Layered Burrito Casserole

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I’ve made countless casseroles over the years, but this Layered Burrito Casserole holds a special spot in my weekly dinner rotation. It’s bold, hearty, and full of all the Tex-Mex flavors I love—seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and soft tortillas all baked into melty, savory perfection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish always gets cleaned out fast.

What I enjoy most is how adaptable it is. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, and it’s super easy to prep ahead of time. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pan—no need for extra sides unless you want them. This casserole brings comfort food to a new level while keeping things fun, colorful, and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Layered Burrito Casserole

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser with layers of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors. It’s simple to assemble, great for meal prep, and makes incredible leftovers. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a little time in the oven. If you’re after something that feeds a hungry family or a party without stress, this recipe is your go-to.

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What Kind of Tortillas Work Best for Layered Burrito Casserole?

I’ve tried both flour and corn tortillas in this casserole, and hands down, flour tortillas give you the best structure and texture. They soak up the sauce just enough without falling apart, keeping each layer distinct and hearty. That said, if you’re gluten-free or prefer the flavor of corn tortillas, go for it—just make sure to lightly toast them first so they don’t get too soggy in the bake.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients to fit what you have or suit dietary needs:

• Ground Beef: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Beans: Black beans or pinto beans can replace kidney beans, and they work beautifully.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even dairy-free shreds will melt just as well.
• Tortillas: Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas to tweak it for your preferences.
• Add-ins: Bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach can be layered in for extra nutrients and color.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, which makes it easy to make it your own.

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Ingredients for This Layered Burrito Casserole

• Ground Beef
  This forms the heart of the casserole, bringing rich, savory flavor and protein to each bite.
• Onion
  Sautéed with the beef, it builds a flavorful base and adds sweetness and aroma.
• Garlic
  Just a couple of cloves deepen the overall flavor and give it that crave-worthy kick.
• Taco Seasoning
  This blend of spices makes the beef irresistibly bold and brings that signature burrito flavor.
• Tomato Sauce
  It helps bind the filling together and adds a juicy, slightly tangy layer to the casserole.
• Kidney Beans
  A hearty filler that adds texture, protein, and fiber while stretching the meat mixture further.
• Corn Kernels
  Sweet and crisp, corn gives the casserole color and a little burst of freshness in each layer.
• Flour Tortillas
  These act as the “noodles” of the dish, holding everything together and soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Sour Cream
  Spread between layers, it adds creaminess and a bit of tang to balance the richness.
• Cheddar Cheese
  Melted to perfection, it ties the whole dish together with a golden, bubbly finish.
• Fresh Cilantro (optional garnish)
  A sprinkle of chopped cilantro over the top gives the finished casserole a fresh pop and bright flavor.

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Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for another minute, then pour in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and corn. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through and thickened slightly.

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Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

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Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the dish. Place a layer of flour tortillas over the top (tear them if needed to fully cover). Spread a layer of sour cream over the tortillas, then add more meat mixture, followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering—tortillas, sour cream, meat, cheese—until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.

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Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly around the edges.

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Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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How Long to Cook the Layered Burrito Casserole

Once assembled, the casserole bakes at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes total. The first 20 minutes should be covered with foil to help it heat evenly and keep moisture in. After that, uncover it and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown slightly. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set up nicely and makes for cleaner servings.

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Tips for Perfect Layered Burrito Casserole

• Don’t skip the resting time. It might be tempting to dig in right away, but letting it sit makes a big difference in texture and sliceability.
• Use room-temperature sour cream. Cold sour cream can cause curdling when baked, so let it warm slightly before layering.
• Warm the tortillas before assembling. This prevents tearing and makes them easier to work with.
• Drain the meat mixture if it’s too wet. Too much liquid will make the casserole soggy—aim for a thick, scoopable filling.
• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
• Go easy on the layers. Overstuffing each layer can make the casserole too thick to cook through evenly. Thin, balanced layers are the key.
• Cover with foil during the first half of baking to lock in moisture and heat everything through.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overloading the Layers: It’s tempting to pile everything on thick, but that can result in uneven cooking and a mushy center. Keep your layers balanced and not too bulky.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Sour cream and tortillas straight from the fridge can cause uneven cooking or a grainy texture. Let them warm up a bit before assembling.
• Skipping the Simmer Step: The filling needs to simmer so the flavors meld and excess moisture cooks off. Skipping this can lead to a watery casserole.
• Not Draining Beans or Corn: Excess liquid from canned beans or corn can ruin the consistency of the casserole. Always drain well before mixing in.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Not baking long enough can leave the center cold, while overbaking dries out the edges. Keep an eye on it after the foil comes off and pull it once the cheese is golden and bubbling.

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What to Serve With Layered Burrito Casserole?

Mexican Rice

A fluffy side of seasoned rice pairs beautifully with the casserole and helps soak up all that delicious sauce.

Guacamole & Tortilla Chips

Fresh guac and crunchy chips make a perfect appetizer or side dish to balance the richness.

Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette brings freshness and lightness to the meal.

Refried Beans

Creamy refried beans are a traditional and comforting side that complements the flavors in the casserole.

Salsa Fresca

A scoop of fresh tomato salsa on top adds a juicy, bright contrast to the cheesy layers.

Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions grilled with a bit of seasoning bring smoky depth and color to the plate.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

If you’re looking to wow, serve this on the side—charred corn with cotija, chili powder, and lime is always a hit.

Pickled Jalapeños or Onions

A tangy topper that cuts through the richness and adds an extra pop of flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Layered Burrito Casserole stores like a dream, which makes it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15–20 minutes. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap it in both plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these numbers are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands and substitutions you use. Based on one generous serving (1/8 of the casserole):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 760mg

This is a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. To make it lighter, consider using lean ground meat, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes and then follow the baking instructions.

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Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The microwave works well for single portions. For larger servings, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

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Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

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Is this casserole spicy?

Not by default. The taco seasoning adds flavor, but not much heat. If you like spice, feel free to add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa to the meat mixture.

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Can I add vegetables to the layers?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms can be sautéed and layered in for extra nutrition and flavor.

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Do I have to use sour cream?

No, but it adds creaminess and richness. You can swap it for Greek yogurt, or use a dairy-free alternative if preferred.

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Why is my casserole too wet or soggy?

This usually happens when the meat mixture isn’t cooked down enough, or the beans and corn aren’t properly drained. Make sure your filling is thick and your ingredients are well-prepped before layering.

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Conclusion

This Layered Burrito Casserole is everything I love in a weeknight dinner—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying without being fussy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something easy with guaranteed leftovers, this dish brings bold Tex-Mex flavors straight to your table. It’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and incredibly delicious. Once you try it, it’ll likely earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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