Cheesy Burrito Casserole – Plain Chicken

Creamy Burrito Casserole Recipe – all the bold flavors of a burrito baked into one easy, cheesy casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef, salsa, tortillas, and melty cheese make this a crowd-pleasing dinner the whole family will love. Great for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals!

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Easy Mexican Casserole

Beef burrito casserole tastes like all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors baked into one cozy, cheesy dish. You’ve got layers of seasoned ground beef, salsa, gooey melted cheese, and soft tortillas that soak up all that flavor. It’s hearty and satisfying with just the right amount of spice, and every bite has a little bit of everything—savory meat, melty cheese, and that saucy kick. It’s basically a big pan of comfort that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just curling up on the couch with a generous scoop.

How to Make Beef Burrito Casserole

This dish is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and water to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Stir together refried beans and salsa in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced green chilies. Set aside. 

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread some of the sour cream mixture in the bottom of the pan. Add a layer of tortillas. Next, add a layer of beans, taco meat, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.

Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for lower calories.
• You can use any flavor of condensed cream of soup in this recipe.
• I suggest using Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup in this dish to control the sodium.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
• You can use any shredded cheese that you enjoy – sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend tastes great.
• Variations/Additions:
  • corn
  • black beans
  • onions
  • bell peppers
  • green onions
  • pinto beans

Storage Tips

• Can I make Burrito Casserole ahead of time? Yes. You can assemble the casserole and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Can I freeze Burrito Casserole? Yes. Bake the casserole and cool to room temperature. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to four months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

What to Serve with Burrito Casserole

Beef burrito casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs perfectly with some fresh and simple sides. 

• A crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the casserole, and a side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice makes the meal feel complete. 
• Don’t forget the tortilla chips and salsa—or even better, some homemade guacamole or queso for dipping. 
• If you want to keep things light, grilled corn on the cob or a quick black bean and corn salad adds a fresh pop of flavor. 
• And of course, don’t forget your favorite taco toppings: sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped avocado, or a sprinkle of chopped lettuce on top never hurts!

Steph