This Beef Burrito Casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, a creamy sauce, tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese. A cozy, comforting dinner the whole family will love!
Okay, so I’m gonna be real with you—this casserole wasn’t planned.
It started on one of those weeknights where everything felt chaotic. The kind where you forget to defrost the chicken, your kid’s math homework is somehow your problem, and the laundry? Let’s not even talk about the laundry.
I stood there, staring into my fridge like it was gonna give me answers. Ground beef. Some tortillas. A can of refried beans shoved in the back. And cheese (because I always have cheese). Burritos sounded great… but rolling a bunch of them? Nope. Not happening.
So, I did what any tired mom would do. I threw it all into a casserole dish, layered it up, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. And you know what? It worked. My husband went back for seconds, then thirds. Even my picky eater, who usually side-eyes anything with beans, cleaned his plate.
Now, it’s our go-to. Perfect for crazy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and pretty much anytime I need comfort food that feels like I put in way more effort than I actually did.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe?
- Comfort Food Goals: Cheesy, beefy, and just the right amount of creamy.
- No Rolling Required: Because sometimes, we just don’t have the energy.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Seriously, it’s even better the next day.
- Quick & Simple: Minimal effort, max flavor—what’s not to love?
Ingredient Notes:
This casserole works because the ingredients are basic—but they pack a punch when layered together. Here’s why each one matters:
- Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole. I use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or sausage works too.
- Taco Seasoning: A quick flavor bomb! Store-bought works great, but homemade taco seasoning? Next level.
- Refried Beans: Creamy, savory, and helps hold the layers together.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds that creamy, comforting factor.
- Sour Cream: Balances the richness with a little tang.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft, perfect for layering, and soak up all those juices.
- Cheddar & Pepper Jack Cheese: The dream team of cheesy goodness. Cheddar for richness, pepper jack for a little heat.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish.
- Lime: Trust me—this little squeeze makes all the difference.
Pro Tip: Want more heat? Swap the pepper jack for habanero cheddar or toss in some diced jalapeños!
How To Make Beef Burrito Casserole?
This casserole’s all about layering—no fancy skills required.
Step 1. Brown the Beef & Onion
Start by browning the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks—nobody wants chunky layers here. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
Step 2. Flavor Time
Stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, a squeeze of lime juice, and half the chopped cilantro. This mixture? It’s the heart of the casserole, so make sure everything’s coated in that taco seasoning goodness.
Step 3. Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Sounds odd, right? But trust me—this layer adds the perfect creamy balance to the beef and beans.
Step 4. Time to Layer
Let’s build this beauty:
- Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce in a greased 13×9 baking dish.
- Lay down halved tortillas to cover the bottom.
- Spoon half the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
Repeat: creamy sauce, tortillas, beef, cheese. Yes, double the cheese—because life’s short.
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Step 5. Bake Until Bubbly
Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melty, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 6. Let It Rest
Resist the urge to dive in immediately—letting it rest for 5-10 minutes helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
Step 7. Garnish & Serve
Top with the remaining cilantro and extra lime wedges for a fresh, zesty finish. Chef’s kiss.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, covered with foil.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Meat Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the refried beans.
- Cheese Boost: Try a blend of Monterey Jack and queso fresco.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas.
What to Serve with Beef Burrito Casserole?
This dish is the star, but if you’re feeling extra, here’s what pairs perfectly:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Chips & Guacamole: Because guac makes everything better.
- Fresh Salsa: Try a bright pico de gallo or roasted tomato salsa.
- Corn on the Cob: Street corn with cotija cheese and lime? Yes, please.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Beef Burrito Casserole?
Totally! I recommend freezing before baking for the best texture.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No problem! Cream of mushroom or a homemade béchamel works just as well.
This Beef Burrito Casserole has become a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s cozy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, it never disappoints.
So, what do you think? Ready to make this for dinner? If you try it, let me know how it goes—snap a pic and tag me!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 oz. taco seasoning about 2 tbsp.
- 16 oz. refried beans approximately 2 cups
- 10.5 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 10 large flour tortillas halved
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Start by cooking the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion becomes tender. Make sure to drain any grease.
- Next, combine the refried beans and taco seasoning with the cooked beef mixture. Give it a squeeze of lime juice. Add some chopped cilantro. Set this mixture aside for now.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish measuring 13x9 inches.
- In a bowl blend together condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until well combined.
- Spread a layer of this creamy mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Arrange halved tortillas over the layer to cover the bottom completely and spread half of the beef mixture on top.
- Sprinkle one cup each of cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese, over the beef layer.
- Repeat these layers starting with another coating of creamy mixture followed by tortillas, remaining beef mixture and finally another generous sprinkling of both cheeses.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Until heated through. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using refrigerated casseroles.
- Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so that all flavors can meld together perfectly. Indulge, in this mouthwatering delight!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
