If you love the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired comfort food but crave something hearty and satisfying, this Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender seasoned ground beef, velvety layers of refried beans mixed with tangy salsa, and a luscious creamy blend featuring sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, this casserole bakes into a bubbling, cheesy delight. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory spices, creamy textures, and melty cheddar cheese, making it the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and cozy, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe is in its straightforward but carefully balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding moisture, or ensuring that perfect cheesy melt. Gathering these essentials will set you up for a colorful, delicious meal that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
- 1 ½-lb ground beef: The protein base that absorbs all the spices for rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Adds that classic Tex-Mex taste with just the right kick.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Brings warmth and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savoriness without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tsp cumin: Infuses the dish with earthy, smoky notes.
- â…” cup water: Helps simmer the beef and spices to melding perfection.
- 8 soft taco flour tortillas: The soft, pillowy layers that hold the goodness together.
- 1 (15-oz) can refried beans: Creamy and protein-rich, it adds body to the casserole.
- ¼ cup salsa: Gives a zesty, tangy pop to the bean layer.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a luscious creaminess without overpowering other flavors.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings tang and richness to the creamy sauce mixture.
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies: For a subtle spicy brightness that lifts the dish.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, sealing all layers with savory gooeyness.
How to Make Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. This ensures it will be perfectly hot when your assembled casserole is ready to bake. Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with cooking spray. This keeps your casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier, giving you more time to enjoy the delicious results.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Spice It Up
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Drain excess grease to avoid any sogginess later. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and ⅔ cup water. Let this simmer gently for 5 minutes so the spices infuse into the meat, creating a robust and fragrant base for your casserole. Then set it aside while you prepare the other layers.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Refried Beans
In a small bowl, combine the refried beans with the ¼ cup of salsa. The salsa cuts through the creamy beans with a touch of tangy zest and a hint of smokiness, turning this layer into a flavorful surprise that balances the rich beef perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Sour Cream Sauce
Grab a separate bowl and mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced green chilies. This creamy mixture is the magic that gives the casserole a luscious texture and a slight spicy lift, making every forkful more comforting and indulgent.
Step 5: Build the Layers
Begin by spreading one-third of the sour cream mixture evenly on the bottom of your sprayed pan. Lay out half of the soft flour tortillas over the sauce. Next, layer half the bean mixture on top, followed by half the taco-seasoned beef. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this. Repeat these layers to use up your remaining tortillas, bean mixture, and beef, but finish with the last 2 cups of shredded cheese on top for an irresistibly golden, melty crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing all those wonderful layers to meld and heat through. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes so the cheese on top melts fully and forms a deliciously bubbly golden crust. As a final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast to all that richness.
How to Serve Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of ripe avocado. A squeeze of lime on top right before serving adds a zesty freshness that complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, but a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette or a simple side of Mexican-style street corn will provide the perfect balance in texture and flavor. You could also serve it alongside seasoned black beans or a light cucumber salad for an added refreshing element.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for personal portions that look stunning on the table. Alternatively, add a layer of corn chips on top before baking for a crunchy crust, or swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas to impart a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers a delicious second meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this casserole later, you can freeze it either fully prepared or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container; it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in the oven at 350ºF until heated through, about 20 minutes, which helps keep the layers moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power in short bursts, stirring or checking often to avoid drying out the cheese and creamy layers.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and will reduce the fat content, though the beef flavor is quite traditional. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well to keep the rich taste intact.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even make a quick homemade white sauce to keep that creamy base essential to the recipe’s texture and moisture.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for seasoned vegetables or sautéed mushrooms, and ensure the beans and cheese fit your dietary needs. The layers will still come together beautifully with plenty of flavor.
How spicy is the casserole?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies. If you prefer less heat, adjust the spices or choose mild salsa varieties; to spice it up, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your liking.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free tortillas and make sure your soup and seasoning mixes are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives that work perfectly here.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe that combines ease, flavor, and comfort all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a get-together with friends, or just craving a soul-satisfying meal, this casserole delivers on every level. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite way to enjoy those creamy, cheesy layers packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
Print
Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Creamy Burrito Casserole is a deliciously layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked together with soft flour tortillas for a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- â…” cup water
Other Ingredients
- 8 soft taco flour tortillas
- 1 (15-oz) can refried beans
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and â…” cup water to the pan, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix refried beans and salsa: In a small bowl, combine the refried beans and salsa thoroughly to create the bean layer.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In another bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced green chilies. Set this creamy mixture aside for layering.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread one-third of the sour cream mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the tortillas over the creamy mixture. Next, add half of the bean mixture, then half of the seasoned taco meat, and finally 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra spice, add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a lower sodium version, choose low-sodium canned products.
- Sour cream can be replaced with plain Greek yogurt for additional protein and lower fat.
