Easy Ground Beef Burrito Casserole

Easy Ground Beef Burrito Casserole puts seasoned beef, refried beans, corn, soft flour tortillas, and melted cheese into one baking dish. You get the familiar flavors of a beef-and-bean burrito in a dinner you can cut into portions or scoop straight onto a plate.

The filling comes together in a skillet before you build the layers. Refried beans are stirred into the beef mixture, which makes it easier to spread evenly over the tortillas. A little resting time after baking helps the soft layers settle before serving.

Why this burrito casserole works

Cooking the beef first lets you drain the grease before it reaches the baking dish. Enchilada sauce loosens the refried beans and carries the seasoning through the filling, while the corn adds a little sweetness and texture. Two layers of tortillas hold everything together without needing to roll individual burritos.

The finished casserole is soft and saucy, with cheese inside as well as on top. Think tender tortilla layers rather than a crisp tortilla crust.

Ingredients and helpful notes

• Ground beef: Use 1½ pounds. Lean beef works well, but whichever blend you choose, drain excess fat after browning.
• Taco seasoning: One packet seasons the whole filling. Choose mild seasoning if you prefer less heat, and taste the cooked filling before adding extra salt.
• Enchilada sauce: Use one 10-ounce can of mild red sauce for this version. A much larger can will change how wet the filling is.
• Refried beans: One 16-ounce can goes directly into the skillet with the beef. Stir until the beans are evenly mixed through.
• Corn and green chiles: Use a drained 15.25-ounce can of corn and a 4-ounce can of mild chopped green chiles. Drain the corn well so you are not adding its packing liquid.
• Flour tortillas: Cut eight large tortillas in half. Fit the pieces to your dish, overlapping modestly and trimming pieces for the corners where needed.
• Cheese: Divide 2 cups of shredded taco-blend cheese between the first layer and the top. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is another option.

Keep the topping choices simple until the casserole is on the table. Sour cream and salsa are easy additions, and anyone who likes more heat can add their own hot sauce.

How to make ground beef burrito casserole

1. Brown and drain the beef

Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook it through, then carefully drain the excess grease. Small crumbles spread more evenly than large chunks.

2. Make the beef and bean filling

Stir the taco seasoning into the browned beef, then add the enchilada sauce, refried beans, drained corn, and green chiles. Mix over medium heat until the beans have loosened and everything is combined. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The filling should be thick enough to spread with a spoon but still moist. If it starts sticking to the skillet, reduce the heat. Avoid boiling it until dry; the tortillas need some of that moisture during baking.

3. Build the first layer

Arrange half the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the greased dish. Overlap them just enough to cover gaps, and use trimmed pieces to fit awkward corners. Try to keep the thickness fairly even instead of piling several pieces in the center.

Spread half the warm beef-and-bean filling over the tortillas, taking it out toward the edges. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. The beans are already part of the filling, so there is no separate bean layer to spread.

4. Finish the layers

Add the remaining tortilla pieces, then spread the rest of the filling over them. Cover exposed tortilla edges with filling where you can, since bare edges can dry out. Scatter the remaining 1 cup of cheese across the top.

5. Bake until hot and melted

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese has melted. A few lightly browned spots on top are fine. If the center needs more time, continue baking; the starting temperature of the filling and the depth of your dish can affect the timing.

6. Rest, then serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. Slide a broad spatula under a serving to support the tortilla layers as you lift it. For a softer serving, a large spoon works too. The layers will still be tender, so do not expect a completely rigid slice.

Tips for tender, even layers

• Drain before seasoning. Removing grease first keeps the finished casserole from feeling oily.
• Mix the beans thoroughly. Break up any thick pockets of refried beans while the filling is warm.
• Use the same amount of filling in each layer. Dividing it in the skillet first makes this easier.
• Cover the corners. Filling over the tortilla edges helps them soften.
• Give it a short rest. The cheese and filling settle slightly, making portions easier to lift.

Simple swaps

Ground turkey can replace the beef; cook it through before adding the beans and sauce. For a different cheese flavor, use cheddar and Monterey Jack in the same total amount. Choose mild or hotter enchilada sauce according to the heat you want, rather than adding several spicy ingredients at once.

Corn tortillas will give the layers a different flavor and texture. This recipe and the step photos use flour tortillas, so that is the best starting point if you want the soft layers shown here.

What to serve with it

A spoonful of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the warm filling. Salsa, chopped tomatoes, or guacamole also work well at the table. For a side, try a simple cucumber salad or lightly dressed vegetables; the casserole already contains plenty of beef, beans, tortillas, and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

Is this made with rolled burritos?

No. Cut flour tortillas are layered in the dish with the beef-and-bean mixture and cheese. You do not need to wrap or seal individual burritos.

Why are my tortillas dry around the edges?

Exposed edges can dry out in the oven. Spread the filling close to the sides of the dish, and cover as much tortilla as possible before adding the cheese. Also check that you used the listed sauce amount.

Can I use whole beans instead of refried beans?

Whole beans change the texture because they do not bind the filling in the same way. The recipe is written for refried beans mixed into the beef. If you prefer whole beans, expect a looser filling and softer portions.

Easy ground beef burrito casserole recipe

More dinners to try

For a skillet dinner with rice, try One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole. If you enjoy tender tortilla layers, Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna is another beef-and-cheese dinner to add to your list.