This Easy Burrito Casserole is a delicious and convenient meal that brings all the flavors of a burrito into a simple, layered dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a quick weeknight dinner. The layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, and cheese create a hearty and satisfying casserole that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8-10 flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional: Toppings (sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, cilantro, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Beans and Corn: While the beef simmers, drain and rinse the black beans, pinto beans, and corn.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the flour tortillas.
- Add Filling: Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the tortillas. Then, layer with half of the beans and corn.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the bean layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or cilantro.
Tips and Notes:
- Ground Beef Alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Bean Variations: You can use other types of beans like refried beans or kidney beans.
- Salsa Choice: Use your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add more beans and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add chili powder for a spicier casserole.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
This Easy Burrito Casserole is a customizable and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the flavorful layers of beef, beans, tortillas, and cheese!