Beef Burrito Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Beef Burrito Casserole
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than this delectable Beef Burrito Casserole. This recipe combines all the classic flavors of a beef burrito into a warm, comforting casserole that is perfect for dinner any night of the week. With layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
A Personal Story Behind My Beef Burrito Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for hearty meals that brought us together. One of my fondest memories is of my mother preparing a version of this casserole for special occasions. The smell of seasoned beef and melted cheese would fill our home, creating an inviting atmosphere. As I grew older, I made it my mission to perfect her recipe, and now I love sharing it with friends and family. This Beef Burrito Casserole isn’t just food; it’s a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.
What Makes This Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe Special?
What sets this Beef Burrito Casserole apart from the rest is its incredible layers of flavor and texture. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and zesty diced tomatoes creates a delightful base. The addition of cream of chicken soup and sour cream brings a rich creaminess that elevates the dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings. You’ll also love how customizable it is; feel free to add your favorite toppings and sides!
The Full Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 large corn tortillas
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium Dutch oven or large skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef with a spoon while cooking for an even texture.
- Add the refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess to the casserole.
- Spread half of the soup mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This creates a flavorful base for the layers to come.
- Layer three tortillas over the soup mixture, overlapping them if needed to cover the entire area.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then spoon the remaining soup mixture over the meat.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the soup mixture. This will help create a deliciously cheesy crust on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, meat, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole with your favorite toppings!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Beef Burrito Casserole
This Beef Burrito Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a few serving suggestions. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and freshness. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or some tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. For variations, consider adding black beans, corn, or even jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick. You can also substitute the beef with shredded chicken or turkey if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Burrito Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce as a substitute for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Enjoy this easy, delicious Beef Burrito Casserole recipe with your loved ones, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite toppings!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 450
- Servings: 6
Beef Burrito Casserole
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large skillet For cooking the beef mixture.
- 9x13-inch casserole dish For layering and baking the casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can refried beans 16 oz
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 oz
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 6 large corn tortillas
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium Dutch oven or large skillet, cook the ground beef with onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Spread half of the soup mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer three tortillas over the soup mixture, overlapping if needed.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Spoon the remaining soup mixture over the meat.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the soup mixture.
- Repeat the layers with tortillas, meat, soup mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and savor your Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole!