Baked Burrito Casserole

Baked Burrito Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings all the best parts of a burrito into one bubbling hot pan. Layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, salsa, tortillas, and melty cheese come together to create a comforting meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole gives me all the flavors of a classic burrito without the need to roll anything up. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, great for leftovers, and endlessly customizable. Everything bakes together beautifully, and I can have a full, delicious Mexican-inspired dinner with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s one of those go-to dishes I pull out when I want something comforting and filling.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Taco seasoning

• Refried beans

• Salsa or enchilada sauce

• Flour tortillas

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

• Green onions, jalapeños, or chopped tomatoes (optional toppings)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic until browned. I drain any excess grease.

3. I stir in taco seasoning, a splash of water, and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.

4. I add the refried beans to the skillet and mix them with the beef until well combined and heated through.

5. In the baking dish, I start layering: a bit of salsa on the bottom, then flour tortillas, then a layer of the beef and bean mixture, followed by shredded cheese.

6. I repeat the layers until I’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

7. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. I let it cool slightly before slicing and topping it with sour cream, chopped green onions, or any of my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves about 6–8 people. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare and 30–35 minutes to bake, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken to change it up. I’ve also added cooked rice or corn to the layers for more texture and bulk. For a spicier version, I use hot salsa and pepper jack cheese, or toss in some chopped jalapeños. If I want it vegetarian, I replace the meat with black beans and bell peppers for a filling and flavorful meatless option.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. It also freezes well—I wrap portions tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months, then reheat in the oven from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes. I’ve used corn tortillas, and they give the casserole a slightly different texture and flavor. They hold up well during baking, too.

Do I have to use refried beans?

No, but I like the creaminess they add. I’ve also tried it with black beans or pinto beans and it still turns out great.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for prepping ahead.

What toppings go well with this?

I like sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even guacamole. Anything I’d put on a burrito works here.

Is it spicy?

It depends on the salsa and taco seasoning I use. For a mild version, I use mild salsa and skip any extra heat. For spicy, I go bold with hot salsa and spicy cheese.

Conclusion

Baked Burrito Casserole is one of those satisfying, crowd-pleasing meals that’s always a hit at my table. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy nights when I want something warm and filling. Whether I stick with the classic version or mix it up with new ingredients, it always turns out delicious.