Quick & Easy Burrito Casserole: A Weeknight Dinner Winner!

Are you searching for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This quick and easy burrito casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, customizable, and requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked meat or vegetables. Get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed meal that will become a new family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Burrito Casserole

* **Quick and Easy:** Seriously, this recipe is foolproof. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble and then it’s off to the oven.
* **Customizable:** Don’t like ground beef? Use shredded chicken or black beans. Want it spicier? Add some jalapenos. The possibilities are endless!
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this casserole. The familiar flavors and cheesy topping are a hit with kids of all ages.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This is a great way to use up leftover cooked meat, rice, or vegetables. Reduce food waste and create a new delicious meal.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for a super-easy dinner on a busy night. Just thaw and bake!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef, or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground.
* **Taco Seasoning:** 1 packet of taco seasoning (or homemade, see recipe below).
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Canned Corn:** 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, drained.
* **Canned Black Beans:** 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup sour cream.
* **Salsa:** 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference).
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or your favorite).
* **Flour Tortillas:** 6-8 flour tortillas (depending on the size of your baking dish).
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions.

### Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious burrito casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling**

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture**

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Cut the flour tortillas into halves or quarters, depending on their size. The goal is to create pieces that will easily fit and overlap in the dish.
5. Arrange a layer of tortilla pieces over the cream cheese mixture, covering the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry if they overlap.
6. Spread half of the meat filling evenly over the tortillas.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat filling.
8. Repeat layers: another layer of tortillas, the remaining cream cheese mixture, the remaining meat filling, and the remaining shredded cheese.
9. Make sure the top layer is cheese to get that nice golden-brown topping.

**Step 4: Bake the Casserole**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Cut the burrito casserole into squares and serve hot.
2. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Some Heat:** If you like your burrito casserole spicy, add a diced jalapeno to the meat filling or use hot salsa in the cream cheese mixture.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the ground beef and use 2 (15 ounce) cans of black beans, rinsed and drained, or a package of plant-based ground. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Chicken Burrito Casserole:** Substitute the ground beef with 2-3 cups of shredded cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
* **Add Rice:** Cook 1 cup of rice according to package directions and add it to the meat filling for a heartier casserole.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or queso quesadilla.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
* **Spice it up!** Add some green chiles to the cream cheese mixture for a kick.
* **Add veggies:** Consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This burrito casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the casserole according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

## Freezing Instructions

To freeze the burrito casserole, assemble it according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. You may need to cover it with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

## Serving Suggestions

This burrito casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes that would complement it nicely:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with burrito casserole.
* **Refried Beans:** Another classic Mexican side dish.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** A simple and delicious appetizer.
* **Side Salad:** A refreshing salad with a lime vinaigrette.
* **Elote (Mexican Street Corn):** Grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Printable Recipe Card

## Conclusion

This quick and easy burrito casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s customizable, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly. With its layers of flavorful meat, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex goodness! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below!

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?**

A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef. The cooking time and instructions will remain the same.

**Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?**

A: Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use 2 cans of black beans or a package of plant-based ground. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

**Q: How long can I store the leftovers?**

A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

**Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?**

A: Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option. However, they may be more prone to tearing, so handle them carefully.

**Q: Can I add rice to the casserole?**

A: Yes, you can add cooked rice to the meat filling for a heartier casserole. Add about 1 cup of cooked rice.

**Q: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?**

A: You can use the homemade taco seasoning recipe provided above, or you can use a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

**Q: Can I make this casserole spicier?**

A: Yes, you can add diced jalapenos to the meat filling, use hot salsa in the cream cheese mixture, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.

**Q: The cheese isn’t melting properly, what should I do?**

A: Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. You can also try broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of baking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

**Q: My casserole is too watery, how can I fix it?**

A: Make sure you drain any excess grease from the ground beef. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the meat filling to help thicken it.

Enjoy your delicious and easy burrito casserole! We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Happy cooking!