Layered Burrito Casserole: Quick Tex-Mex Dinner You’ll Love

Layered Burrito Casserole is comfort food with a Tex-Mex soul. Think of it as the cozy cousin of burritos—no rolling required, no mess, and no juggling plates at the dinner table. Instead, you’ll stack all those favorite burrito fillings—seasoned beef, creamy beans, corn, salsa, and plenty of gooey cheddar—into layers that bake into one hearty, family-sized dish. Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters or just craving something quick and satisfying, this casserole makes dinner feel special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this layered burrito casserole, it’ll be on repeat for busy weeknights.

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What is Layered Burrito Casserole?

Layered Burrito Casserole is like a giant, shareable burrito baked in a casserole dish. Instead of wrapping each tortilla individually, you simply layer them with fillings and cheese, creating a stacked, almost lasagna-like dish. It’s packed with classic Tex-Mex flavors—seasoned beef, refried beans, black beans, corn, salsa, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite has a little bit of everything, from tender tortillas to creamy beans and savory meat. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe takes the best parts of burritos and turns them into an easier, all-in-one bake.

Reasons to Try Layered Burrito Casserole

There are a lot of reasons to add this casserole to your recipe lineup. First, it’s quick—prep takes about 15 minutes, and the oven does the rest. Second, it’s budget-friendly since it uses pantry staples like beans, tortillas, and salsa. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids love the cheesy layers, and adults appreciate the bold flavors. It’s also versatile: swap beef for chicken, turkey, or even make it vegetarian. And the best part? It reheats like a dream, making leftovers just as satisfying as the first slice. If you’re tired of juggling taco night cleanup, this layered burrito casserole is your new best friend.

Ingredients Needed to Make Layered Burrito Casserole

When it comes to making Layered Burrito Casserole, the magic is in the ingredients. This dish is built on everyday staples you probably already have in your kitchen, which makes it perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Each layer brings its own texture and flavor—from the seasoned beef to the creamy beans and melty cheddar. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty base of the casserole. Choose lean ground beef so your dish isn’t overly greasy. You can also swap with ground turkey for a lighter take, similar to our Ground Turkey Baked Rigatoni.
• Taco Seasoning (1 packet): This little packet packs in all the bold Tex-Mex flavor you expect—chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion. You can use homemade taco seasoning if you prefer.
• Water (1/4 cup): Added to help the seasoning coat the beef evenly and create a savory sauce that blends perfectly with the tortillas.
• Refried Beans (1 can, 15 oz): Creamy, savory, and slightly smoky, they act like glue in the casserole, holding layers together while adding rich flavor.
• Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): These add a hearty bite and boost the protein and fiber. Rinsing is important so the extra liquid doesn’t make the dish soggy.
• Frozen Corn (1 cup, thawed): Adds sweetness and a little crunch that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
• Salsa (1 cup): Choose your favorite—mild, medium, or hot. Salsa keeps everything moist and adds tangy flavor.
• Flour Tortillas (6 large): The “no-roll” burrito wrapper. They soften beautifully in the oven, creating a tender, layered effect almost like Tex-Mex lasagna.
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show! Sharp cheddar melts into gooey layers and creates that golden, bubbly top we all love.
• Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of green freshness at the end brightens up the casserole.

The beauty of layered burrito casserole is how flexible it is. Want more veggies? Toss in bell peppers or zucchini. Craving extra spice? Stir in diced jalapeños. This recipe plays well with what you already have on hand, which is why it’s such a weeknight hero.

Instructions to Make Layered Burrito Casserole

Making Layered Burrito Casserole is as easy as stacking your favorite Tex-Mex flavors into one dish. No rolling burritos, no complicated prep—just simple steps that lead to a hearty, cheesy dinner your family will love. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This ensures your tortillas don’t stick to the bottom and makes cleanup a breeze. If you’ve made something like our Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you know that prepping the dish is key to those golden edges.

Step 2: Brown and Season the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until it’s browned all over. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat. Sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning, pour in ¼ cup water, and stir. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef. This seasoned meat will become one of the bold layers in your burrito casserole.

Step 3: Combine the Beans and Corn

While the beef simmers, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the refried beans, drained black beans, and thawed corn. Stir until everything is evenly combined. This mixture adds creaminess from the refried beans and little pops of sweetness from the corn—key flavors in any good layered burrito casserole.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Place two flour tortillas on the bottom of your prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly so they cover the base. Spread about a third of the bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Next, spoon on a third of the beef mixture, a few spoonfuls of salsa, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. It should look like a Tex-Mex pizza before baking!

Step 5: Repeat and Stack the Flavors

Repeat the process two more times: tortillas, bean mixture, beef, salsa, and cheese. By the time you’re done, you’ll have three delicious layers stacked high. Be sure to finish with a final layer of cheddar cheese on top. This creates that gooey, bubbly, golden topping that makes layered burrito casserole irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps the casserole heat evenly without drying out. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges. If you’ve ever baked our Sloppy Joe Casserole, you know the uncovered bake is where the magic happens.

Step 7: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Remove your casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes—this helps the layers set so your slices hold together nicely. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Slice into squares and serve warm with extras like sour cream, guacamole, or tortilla chips on the side.

And there you have it—Layered Burrito Casserole, step by step. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.

What to Serve with Layered Burrito Casserole

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it shines with the right sides. A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Mexican rice or Southwest chicken soup makes the meal feel restaurant-worthy. For crunch, serve with tortilla chips and guacamole, or keep it simple with a dollop of sour cream and extra salsa on top. If you want a fun Tex-Mex dinner spread, pair this casserole with a light side like Healthy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole to balance things out.

Key Tips for Making Layered Burrito Casserole

• Warm tortillas slightly before layering to keep them pliable.
• Don’t skip draining the beef; too much grease will make the casserole soggy.
• Want more spice? Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños.
• For a lighter version, try ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• If feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake in two pans—it disappears fast!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Layered Burrito Casserole

This casserole is a champ when it comes to leftovers. Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes. If you’re planning ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding 15–20 extra minutes. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when cooking from scratch feels impossible.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the beef and double up on beans and veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely. They’ll add a slightly different texture and flavor, but it works well.

How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Drain beans and beef thoroughly, and don’t overdo the salsa between layers.

Can I add toppings?
Of course! Sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, or even crushed tortilla chips are all great add-ons.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months or freeze leftovers after baking.

Final Thoughts

Layered Burrito Casserole is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, flexible, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or reheat it for lunch the next day, you’ll get bold Tex-Mex flavors in every cheesy, hearty bite. So next time you’re craving burritos but don’t have the patience to roll them, this layered burrito casserole is your delicious solution.

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