If lasagna and burritos had a delicious love child, it would be this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe—a cozy, cheesy dream that’ll make your weeknight dinners a whole lot more exciting. This dish takes everything we love about a classic beef burrito—savory meat, beans, melty cheese—and layers it up casserole-style for that warm, comforting bite every single time.
Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, which makes it perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a no-fuss dinner, this easy baked burrito casserole recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Table of Contents
What is Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe?
The Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is basically a cross between your favorite Mexican takeout burrito and your grandma’s lasagna. It’s made by layering soft corn tortillas with a hearty mixture of ground beef, refried beans, taco seasoning, and creamy soup sauce, all smothered with melted cheddar cheese.
Each layer bakes together into cheesy, spicy perfection—kind of like a Tex-Mex lasagna that’s easier to make and way more fun to eat. The best part? It’s totally customizable. You can swap the beef for turkey or add black beans and corn for a little extra flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that makes leftovers taste even better the next day.
Reasons to Try Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
There are so many reasons this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. First off, it’s quick and convenient—you’ll only need about 40 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids, picky eaters, and hungry adults all love it because it’s cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor. Third, it’s budget-friendly; most of the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
And finally, it’s freezer-friendly! You can make it ahead, freeze it, and bake when you need an easy meal. Pair it with something fresh like my Vegan Cabbage Soup or a light salad, and you’ve got dinner perfection.
Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 large corn tortillas
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions to Make Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe Step by Step guide will walk you through every part of the process so you can bring this cheesy, comforting masterpiece to your table with confidence. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just getting started, this recipe is foolproof, fun to make, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
Let’s start strong with the heart of the casserole — that rich, flavorful beef filling. Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and toss in your ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and crumbly (no pink left in sight). As the beef cooks, your kitchen will fill with the cozy aroma of sizzling onions and peppers — it’s the kind of scent that brings everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner?”
Next, sprinkle in your taco seasoning. Stir well so the meat mixture is evenly coated and full of that zesty, smoky flavor. Add the refried beans and the can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. This combo gives the dish a creamy texture and a subtle kick. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to marry all the flavors together. For more inspiration on how to create rich and hearty one-pot meals, check out my Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew — it’s another weeknight lifesaver.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Layer
Now it’s time to create the creamy binder that gives this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe Step by Step its irresistible texture. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture will act as your “glue,” keeping all the delicious layers in harmony. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative — I talk more about smart swaps like this in my Vegan Cabbage Soup article.
The key here is balance: the tanginess of the sour cream offsets the richness of the beef, and the soup adds that comforting, velvety touch that makes this dish feel like a warm hug in casserole form.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
This is where the magic happens — building the casserole layers. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the creamy soup mixture evenly across the bottom. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the tortillas from sticking.
Next, arrange three tortillas over the creamy base. It’s okay if they overlap a bit; just make sure the bottom is fully covered. If your tortillas are too large, you can cut one to fill in the gaps. Now spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. You want every bite to have a perfect blend of beef, beans, and spice.
Then, spoon on the remaining soup mixture and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layering process: another set of tortillas, the rest of the beef mixture, and finish with the final layer of cheese. It’s like building a lasagna but with Tex-Mex flair! If you love the idea of layering flavors, you might also enjoy my Sweet Potato and Turkey Casserole — another crowd-pleasing layered dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F if you haven’t already, and slide the casserole dish onto the middle rack. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with golden edges. The smell will be downright mouthwatering — that perfect mix of toasted cheese and warm spices.
When the timer dings, resist the urge to dive right in! Let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to serve nice, clean portions. If you’ve ever made lasagna, you know this resting trick makes all the difference.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Now comes the best part of this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe Step by Step — serving it up! Slice it into squares and use a spatula to lift each serving onto a plate. Garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of lime crema. For an even fresher twist, serve it with a side of Creamy Chicken Maryland Soup or a crisp green salad.
Each bite bursts with layered textures — soft tortillas, creamy sauce, hearty beef, and melty cheese. It’s comfort food that feels familiar yet a little exciting, like a cozy hug with a zesty personality.
If you’re planning for leftovers or meal prep, this casserole reheats beautifully and can even be frozen for future dinners. For easy reheating instructions, scroll down to the “Storage and Reheating Tips” section.
This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe Step by Step method keeps things simple, approachable, and guaranteed delicious — because great food shouldn’t require a culinary degree, just a little patience and a love for cheesy goodness.
What to Serve with Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
This Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe goes well with simple sides that balance its rich, cheesy layers. Think fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of lime crema. Want to make it a full Tex-Mex feast? Serve it with Mexican rice or my Sweet Potato and Turkey Casserole for a comforting meal that hits all the right notes. You could even add a side of Maple Cranberry Butter spread over warm cornbread if you’re feeling indulgent.
Key Tips for Making Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Use lean ground beef to keep it from getting too greasy.
- Want a little kick? Add a few diced jalapeños or sprinkle some crushed red pepper into the meat mixture.
- Don’t skip resting time after baking—it helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut clean squares.
- You can easily swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or even a homemade version if you prefer.
- For a lighter twist, try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
Leftovers of this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe are pure gold. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. If you’re freezing, wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I make it vegetarian? Sure thing! Swap the beef for black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe? Sharp cheddar is perfect, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works great too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and downright delicious, this Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe is the answer. It’s that one-dish wonder you’ll find yourself making again and again—especially on those busy nights when everyone’s hungry and you just want something satisfying on the table fast. Serve it with a simple salad, and dinner’s done! For more cozy family-style recipes, check out my Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew or Creamy Chicken Maryland Soup.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Easy Baked Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
If lasagna married a burrito, this beef burrito casserole would be their lovechild! It’s a cheesy, hearty, and easy-to-make weeknight dinner that layers seasoned beef, beans, and tortillas for a delicious baked dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pack taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 large corn tortillas
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium-sized Dutch oven or large skillet, cook the ground beef with the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until there is no pink left in the beef.
3. Add the refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well blended and heated through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Spread half of this mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
5. Place three tortillas in one layer over the soup mixture. You may have to overlap them and cut one tortilla to fit the little spaces in between.
6. Place half of the meat mixture on top of the corn tortillas.
7. Spoon the remaining soup mixture on top of the meat.
8. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the soup mixture.
9. Repeat the tortilla and meat layers and finish with another layer of cheese.
10. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
You can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer them over corn.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a spicier casserole.
Leftovers reheat well and make for a tasty lunch the next day.
Serve with toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, avocado, or extra sour cream.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
