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Beef Burrito Casserole

A cozy, cheesy, weeknight casserole filled with ground beef, refried beans, and layers of tortillas, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
Seasonings and Spreads
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning (one packet or 2 tablespoons)
  • 16 ounces refried beans (about 2 cups)
  • 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted; substitute with cream of mushroom or celery if preferred)
  • ¾ cup sour cream
Tortillas and Cheese
  • 10 large flour tortillas, cut in half Should be room temperature
  • 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded Choose mild cheddar for childhood favorites
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded Pepper jack adds gentle heat
Garnishes
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped Use fresh cilantro for bright finish
  • 1 unit lime Squeeze over the beef mixture

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a heavy pan over medium-high and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef browns and onion softens, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat and return the pan to heat; stir in refried beans and taco seasoning until the mixture thickens and clings to the beef.
  3. Squeeze the lime over the beef mixture and fold in chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, then set the filling aside.
Assembly
  1. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth.
  2. Spoon a thin layer of the sour cream mixture into the bottom of the dish, then place halved tortillas flat against the edges. Cover the center with about three halves.
  3. Spread a third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of combined shredded cheese. Repeat layers (sour cream, tortillas, beef, cheese) and finish with a generous top layer of cheese.
Baking
  1. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days; the tortillas will soften and flavors will marry. If baking right away, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes (30 minutes if chilled) until the top bubbles and edges turn golden. Let stand for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For a lighter plate, pair with a crisp green salad or quick pico de gallo. Common mistakes to avoid: Don't overfill; press layers gently to avoid a runny bake.