sharp cheddar for an extra tang.

• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is your secret weapon, adding creaminess without the fuss of making a béchamel sauce. Cream of chicken soup can also give it a unique twist depending on your preference.

• 4 ounces Sour Cream: A dollop of this dreamy ingredient takes the flavor to the next level. Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute if you’re looking for a tangy kick or a healthier option.

The cooking process explained

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Here’s how to whip this casserole together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is your warm-up, so your casserole will bake to perfection.

2. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break up the beef until it’s all browned and the onions are translucent. This is where flavors start popping!

3. Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle in that taco seasoning, stirring it well to coat the beef and onions. Cook for another minute—it’s magic, I tell you!

4. Mix in the refried beans: Take off the heat and stir in those glorious refried beans until well combined. The mix should be thick and smile-worthy.

5. Layer the tortillas: Grab a baking dish and start layering! Place 2 tortillas at the bottom. Don’t sweat it if they overlap—this isn’t a fashion show.

6. Add the beef mixture: Pour half of the beef-refried bean mix over the tortillas, smoothing it out lovingly.

7. Sprinkle with cheese: Go ahead and shower that layer with 1 cup of shredded cheese like confetti over a parade!

8. Repeat layers: Add another layer of 2 tortillas, then repeat with the remaining beef mix and another cup of cheese on top. Finally, place the last two tortillas on the very top.

9. Combine soup and sour cream: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. Spread this creamy mix over the final layer of tortillas.

10. Finish with cheese: Top it all off with the last cup of cheese. You want to see that golden crust peeking through!

11. Bake it: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden—like the sun kissing the horizon at dusk.

12. Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. The anticipation will kill you, but trust me—it’s worth it!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve concocted this delicious masterpiece, how do you serve it up? First, cut it into generous squares, revealing layers of cheesy goodness. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness. A scoop of salsa or guacamole on top adds that zing you’d love. If you’re really feeling festive, some jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of cilantro would be lovely enhancements.

For drinks, consider pairing it with a margarita or a crisp iced tea. That combination of creamy, zesty, and refreshing? Pure poetry!

How to store and freeze

So, let’s chat storage. If by some miracle you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), you can keep your casserole in the fridge wrapped tightly with foil or packed in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat, pop your delicious pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of water and covering it with foil to keep moisture in—let’s keep this casserole creamy, right?

Thinking of freezing it? Absolutely! Just assemble it up to the point of baking, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per instructions.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom from my kitchen:

• Beef Alternatives: If you want to keep things lighter, ground chicken or turkey work beautifully. Or go meatless with beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

• Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Toss in a can of diced green chiles or some fresh jalapeño slices when mixing the beef.

• Texture Twist: For added crunch, consider tossing in a layer of diced bell peppers or corn between your tortillas. This adds not only texture but bursts of sweetness.

• Make Ahead: This dish is a dream for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat.

• Add Freshness: Right before serving, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions will elevate it beautifully!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some variations:

• Southwestern Style: Swap the refried beans for black beans and incorporate corn into the meat mixture for that extra Southern flair.

• South of the Border: Add layers of diced avocado or fresh chiles between the tortillas for added texture and flavor.

• Cheese Lover’s Heaven: Experiment with different cheese blends—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even gouda for a smoky flavor.

• Spaghetti Burrito Casserole: Mix in some cooked spaghetti with the meat mixture for an entirely new take—the kids will love it!

Ingredients list

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1/2 Onion (chopped)
• 1 package Taco Seasoning
• 6 Large Flour Tortillas
• 1 can Refried Beans
• 2–3 cups Shredded Taco Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 4 ounces Sour Cream

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat. Stir in taco seasoning.
3. Mix in refried beans.
4. Layer 2 tortillas in a baking dish.
5. Add half of the beef mixture, and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
6. Repeat with next 2 tortillas, then remaining beef mixture, and another cup cheese.
7. Top with final 2 tortillas.
8. Whisk together soup and sour cream, and spread over the top.
9. Finish with remaining cheese.
10. Cover with foil; bake for 25 minutes.
11. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
12. Let sit for a few minutes, then cut and serve.

Your questions answered

1. Can I make it vegetarian?

   • Absolutely! Substitute ground beef for lentils or black beans.

2. What can I serve it with?

   • A fresh salad, chips with salsa, or even grilled veggies work wonders.

3. How long does it take to make?

   • Prep and cooking time combined is around an hour, but it’s mostly hands-off!

4. Can this be frozen?

   • Yes! Pop it in the freezer before baking, and it will be a life-saver on busy nights.

5. What’s the best way to reheat it?

   • Reheat in the oven with a splash of water to retain moisture, covered with foil.

Embrace the warmth of this delicious comfort food! I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy it brings. Go on, grab your ingredients and dive in—feel free to add your beloved twists, and don’t be shy to share your cooking adventures with me! Let’s keep this culinary journey rolling together.

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Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Food

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 60 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: all year

Description

A cozy burrito casserole filled with layers of beef, beans, cheese, and creamy goodness that's perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• ¹⁄₂ cup Onion, chopped
• 1 package Taco Seasoning
• 6 large Flour Tortillas
• 1 can Refried Beans
• 2–3 cups Shredded Taco Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 4 ounces Sour Cream

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   This is your warm-up, so your casserole will bake to perfection.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Ground Beef

   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned.
   Break up the beef until it is all browned and the onions are translucent.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Taco Seasoning

   Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef and onions. Cook for another minute.
   This adds great flavor to the beef mixture.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix in Refried Beans

   Take off the heat and stir in the refried beans until well combined.
   The mix should be thick and sauce-like.
   Mark as complete

5. Layer the Tortillas

   In a baking dish, layer 2 tortillas at the bottom.
   Don’t worry if they overlap.
   Mark as complete

6. Add Beef Mixture

   Pour half of the beef-refried bean mixture over the tortillas and spread evenly.
   Smooth it out gently.
   Mark as complete

7. Sprinkle with Cheese

   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
   This adds that delicious cheesy layer.
   Mark as complete

8. Repeat Layers

   Add another layer of 2 tortillas, then repeat with the remaining beef mixture and another cup of cheese.
   Finish with the last two tortillas on top.
   Mark as complete

9. Combine Soup and Sour Cream

   In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
   Spread this mixture over the final layer.
   Mark as complete

10. Finish with Cheese

    Top the casserole with the last cup of cheese.
    You want to see that golden crust peeking through.
    Mark as complete

11. Bake the Casserole

    Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
    Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
    Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 450mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 2g

Protein 27g54%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 2 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 3 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 40 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize your protein or add favorite veggies.

Keywords: burrito casserole, easy dinner, comfort food