If you love all the hearty goodness of a classic burrito but want something simple to whip up for dinner, this Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy beans, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheddar cheese all baked together in one comforting dish. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make, bringing the warmth of Mexican-inspired cooking right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for creating that delicious balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this casserole shine. Each component works together to give you that satisfying blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef: The protein-packed base that adds rich, savory depth to the casserole.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Provides fluffy texture and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 can refried beans: Contributes creaminess and a smooth, comforting mouthfeel.
- 1 cup salsa: Infuses the dish with vibrant, tangy spice and moisture.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese: Melts on top to add gooey, cheesy richness.
- 1 tsp cumin: Adds that warm, earthy undertone classic in Mexican dishes.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Introduces mild heat and depth to the beef mixture.
How to Make Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s cooked through and nicely crumbled. This step is critical because it builds the foundation of flavor with a rich, savory note. As the beef cooks, drain any excess fat so the casserole doesn’t get greasy.
Step 2: Combine Seasonings and Ingredients
Once your beef is ready, stir in the cumin and chili powder to infuse those classic Mexican spices. Then add in the cooked rice, refried beans, and salsa, mixing everything together well to ensure each bite will be packed with flavor and moisture. The mix of textures here—creamy beans, tender rice, and juicy salsa—makes this dish shine.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a baking dish, creating a flat layer so it bakes uniformly. Next, sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top. Pop the dish into the oven preheated to 375 °F, and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots. This final step melds all the flavors together beautifully and gives you that irresistible, cheesy crust.
How to Serve Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, top individual portions with dollops of sour cream and fresh guacamole. These garnishes add creamy coolness and a fresh tang that perfectly balance the warm, cheesy casserole. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten things up even more.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad to add crunch and freshness, or some roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced. For a full fiesta vibe, warm some corn tortillas or offer tortilla chips on the side to scoop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe stand out, try layering it in clear glass dishes for an eye-catching presentation that shows off the colorful layers. You could also serve it in individual ramekins for a fun, personal-sized twist perfect for entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This beef burrito casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together fully.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the casserole in the oven at 350 °F for about 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. This keeps the texture intact and revives that melty cheese topping. Microwaving also works for smaller portions but may yield a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your salsa and seasonings are certified gluten-free. It’s a perfect option for a gluten-free dinner.
What can I substitute for refried beans?
If you prefer, you can use black beans or pinto beans instead. Just mash them slightly to keep the creamy consistency that refried beans provide.
Is it possible to make this low-carb?
Yes! Substitute cauliflower rice for the cooked rice to reduce carbs while still keeping that great texture and flavor.
Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Definitely, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some spice, or even a Mexican blend cheese for a different melting flavor profile.
How spicy is the Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe?
This recipe has mild heat from the chili powder and salsa, but you can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter salsa, or adding fresh chopped jalapeños if you love extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s super easy to make and satisfies all those Mexican food cravings, this Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Beef Burrito Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef Burrito Casserole brings all the flavors of a classic burrito into a simple, one-pan meal. Layers of savory seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and melted cheddar cheese create a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Grains and Beans
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can refried beans
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Mix Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, cooked rice, refried beans, and salsa until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly into a baking dish, smoothing the top to create an even layer. Then sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- Serve topped with sour cream and guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor.
- For a low-carb variation, substitute cooked white rice with cauliflower rice.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to be gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially canned refried beans and salsa, are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
