Jump to Recipe Print RecipeEvery time I whip up this Layered Burrito Casserole, I’m transported to a sun-soaked Tex-Mex fiesta in my kitchen. The magic begins as I start layering spiced beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese, all nestled in soft tortillas—it’s like building the ultimate burrito, but in comforting casserole form. Not only is this hearty dish a cinch to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights, but it also checks all the boxes for family-friendly fare that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully while saving you stress later. What variations will you try to customize this dish for your loved ones? Why is This Casserole a Must-Try? Simplicity reigns supreme with this Layered Burrito Casserole, making it an effortless option for any home cook. Flavor-packed layers combine spiced beef, creamy beans, and melted cheese for an irresistible taste experience. Customizable elements allow you to swap ingredients based on your family’s preferences—consider adding veggies for extra nutrition or using ground turkey for a lighter twist. Make-ahead convenience means you can assemble it the night before, giving those flavors a chance to blend. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table! For more comforting casseroles, check out my Baked Tortellini Casserole and Vegetable Casserole Cozy. Layered Burrito Casserole Ingredients • Dive into the deliciousness with these key components! For the Meat Layer Ground Beef – Adds a savory, protein-rich base; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option. Taco Seasoning – Delivers that classic Tex-Mex flavor, rich in delectable spices. For the Bean Mixture Refried Beans – Provides creaminess and helps to bind the layers together. Black Beans – Packed with fiber and adds a hearty touch to the casserole. Corn – Introduces a sweet pop and delightful crunch to every bite. For Assembly Flour Tortillas – Create the essential structure; soft tortillas make for easy layering. Salsa – Brings moisture and a kick of flavor; opt for your favorite variety for a personal touch. For the Cheesy Topping Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into a gooey layer; try mixing in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Garnish Fresh Cilantro – Adds a bright, herbal note that contrasts the richness of the casserole. This Layered Burrito Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a family gathering in a dish! Enjoy the delightful layers and make it your own. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Layered Burrito Casserole Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps to prevent sticking as your delicious Layered Burrito Casserole bakes. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking, which will help achieve that bubbly, golden top you desire. Step 2: Cook the Meat In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully browned and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the pan. Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water, letting it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until thickened and fragrant. Step 3: Mix the Beans and Corn In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, black beans, and corn. Mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture will contribute creamy and hearty layers to your Layered Burrito Casserole. It’s important to have drainage for the beans and corn to avoid excess moisture, which could make the casserole soggy. Step 4: Assemble the Layers Begin layering the casserole by placing two tortillas in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread a third of the bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the cooked taco beef, some salsa, and a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Step 5: Bake the Casserole Cover your assembled Layered Burrito Casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble until it becomes a beautiful golden color. Step 6: Cool and Serve Once finished baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling time makes it easier to slice the casserole into portions. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving, allowing each guest to add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole if desired. Expert Tips for Layered Burrito Casserole Avoid Excess Moisture: Ensure beans and corn are well-drained to prevent a soggy Layered Burrito Casserole. This keeps the texture perfect. Ready in Advance: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready for ease on busy nights! Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses for the top layer. A blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack adds depth and creaminess to your dish. Vegetable Boost: For added nutrition, sneak in diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini in the bean mixture. It won’t alter the flavor too much and extends the dish. Gluten-Free Options: If needed, use certified gluten-free tortillas, and check the taco seasoning to ensure it’s suitable for a gluten-free Layered Burrito Casserole. Make Ahead Options These Layered Burrito Casseroles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just layer all the components as instructed, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. To maintain quality, ensure your beans and corn are well-drained to prevent excess moisture. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30 minutes, covered first to ensure even heating, followed by an additional 10 minutes uncovered for that bubbling cheese topping. Enjoy a comforting, hassle-free meal that feels just as delicious as when freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Layered Burrito Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps retain flavor and texture while reducing waste. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions of the Layered Burrito Casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, or microwave with a damp paper towel until warmed through. Assemble Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld beautifully! What to Serve with Layered Burrito Casserole Every meal deserves delightful accompaniments that elevate the experience to new heights, and this comforting casserole is no exception. Mexican Rice: Fluffy and perfectly seasoned, it soaks up the casserole’s delicious juices, adding a delightful contrast. Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips provide the perfect vehicle for the zesty salsa, offering a colorful, textural contrast that enhances your meal. Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad dressed with lime vinaigrette sharpens the palate, balancing the richness of the casserole beautifully. Guacamole: Creamy and smooth, this classic dip adds a touch of indulgence and freshness, making every bite even more enjoyable. Sour Cream: A dollop of cool sour cream rounds out the flavors, enhancing the spices in the casserole while adding a creamy texture. It’s comfort food at its best! Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of colorful, seasoned roasted veggies for a healthy touch that complements the heartiness of the casserole perfectly. Cold Beverages: Serve chilled drinks like a fruity sangria or classic margarita to keep the Tex-Mex theme going. Both offer a refreshing balance to the meal. Chocolate Flan: For dessert, this decadent yet light treat provides a sweet finish, with its silky texture and rich flavors leaving everyone wanting more. Layered Burrito Casserole Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this comforting dish just the way you love it! Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey as a lighter protein alternative. It keeps the flavor intact while reducing fat. Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or diced chipotle peppers to the meat mixture for an extra burst of heat that will thrill spice lovers! Vegetarian Delight: Use black beans, kidney beans, or a mix of veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to create a hearty, meat-free version the whole family will devour. Cheese Experimentation: Mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Queso Fresco into the layers for a delightful twist on the cheesy topping. Each cheese adds its own flavor profile! Flavor Boosts: Incorporate corn, diced tomatoes, or even green chiles into the bean mixture, infusing it with extra layers of flavor and texture. Gluten-Free Twist: Choose certified gluten-free tortillas and sub traditional flour tortillas with corn tortillas to keep it gluten-friendly without losing that comforting essence. Toppings Galore: Top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, or even avocado slices before serving for added freshness. Each bite will be a delightful surprise! For more comforting and delicious casserole ideas, don’t forget to check out my Cheesy Carrot Casserole and Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. Enjoy experimenting with your Layered Burrito Casserole! Layered Burrito Casserole Recipe FAQs What kind of ground beef should I use? I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness, but you can also swap it for ground turkey or a meat substitute to lighten it up while keeping that delightful, savory taste. How should I store leftover Layered Burrito Casserole? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 3 months, making sure to label them with the date. Can I freeze the Layered Burrito Casserole? Absolutely! Once the casserole is fully assembled (before baking), you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the original instructions. How do I avoid a soggy casserole? To prevent unwanted moisture, ensure that your beans and corn are well-drained before mixing them in. You can also layer the beans and meat thinly and avoid piling them too high, maintaining a perfect texture for every bite. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your taco seasoning doesn’t contain gluten. Most grocery stores offer a gluten-free taco seasoning option, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting Layered Burrito Casserole. What can I add or substitute for extra flavor? Feel free to customize! Adding jalapeños or diced bell peppers can enhance the spice level and nutrition. You might also try swapping in different beans, like pinto or kidney beans, or mix in fresh spinach for a vibrant twist. The more the merrier! Layered Burrito Casserole A hearty Layered Burrito Casserole that combines spiced beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 6 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: Mexican, Tex-MexCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat Layer1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.1 package Taco Seasoning Delivers classic Tex-Mex flavor.For the Bean Mixture2 cans Refried Beans1 can Black Beans Drained and rinsed.1 cup Corn Drained.For Assembly6 large Flour Tortillas1 cup Salsa Use your favorite variety.For the Cheesy Topping2 cups Cheddar Cheese Shredded.Garnish1 bunch Fresh Cilantro Chopped. Equipment OvenSkillet9x13 inch baking dishMixing bowl Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering for 3-4 minutes.In a medium bowl, mix the refried beans, black beans, and corn until evenly combined.Layer two tortillas in the baking dish, followed by a third of the bean mixture, half of the beef, some salsa, and a layer of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 20mg NotesEnsure beans and corn are well-drained to prevent sogginess. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance before baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
