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Creamy Burrito Casserole

Creamy Burrito Casserole
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Creamy Burrito Casserole is a comforting and impressive one-dish meal that combines tender tortillas, seasoned ground beef or chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and melted cheese. This quick and easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering rich burrito flavors in a family-friendly dish that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef or chicken
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Base & Layers

  • 8–10 flour tortillas
  • 1 can (15 oz) black or pinto beans (optional, drained and rinsed)

Cheese

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

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup enchilada or taco sauce

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Protein: Brown the ground beef or chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and the meat is fully cooked. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to incorporate the classic burrito flavors.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, and enchilada or taco sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will give the casserole its signature silky texture.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of tortillas over the sauce, then add a layer of the seasoned meat, followed by beans if using, shredded cheese, and more sauce. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the layers set. This makes cutting and serving easier and less messy. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh, soft flour tortillas for better layering and moisture retention.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help flavors meld and hold the layers together.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying chili powder or adding jalapeños to the sauce.
  • Combine different cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for richer flavor and better melt.
  • Spread the creamy sauce evenly between layers to ensure every bite remains creamy and delicious.

Nutrition

Keywords: burrito casserole, creamy casserole, easy weeknight dinner, Mexican casserole, beef casserole, chicken casserole, freezer friendly casserole

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-burrito-casserole/