why make this recipe

Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole is a great choice for family dinners. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors, and everyone loves it! The combination of ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas comes together to create a satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up pantry staples.

how to make Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces)
1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, pinto beans, and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom. Layer 4 tortillas over the salsa, slightly overlapping them.
Spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the sour cream and half of the cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef and bean mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

how to serve Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

Serve the Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole hot, right from the oven. It pairs well with a side salad or some corn. You can also serve it with extra salsa or guacamole on the side. Everyone can help themselves to a generous scoop!

how to store Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

tips to make Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole

For added flavor, try using beef that has spices like garlic powder or onion powder mixed into it.
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
If you like a bit of heat, consider using spicy diced tomatoes or adding jalapeños to the casserole.
Use a mix of cheese types for more depth of flavor. Monterrey Jack or pepper jack are great options.

variation

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by leaving out the ground beef and adding more beans or vegetables. Try adding sweet potatoes or zucchini for a healthy twist. Additionally, you can substitute the tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to increase the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.

2. Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the black beans and pinto beans for your favorite types of beans, such as kidney beans or great northern beans.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply place portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from overcooking.