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Layered Burrito Casserole

Layered Burrito Casserole

A quick and comforting Layered Burrito Casserole packed with layers of seasoned ground meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas, perfect for busy weeknights. This one-dish meal offers a flavorful southwest twist with customizable options to suit dietary needs, delivering a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Beans

  • 1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup refried beans

Base and Layers

  • 68 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup salsa (fresh or store-bought)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat and Beans: Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to infuse the southwestern flavors. Add the black beans and salsa, cooking for a few more minutes until combined well.
  2. Preheat and Layer: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish and spread a thin layer of refried beans on the bottom to serve as the base. Layer flour tortillas on top, then spoon the meat and bean mixture, add salsa, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and lightly brown. Once golden and heated through, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overload the layers to ensure even cooking and moist texture.
  • Use fresh salsa with chunks for a better texture and flavor.
  • Balance cheese by combining sharp cheddar with melting Monterey Jack.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and ease slicing.
  • Customize seasonings by tasting the meat mixture and adjusting spice levels to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: layered burrito casserole, easy dinner, southwestern casserole, family meal, weeknight dinner, Mexican casserole, cheesy casserole