Amazing burrito bake: 1 pan, happy family

Hey there! Alex here, and I’m so thrilled you’ve landed on this recipe. If your weeknights feel more like a chaotic sprint than a relaxed dinner hour, I totally get it. I used to be there, drowning in corporate burnout, thinking cooking was just *another* chore. But then, like with my bread-baking journey, I discovered the pure joy in creating something simple, delicious, and made for sharing. That’s exactly what this burrito bake is all about! It’s a game-changer for busy families like yours. Imagine a warm, cheesy, layered casserole packed with all your favorite burrito flavors, all in one pan, and guess what? It freezes beautifully for those nights when cooking feels impossible. We believe amazing food shouldn’t be complicated, and this easy Mexican bake is proof.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mexican Bake

This easy Mexican bake is a total game-changer for busy families. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to weeknight meal:

• Super Speedy: You can whip this up in under an hour, making it totally doable even on the busiest of nights!
• Effortless Prep: It’s a one-pan wonder with simple steps. Honestly, it’s so approachable, anyone can make it.
• Kid-Approved Flavor: My family devours this cheesy taco bake. It’s got all those classic burrito flavors they adore.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: This layered burrito casserole freezes like a dream, meaning you’ve got a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Ingredients for Your Layered Burrito Casserole

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal! Trust me, you probably have most of them in your pantry already:

• 1 pound ground beef, cooked until browned and drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (don’t drain these – they add so much flavor!)
• 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
• 8-10 flour tortillas (8-inch), cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños (adds a little kick!)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Burrito Bake

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness into a baking dish! This burrito bake comes together so easily, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps:

Preparing the Beef Mixture

First things first, grab a skillet and cook up that ground beef over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy bake! Then, stir in your taco seasoning, creamy refried beans, the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and that cup of salsa. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes, just stirring here and there. It’ll smell incredible!

Assembling the Layers

Now for the fun part: building this masterpiece! Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle about half of those tortilla strips across the bottom. Spoon half of that yummy beef and bean mixture right on top of the tortillas. Then, sprinkle generously with half of your cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Now, just repeat those layers – the rest of the tortilla strips, the remaining beef mixture, and then pile on the rest of that glorious cheese!

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Baking and Finishing Your Cheesy Taco Bake

Once everything is nicely layered, cover the whole dish tightly with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and let it bake for about 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil – watch out for that steam! – and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until that cheese on top is all melted, golden, and bubbly. Let it sit for just 5 minutes before you dig in; it makes it easier to serve!

Tips for a Perfect Burrito Bake Every Time

Creating this layered burrito casserole is honestly pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can take your burrito bake from good to absolutely *amazing*. Here are my secrets:

• Tortilla Freshness Matters: I always try to use fresh flour tortillas. Stale ones can sometimes get a bit too chewy or dry when baked. If yours are a little firm, just give them a quick microwave for 10-15 seconds before cutting them into strips – it makes them super pliable!
• Don’t Shy Away from Cheese: Seriously, be generous with that cheddar and Monterey Jack! A good amount of cheese is key to that gooey, melty goodness that makes this cheesy taco bake so satisfying. Mix them up for the best of both worlds.
• Keep it Moist: The undrained diced tomatoes and chilies, along with the salsa, are crucial for keeping this burrito bake wonderfully moist. If you’re worried about it drying out, don’t be afraid to add an extra tablespoon or two of salsa to the beef mixture.
• Even Heating is Key: Make sure your beef mixture is spread evenly across the tortilla layer. This helps the heat distribute properly, ensuring everything bakes up perfectly without any hot spots or undercooked bits.

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Burrito Casserole Instructions

Honestly, one of my favorite things about this burrito bake is how perfectly it preps ahead! You can absolutely get this cheesy taco bake ready to go for a busy weeknight. Just assemble it completely in your baking dish – lay down those tortilla strips, spoon on the beefy mixture, and sprinkle all that glorious cheese – but don’t bake it yet. Once it’s assembled, cover it really well. I like to do a layer of plastic wrap right over the top, then add a layer of foil on top of that. This freezer burrito casserole can hang out in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just pull it straight from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake it as usual, but you might want to add about 5-10 extra minutes to the covered baking time to make sure it heats through evenly. So easy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Weeknight Mexican Dish

Now that you’ve got this amazing layered burrito casserole ready, let’s talk about making it a complete meal! While this cheesy taco bake is pretty satisfying on its own, a few simple additions can really elevate it. I love serving it with a big scoop of cool sour cream, some freshly chopped cilantro for that bright herbal note, and maybe a few slices of jalapeño if you want a little extra heat. A simple side of light green salad with a lime vinaigrette is perfect too. It just makes everything feel extra special!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Burrito Bake

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no registered dietitian, haha, but based on the ingredients we’re using, a serving of this glorious burrito bake is roughly around 550 calories, with about 30g of fat, 25g of protein, and 45g of carbs. Keep in mind, though, this can totally change depending on the specific brands you use and if you go wild with toppings like sour cream! It’s a hearty meal that really sticks to your ribs.

Share Your Delicious Burrito Bake Creations!

I absolutely love hearing from you! If you made this easy Mexican bake, tell me all about it in the comments below. Did your family gobble it up? Any fun twists you added? I’d also love it if you shared a picture of your amazing layered burrito casserole on social media – tag me so I can see your handiwork!

Easy Burrito Bake Casserole

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A simple, layered burrito bake casserole perfect for busy families. This one-pan dish is packed with flavor, easy to make, and freezes well for future meals.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 cup salsa
• 8–10 flour tortillas (8-inch), cut into strips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and salsa. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips.
5. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
6. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheeses.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil.
9. Bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings if desired.

Notes

• For freezing, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
• For a vegetarian option, use black beans or pinto beans instead of ground beef.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg