Burrito Casserole – How to Make a Creamy Dinner

A Comforting, Cheesy Classic: Why This Burrito Casserole Works

When you’re short on time but craving something hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly, this burrito casserole hits the spot. It’s the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex comfort and creamy, cheesy goodness — layered with seasoned ground meat, refried beans, soft tortillas, and a rich sour cream sauce.

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something that tastes like you did. In under an hour, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy burrito casserole, gather the following:

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
½ medium yellow onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning (about 1.25 oz)
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
4 oz sour cream
6 large flour tortillas
2–3 cups shredded taco cheese or cheddar cheese
Jarred hot sauce (optional)

How to Make Burrito Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Cook the meat and onions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.

2. Add flavor and beans

Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (2–3 tablespoons), then mix in the refried beans. Cook until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the creamy sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the sour cream until smooth. This will act as a rich, creamy binder for the casserole.

4. Build the first layer

Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Tear 3 tortillas into large pieces and layer them over the sauce.
Add half of the meat and bean mixture on top.
Sprinkle with a generous layer of cheese.
Drizzle hot sauce if you like some heat.

5. Repeat the layers

Repeat the same process with the remaining sauce, tortillas, meat, and cheese.

6. Bake to perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices and better texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this burrito casserole with:

Fresh avocado or guacamole
Chopped green onions
Lime wedges for a zesty finish
Fresh cilantro
A spoonful of salsa or extra sour cream

Make It Your Own

This recipe is easy to customize:

Vegetarian? Swap the meat for black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables.
Gluten-free? Use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas.
Mild for kids? Skip the hot sauce and use mild cheddar.
Make-ahead? Assemble earlier and refrigerate before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes of cook time if cold.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Saving

This burrito casserole isn’t just another easy weeknight dinner — it’s the kind of meal that brings people together. The warm layers, creamy texture, and bold flavors make it a favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Plus, it uses pantry staples and comes together in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or prepping leftovers for the week, this recipe delivers.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends, family, or anyone who loves a comforting meal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a small get-together, this burrito casserole is sure to be a hit.

burrito casserole