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If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with a luscious, velvety texture, this Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a layered delight packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a creamy combo of sour cream and mushroom soup that takes every bite to a new level of cozy satisfaction. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole embraces everything we love about burritos but with a fun, all-in-one baked twist that everyone will keep asking for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating harmony between rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavors while bringing texture and color to your plate. Here’s what you’ll gather before the magic begins:
- 1 ½-lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all those vibrant seasonings perfectly.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: A quick way to infuse classic southwest spices without fuss.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Adds a deep, smoky heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle warmth that rounds out the spices.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes without chunky onion bits.
- 1 tsp cumin: Lends that earthy, nutty undertone synonymous with Mexican cuisine.
- â…” cup water: Helps meld spices into a juicy, tender meat mixture.
- 8 soft taco flour tortillas: Soft layers that create the perfect chewy texture in the casserole.
- 1 (15-oz) can refried beans: Adds creamy protein-rich goodness with a mild, comforting flavor.
- ¼ cup salsa: Injects a fresh, zesty brightness to contrast the creaminess.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: The secret ingredient that enriches the casserole’s creamy base.
- ½ cup sour cream: Smooths out the textures and adds tangy richness.
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies: For just the right kick of mild heat and slight smokiness.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, golden crown that holds all the layers happily together.
How to Make Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick. Then, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy or heavy. Now the fun part: stir in your taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and water, letting the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the spices can fully bloom and get into that meat. Once done, take it off the heat and set it aside—this flavorful filling will be the heart of your casserole.
Step 2: Mixing the Beans and Salsa
While the beef simmers or once it’s off the heat, combine the refried beans with the salsa in a small bowl. This combo marries creamy, smooth texture with a juicy, tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the seasoned beef, creating layers of flavor that keep every bite exciting.
Step 3: Creating the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced green chilies until smooth and evenly blended. This mixture is what makes the casserole irresistibly creamy and comforting, while the chilies give just enough subtle heat to elevate the whole dish without overpowering it.
Step 4: Layering the Casserole
Now it’s time to build your casserole masterpiece. Spread one-third of the creamy sour cream mixture evenly on the bottom of your prepared pan. Next, create a layer with half of the tortillas, gently tearing them if necessary to cover the base. On top of that, spread half of your bean-salsa mix, then layer half of the seasoned beef, followed by 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat those exact layers one more time, finishing off with a generous sprinkle of the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layering ensures every slice bursts with balanced flavors and textures.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes so everything heats through and flavors meld together. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. This finishing step gives you that irresistible crispy cheesy topping while keeping the inside luxuriously creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe shine, fresh garnishes are a must. Think bright, zesty cilantro leaves, a dollop of cool sour cream, or even some thinly sliced jalapeños if you love an extra kick. These additions add color, freshness, and contrasting temperatures that make every bite exciting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad—perhaps a simple lime-cilantro vinaigrette over mixed greens to balance the richness. You can also serve it alongside Mexican street corn or a light, refreshing cucumber salad to add a crunchy contrast. These sides complement the creamy casserole without overwhelming its luscious texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner that wows, serve the casserole right from the baking dish with vibrant bowls of toppings and sides for everyone to customize their plates. Or, for a party, cut it into neat squares and present them on a platter garnished with chopped green onions and extra cheese. This makes it easy to scoop and share the creamy layers, turning a homey dish into something special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an ideal meal to enjoy later in the week without sacrificing any of that delicious creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance or save some for a quick meal down the road, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed, adjusting times slightly if it’s still a bit chilly in the center.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350ºF oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or cilantro before serving to refresh flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner options that will work well with the seasoning blend. For a vegetarian twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms and extra beans instead of meat—just adjust seasonings to taste.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce mixed with mushrooms if you want to keep it fresh. Just remember to keep the consistency creamy to maintain the casserole’s signature texture.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely. Add more diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the sour cream mixture. You could also sprinkle cayenne pepper into the beef seasoning for an extra kick. Just balance it with the creamy elements to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses flour tortillas, which contain gluten, but you can easily swap in gluten-free tortillas to make it friendly for those with gluten sensitivities. Just make sure your taco seasoning and soup are also gluten-free.
How many does this recipe serve, and can I double it?
This Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe comfortably serves about eight hungry people. If you need to double it, use a larger pan or two 9×13-inch dishes and adjust baking times accordingly to ensure it heats evenly.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of layering up flavors in this Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a little time in the oven can create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious, cheesy celebration of Tex-Mex comfort. You’ll be so glad you did.
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Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Creamy Burrito Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a creamy blend of mushroom soup, sour cream, and green chilies, all layered between soft flour tortillas and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it combines classic Mexican-inspired flavors into a hearty baked casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 ½ 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
Base 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
Cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Season: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and water to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Beans and Salsa: In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together the refried beans and salsa until well combined. This will add a flavorful, slightly spicy layer to the casserole.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In another bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced green chilies. Stir until smooth and set aside. This mixture adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
- Assemble Layers: Spread one-third of the sour cream mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the tortillas over the mixture. Next, spread half of the bean mixture, followed by half of the taco-seasoned beef, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers in the same order, finishing with the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top.
- Bake Casserole: Cover the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Optionally, garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend cheese for different taste profiles.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the bean mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.
