Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a family staple that has saved me countless times on busy weeknights. Imagine a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed burrito but in casserole form. Think of it as a lasagna, but instead of pasta, we’re talking tortillas, and instead of marinara, a luscious, creamy, south-of-the-border-inspired sauce. This Creamy Burrito Casserole is like the best parts of your favorite burrito exploded into a shareable, comforting dish. I promise you, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. I even sneak in extra veggies, and my kids *still* devour it!
What is Creamy Burrito Casserole?
Simply put, it’s layers of tortillas filled with a seasoned meat (or vegetarian) mixture, smothered in a creamy sauce, and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Think of it as a deconstructed burrito that’s easier to assemble than individual ones, perfect for feeding a crowd, and incredibly adaptable to your taste preferences. The name says it all – the “burrito” part comes from the flavors and fillings you’d find in a classic burrito, and the “casserole” part is because it’s baked in a dish. It’s essentially a Tex-Mex lasagna, and honestly, it’s even easier to throw together! I first made this because I was craving burritos but didn’t want to stand at the stove rolling them all night. This was a game-changer.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? This Creamy Burrito Casserole is a winner on so many levels! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of seasoned Ground Beef (or turkey, or beans!), creamy sauce, and melted cheese is a symphony of savory goodness. It’s a fiesta in your mouth! The recipe is also incredibly simple. I’m talking throw-it-together-in-under-30-minutes simple. Even on my most hectic days, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat. And let’s talk about cost-efficiency. The ingredients are all pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store, making it a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. What I love most about this is its versatility. You can customize the filling with your favorite veggies, switch up the cheese, or even add a little kick with some chopped jalapeños. Think of it as a blank canvas for your burrito dreams! It’s similar to a Mexican lasagna, but in my humble opinion, the creamy sauce elevates this to a whole new level. It’s also a huge crowd-pleaser. I’ve brought it to potlucks, made it for family gatherings, and it always disappears in a flash. Plus, leftovers (if there *are* any) are amazing the next day. Seriously, what’s not to love?
How do you make a creamy burrito casserole?
Quick Overview
This Creamy Burrito Casserole is surprisingly easy to make. You’ll start by browning your ground meat (or prepping your vegetarian filling). Then, you’ll whip up the creamy sauce, which is a simple mixture of Cream Cheese, sour cream, salsa, and spices. Next, you’ll layer the tortillas, meat filling, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, repeating until everything is used up. Finally, you’ll bake it until bubbly and golden brown. Trust me, it sounds more complicated than it is. The best part is that you can prep everything ahead of time and assemble it when you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for those nights when you know you’ll be short on time. I often prep the meat and sauce in the morning before work, so all I have to do is assemble it when I get home. This seriously cuts down on dinnertime stress!
Ingredients
For the meat filling:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey, or 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend to taste)
* 1/2 cup water
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
* 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Casserole:
* 8-10 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
* 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use a little bit of oil or butter. How do I make sure the tortillas are well-greased? I’ve forgotten this step before, and it’s definitely a pain to clean!
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown Ground Beef (or turkey). Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. If you’re using black beans, simply heat them through with the taco seasoning and water.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Set aside. Mix until smooth and creamy. I always make sure my cream cheese is soft, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your mouth. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it for a few seconds. How do you melt a glass?
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of creamy sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 2-3 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread half the meat filling over the tortillas, followed by half of the remaining creamy sauce. What is the best way to prepare shredded cheese? What is the remaining meat filling, remaining creamy sauce, and remaining shredded cheese? Top with tortillas, if desired, and any remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s heated to at least 165°F (74°C). This is especially important if you’re using ground meat.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
What should I serve it with?
What is a creamy burrito casserole?
For a Fiesta Feast: The followingServe with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. What is a Tex-Mex meal?
For a Light Lunch: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
For a Game Day Gathering: How can I participate?What are some of the best toppings for sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and sliced tomatoes? How do I customize my jalapeos?
For a casual weeknight dinner: A side of steamed corn or a simple coleslaw adds a touch of freshness and balances the flavors.
I also love to serve this with a glass of Mexican beer. What is the best way to finish a meal?
How do I make a creamy burrito casserole?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the *perfect* Creamy Burrito. What is the best way to make
Don’t skip the cream cheese! It’s the key to the creamy, decadent sauce. Make sure it’s softened before you mix it with the other ingredients.
Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as corn, zucchini, or diced tomatoes, to the meat filling. You can also use different types of beans, like pinto or kidney beans.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the meat filling or use a hotter salsa in the creamy sauce. A dash of cayenne pepper also works wonders.
Use Good Quality Tortillas: The tortillas are the foundation of the casserole, so choose good quality ones that won’t fall apart. I prefer flour tortillas, but you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just be sure to warm them slightly before assembling the casserole to make them more pliable.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the casserole. Bake it just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Let It Rest: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Creamy Burrito Casserole is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it’s a warm day.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight!
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a little bit of shredded cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness.
I usually add the salsa right before serving, but when you reheat it you can add a touch of water to keep it nice and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Creamy Burrito Casserole recipe! It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste preferences, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It is one of those recipes that once you make it, your family will keep requesting it. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Tex-Mex favorites, like my Easy Chicken Enchiladas and my Homemade Guacamole. Now, go forth and make some delicious memories in the kitchen! And please, let me know in the comments if you tried it and how it came out or even if you tweaked it a little. Happy cooking!
Creamy Burrito Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can refried beans 16 oz
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 package large flour tortillas 10 count
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and simmer according to package instructions.
- Layer a few spoonfuls of the meat mixture and spread refried beans on a flour tortilla, then roll and place in a casserole dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Mix sour cream and salsa, then pour over the rolled tortillas in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
