Easy Beef & Bean Burrito Bake Casserole

Looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly yet feels like a restaurant-style Mexican dish? This Easy Beef & Bean Burrito Bake Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, tortillas, melty cheese, and bold Tex-Mex flavors, this dish delivers everything you love about burritos—without the hassle of rolling them individually. Just layer, bake, and serve!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, preparing a dish for a casual potluck, or looking for a recipe to meal-prep and freeze ahead, this casserole is bound to become a new go-to favorite.

Ingredients for Easy Beef & Bean Burrito Bake Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty casserole:

For the Beef & Bean Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tbsp homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper)

• ½ cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy depending on your taste)

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

the Casserole Layers:

• 8–10 medium flour tortillas (8-inch size works best)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for layering)

Toppings (optional, but recommended):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Diced avocado or guacamole

• Extra salsa

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Jalapeño slices

• Chopped green onions

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to prepare this dish. Just a few kitchen essentials:

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• 9×13-inch casserole dish

• Knife and cutting board

• Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)

• Mixing bowls

• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (about 6–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

2: Build the Burrito Filling

1. Add taco seasoning to the browned beef. Stir well.

2. Mix in diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and both types of beans (black beans + refried beans).

3. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld together.

3: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray or a thin coat of oil.

4: Assemble the Casserole Layers

1. Place 2–3 flour tortillas at the bottom of the dish, cutting them as needed to cover the base completely.

2. Spread a generous layer of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas.

3. Sprinkle a layer of cheese (both cheddar and Monterey Jack).

4. Repeat layers: tortillas → beef mixture → cheese → optional sour cream. Continue until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas topped with a thick layer of cheese.

5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set.

2. Slice into squares or rectangles, top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream, and serve warm.

Helpful Tips for Making Easy Beef & Bean Burrito Bake Casserole

• Tortilla Choice: Flour tortillas work best, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Lightly toast them before layering to prevent sogginess.

• Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix in pepper jack or mozzarella for extra flavor.

• Spice Level: Adjust heat with mild or hot salsa, or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

• Freezer Friendly: Wrap the uncooked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with extra beans, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative.

• Healthier Twist: Use whole wheat tortillas, reduced-fat cheese, and lean ground beef or ground turkey.

• Serving Ideas: Pair with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef & Bean Burrito Bake Casserole

This casserole is the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and versatility. It brings together all the satisfying elements of classic beef burritos into a single, fuss-free dish. Unlike traditional burritos that require rolling each tortilla, this bake is layered—saving time while still delivering restaurant-worthy taste.

It’s also highly customizable: make it spicy or mild, meaty or vegetarian, cheesy or lighter depending on your needs. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or yourself, this recipe adapts beautifully. Plus, it stores and reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for leftovers or weekly meal prep.

Strong Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to put together, look no further than the Easy Beef & Bean Burrito Bake Casserole. With its hearty layers of seasoned beef, creamy beans, gooey cheese, and tortillas, it transforms ordinary weeknights into something special.

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