Dreamy Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable burrito casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of rich ingredients promise a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheese melts into golden pools across seasoned meat and soft tortillas.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a melody of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Weeknight meals never looked so inviting and delicious.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress everyone around the table with this irresistible creation.

Why Creamy Burrito Casserole Is A Cheesy Family Favorite

• Tackle Complex Flavors Easily: This recipe transforms multiple ingredients into a delicious casserole without requiring advanced culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Packed with protein from beef and chicken, this dish satisfies diverse tastes and appeals to both adults and kids with its comforting Mexican-inspired layers.
• Customize with Flexibility: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to personalize the casserole, ensuring it matches your family's specific flavor preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: By layering ingredients strategically and using simple cooking techniques, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort and straightforward preparation steps.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Burrito Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein layer of the casserole.
• Shredded Chicken: An additional protein source that adds depth and variety to the dish.

• Tortillas: A soft, flexible base that creates the foundation of the casserole.
• Refried Beans: A creamy, rich layer that adds texture and traditional Mexican flavor.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the meat a classic Mexican-inspired taste.
• Minced Garlic, Diced Onions: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
• Green Chiles: A mild, slightly spicy ingredient that adds a subtle kick to the casserole.

• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy, red sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: A creamy mixture that creates a rich, smooth texture throughout the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that covers the entire casserole with a golden, gooey layer.
• Salsa: A fresh, zesty topping that adds brightness and additional flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a vibrant, herbaceous garnish.

• Cooking Spray: A light coating to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from the baking dish.

How to Assemble Creamy Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbly pieces until no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely.

Step 2: Season The Beef

• Taco seasoning
• Minced garlic
• Diced onions

Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Tortilla Base

Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with tortillas. Slightly overlap them to create a complete bottom coverage.

Step 4: Layer Protein Foundation

Spread a smooth layer of refried beans across the tortilla base. Top with the seasoned ground beef and shredded chicken to create a rich protein layer.

Step 5: Add Moisture And Flavor

Sprinkle diced green chiles across the meat. Pour enchilada sauce generously to enhance moisture and taste.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

Blend sour cream and heavy cream. Drizzle this luxurious mixture evenly over the casserole layers.

Step 7: Cheese And Toppings

Cover the entire surface with shredded cheddar cheese. Add a layer of salsa and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows layers to set and flavors to blend beautifully. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve piping hot.

Tips for a Smoother Creamy Burrito Casserole

• Boost Meat Flavor: Add a splash of beef broth while browning ground beef to enhance its richness and depth of taste.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Lightly toast tortillas before layering to create a sturdier base that resists becoming mushy from sauce and fillings.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling, ensuring more even and smoother melting across the casserole.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning and green chiles based on personal preference or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Flavorful Twists for Creamy Burrito Casserole

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef and chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a plant-based protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Tortilla Bake: Substitute traditional tortillas with cauliflower tortillas or thinly sliced cauliflower rounds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious Mexican flavors.
• Dairy-Free Spicy Enchilada Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and omit sour cream for those with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions.

Perfect Sides for Creamy Burrito Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Craft a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the rich, spicy casserole flavors.
• Serve with Cool Guacamole: Prepare fresh guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, and a hint of lime to balance the warm, cheesy layers of the dish.
• Match with Mexican Caverna Beer: Select a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to cut through the casserole's richness and refresh the palate.
• Complement with Refreshing Pico de Gallo: Chop fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños to create a bright, tangy side that adds zest and lightness to the hearty casserole.

Saving and Reheating Creamy Burrito Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Answers About Creamy Burrito Casserole

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and green chiles. Choose mild versions if you prefer less spice, or add hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the layers, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to cooking time when baking directly from the fridge.

• What protein alternatives work best?

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chorizo, or keep it vegetarian by using black beans or additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Use slightly stale or briefly toasted tortillas, and drain meat thoroughly to reduce excess moisture during baking.

Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting creamy burrito casserole brings Mexican-inspired layers of cheesy goodness to your dinner table. Quick and easy preparation makes this hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights when hunger calls and satisfaction matters.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded chicken

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can diced green chiles
• 6 large tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef, then mix in taco seasoning, minced garlic, and diced onions, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Layer the bottom of the baking dish with tortillas, creating a complete base coverage by slightly overlapping them.
5. Spread a uniform layer of refried beans directly over the tortilla base, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Add the seasoned ground beef as the next layer, followed by shredded chicken for a protein-rich foundation.
7. Sprinkle diced green chiles and pour half of the enchilada sauce across the meat layers for added moisture and flavor.
8. Create a creamy mixture by combining sour cream and heavy cream, then drizzle evenly over the casserole.
9. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, covering all previous layers.
10. Top with salsa and sprinkle chopped cilantro for fresh, vibrant notes.
11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
13. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Replace traditional tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower or spinach wraps for a keto-friendly version.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and green chiles to suit individual spice preferences.
• Prepare casserole components ahead of time and assemble just before baking to streamline meal preparation for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg