How to make Easy Burrito Casserole
Ingredients
1 16 ounce can of refried beans
1 14 ounce can of whole kernel corn, drained
1 ½ pounds of ground beef, or choice of meat
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 can enchilada sauce
1 smaller can of green chilis
8 large tortillas, your choice, cut in half
2 cups Fiesta blend cheese, shredded
Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350*
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet
Add in the taco seasoning and simmer for a few minutes
Stir in the enchilada sauce, the refried beans, the corn and the small can of green chilis
Stir to combine well and simmer for a few more minutes to heat through
In a 9×13 baking pan, grease the bottom well, then place four of the cut tortillas to cover the bottom of the pan
Top the first layer of tortillas with half of the meat mixture and half of the shredded cheese
Place another layer of the cut tortillas on top of the cheese
Cover the tortillas with the remaining meat mixture and the remainder of the shredded cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes
Garnish with chopped green onions
Have small dishes of salsa, sour cream, chilis, and anything else your family or friends like to put with their burritos.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 510 | TOTAL FAT: 25g | SATURATED FAT: 11g | TRANS FAT: 0g | UNSATURATED FAT: 10g | CHOLESTEROL: 80mg | SODIUM: 1200mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 45g | FIBER: 6g | SUGAR: 4g | PROTEIN: 31g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like plant-based crumbles.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of a canned one?
Absolutely! You can use homemade enchilada sauce if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the quantity accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply follow the instructions until step 9, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and then proceed with baking as directed.
Can I freeze leftovers of the Easy Burrito Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, portion it into individual servings or as desired, and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I customize the toppings for this casserole?
Absolutely! The garnish of chopped green onions is suggested, but you can customize the toppings to your liking.
Some popular options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sliced black olives, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream.
Feel free to get creative and add your favorite flavors and textures to enhance the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables. To make it vegan, ensure that the tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese are all plant-based or dairy-free options.
Can I use different types of tortillas?
Certainly! You can use your preferred type of tortillas, whether it’s flour, corn, whole wheat, or any other variety. Choose the tortillas that you and your family enjoy the most.
Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add additional vegetables to the meat mixture, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
You can customize the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or to increase the nutritional value.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready, remove the covering and bake it according to the instructions, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.
Can I freeze the Easy Burrito Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once baked and cooled, you can portion it into individual servings or as desired, wrap them tightly in foil or place in airtight containers, and store them in the freezer.
Thaw the portions overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them.