Creamy Burrito Casserole

Creamy Burrito Casserole: The Ultimate Mexican-Inspired Comfort Dish
If you love cheesy, hearty, and flavor-packed Mexican food, this Creamy Burrito Casserole is the perfect family dinner! Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, melty cheese, and soft tortillas, this dish delivers all the flavors of a burrito in a warm, bubbly casserole.
It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and a fantastic make-ahead meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or game day, this cheesy, creamy, and satisfying dish will be an instant hit!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Burrito Casserole
✔ Cheesy, Creamy & Delicious – A perfect balance of taco flavors and gooey cheese.
✔ Easy & Family-Friendly – A one-pan, crowd-pleasing meal.
✔ Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly – Prep it in advance for stress-free dinners.
✔ Better Than Takeout! – All the Mexican flavors you love, homemade and budget-friendly.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like salsa, jalapeños, or sour cream!
The Best Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe
This casserole is layered with flour tortillas, seasoned beef, a creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese!
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For Assembly:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar & Monterey Jack)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then add garlic, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and water.
- Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in refried beans and combine well. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ½ cup creamy sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 2 tortillas, followed by ⅓ of the beef mixture.
- Add a few tablespoons of creamy sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers twice more, finishing with tortillas, creamy sauce, and cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole!
Tips for the Best Burrito Casserole
✅ Use flour tortillas – They get soft and absorb the flavors perfectly.
✅ Don’t skip the sour cream sauce – It makes the casserole extra creamy!
✅ Let it rest before serving – Helps the layers set up for perfect slices.
✅ For extra spice – Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
✅ Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations!
1. Spicy Jalapeño Burrito Casserole 🌶
🔥 Add sliced jalapeños and hot sauce to the beef mixture.
🔥 Use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
2. Chicken Burrito Casserole 🍗
🍗 Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
🍗 Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.
3. Vegetarian Burrito Casserole 🥑
🌱 Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers instead of meat.
🌱 Add extra cheese and avocado for richness.
4. Low-Carb Keto Burrito Casserole 🥓
🥑 Swap tortillas for low-carb tortillas or roasted zucchini slices.
🥑 Use full-fat sour cream and extra cheese for a keto-friendly meal.
What to Serve with Burrito Casserole
Pair this creamy, cheesy casserole with classic Mexican sides:
🥗 Mexican Rice – The perfect flavorful side dish.
🥑 Guacamole & Salsa – Adds a fresh, zesty contrast.
🌽 Mexican Street Corn – A sweet, smoky addition.
🥤 Margaritas or Horchata – The perfect drinks to balance the richness.
How to Store & Reheat
This casserole stores well and makes amazing leftovers!
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing:
- Assemble the casserole but don’t bake.
- Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Cheesy Burrito Casserole
This Creamy Burrito Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold Mexican flavors. It’s the perfect family dinner, easy to customize, and so much better than takeout!
🔥 Try it tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying, and delicious meal! 🔥
Print
Creamy Burrito Casserole
If you love cheesy, hearty, and flavor-packed Mexican food, this Creamy Burrito Casserole is the perfect family dinner! Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, melty cheese, and soft tortillas, this dish delivers all the flavors of a burrito in a warm, bubbly casserole.
It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and a fantastic make-ahead meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or game day, this cheesy, creamy, and satisfying dish will be an instant hit!
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For Assembly:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar & Monterey Jack)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then add garlic, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and water.
- Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in refried beans and combine well. Remove from heat.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ½ cup creamy sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 2 tortillas, followed by ⅓ of the beef mixture.
- Add a few tablespoons of creamy sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers twice more, finishing with tortillas, creamy sauce, and cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole!
Notes
Tips for the Best Burrito Casserole
✅ Use flour tortillas – They get soft and absorb the flavors perfectly.
✅ Don’t skip the sour cream sauce – It makes the casserole extra creamy!
✅ Let it rest before serving – Helps the layers set up for perfect slices.
✅ For extra spice – Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
✅ Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.