Easy and Delicious Bean Burrito Casserole: A Family Favorite!
Bean burrito casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to assemble, customizable, and always a hit with the whole family. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that will quickly become a staple in your household!
## Why You’ll Love This Bean Burrito Casserole
* **Easy to make:** This casserole requires minimal prep time and is assembled in layers, making it a breeze to put together.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the beans, or use different types of cheese.
* **Budget-friendly:** Bean burrito casserole is a great way to stretch your food budget. Beans are an inexpensive source of protein and fiber, and the other ingredients are generally affordable as well.
* **Family-friendly:** Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish. It’s a great way to get everyone to eat their beans and vegetables.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** The leftovers taste great too. Make it on Sunday and pack it for lunch the next days.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Tortillas:** Use large flour tortillas for the best results. Corn tortillas can be used as a gluten-free alternative, but they may become more fragile during baking.
* **Beans:** Canned refried beans are the traditional choice, but you can also use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination. For added flavor, use refried beans seasoned with spices like chili powder and cumin.
* **Ground Beef (Optional):** For non-vegetarians, browned ground beef adds a rich meaty flavor.
* **Onion:** A diced onion is part of the ground beef mixture, adding depth of flavour.
* **Taco Seasoning:** Store bought or homemade works great.
* **Salsa:** Choose your favorite salsa, from mild to hot. The salsa adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.
* **Cheese:** Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend. A combination of cheeses can add even more flavor.
* **Sour Cream:** A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tanginess to the casserole.
* **Green Onions:** Chopped green onions provide a fresh, zesty garnish.
* **Optional Toppings:** Avocado, guacamole, cilantro, hot sauce, black olives, diced tomatoes.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 1 pound ground beef (optional)
* 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
* 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
* 1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
* 8 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
* Optional toppings: avocado, guacamole, cilantro, hot sauce, black olives, diced tomatoes
## Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious bean burrito casserole:
**1. Prepare the Meat Mixture (If Using):**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of salsa. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the flavors are combined.
* Remove from heat.
**2. Prepare the Bean Mixture:**
* In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans and optional black beans with 1/2 cup of salsa. Mix well until evenly combined.
**3. Assemble the Casserole:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Spread a thin layer of the bean mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
* Lay two tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping if necessary, to cover the surface. Trim if they are too large.
* Spread half of the remaining bean mixture evenly over the tortillas.
* Sprinkle with half of the meat mixture (if using) and half of the shredded cheese.
* Repeat layers: Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining bean mixture, meat mixture (if using), and cheese.
* Top with the remaining tortillas and the remaining salsa.
* Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
**4. Bake the Casserole:**
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
**5. Serve:**
* Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.
* Serve with sour cream, green onions, and your favorite toppings like avocado, guacamole, cilantro, hot sauce, black olives, and diced tomatoes.
## Tips for the Best Bean Burrito Casserole
* **Don’t overfill the tortillas:** Overfilling the tortillas will make the casserole soggy. Use a thin layer of each filling to ensure that the casserole holds its shape.
* **Use good quality tortillas:** The tortillas are the foundation of the casserole, so choose ones that are soft and pliable. Avoid using tortillas that are dry or cracked.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking the casserole will dry it out. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but not browned.
* **Let it rest:** Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before cutting it will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from falling apart.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture or meat mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Add vegetables:** Incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or other vegetables into the meat or bean mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Use different types of beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, kidney beans, or white beans.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
* **Make it vegan:** Omit the ground beef, use vegan cheese, and substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
* **Use a rotisserie chicken:** Instead of ground beef, shred a rotisserie chicken and mix it with the taco seasoning and salsa.
* **Toast the tortillas:** Lightly toast the tortillas before assembling the casserole to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Add a layer of rice:** Add a layer of cooked rice to the casserole for added texture and flavor.
* **Top with crushed tortilla chips:** Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top of the casserole before baking for a crispy topping.
* **Use different types of salsa:** Experiment with different types of salsa, such as verde salsa, black bean salsa, or fruit salsa.
* **Add a drizzle of queso:** Drizzle queso over the casserole after baking for a cheesy finish.
## Variations and Customizations
This bean burrito casserole recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and customizations:
* **Spicy Bean Burrito Casserole:** Add diced jalapeños to the bean mixture or use a hot salsa.
* **Vegetarian Bean Burrito Casserole:** Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, and zucchini.
* **Chicken Bean Burrito Casserole:** Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken.
* **Black Bean and Corn Casserole:** Use black beans instead of refried beans and add a can of drained corn to the bean mixture.
* **Cheesy Bean Burrito Casserole:** Add more cheese to each layer of the casserole.
## Serving Suggestions
Bean burrito casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the casserole.
* **Mexican Rice:** Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a more substantial meal.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** Offer guacamole and tortilla chips as an appetizer or side dish.
* **Elote (Mexican Street Corn):** Grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder is a delicious and festive side dish.
* **Refried beans and rice:** More beans for a complete meal.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the bean burrito casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover bean burrito casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
## Printable Recipe Card
[This section is where you would add a printable recipe card using a WordPress plugin or custom code. Since I cannot create plugins or execute code, I will leave this section blank.]## Nutrition Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 20-30 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 10-15 grams
## Conclusion
This bean burrito casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful dinner that your family will love!
Enjoy your bean burrito casserole!