Cheesy Beef and Bean Layered Burrito Bake
Transform your leftovers into a mouthwatering Cheesy Beef and Bean Layered Burrito Bake. This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef or shredded roast with creamy refried beans and zesty green chilies, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a flavorful green chili sauce. Topped with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomatoes, this dish is not just comforting but also versatile—perfect for using up extra Spanish rice for an even heartier meal. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this casserole will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef or shredded beef roast
1 1/2 lbs (browned with salt and pepper)
refried beans
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
green chilies, diced
1 (4 ounce) can (none)
flour tortillas
10 (cut in half)
green chili sauce
2 cups (none)
shredded cheese
2 cups (none)
shredded romaine lettuce
2 cups (none)
large tomatoes, diced
2 (none)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper until fully cooked. If using shredded beef, skip this step.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat with the refried beans and diced green chilies until well blended.
4
Prepare your 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish by cutting the flour tortillas in half. Begin layering the dish by placing the cut edges of the tortillas along the sides of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
5
Spread 1/3 of the meat and bean mixture evenly over the layer of tortillas.
6
Drizzle 1/2 cup of green chili sauce over the meat layer, ensuring it covers evenly.
7
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the sauce.
8
Repeat the layering process: another layer of tortillas, another 1/3 of the meat and bean mixture, followed by another 1/2 cup of sauce and 1/2 cup of cheese.
9
For the final layer, add another set of tortillas, the remaining meat and bean mixture, and finish with one last layer of tortillas.
10
Pour the last cup of green chili sauce over the top layer of tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
11
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and place it in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
12
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
13
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Top with shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Beef and Bean Layered Burrito Bake?
It is a hearty Mexican-inspired casserole that layers seasoned beef, refried beans, and green chilies between flour tortillas, topped with green chili sauce and melted cheese.
What kind of meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of either ground beef browned with salt and pepper or leftover shredded beef roast.
How should I prepare the tortillas for layering?
Take 10 flour tortillas and cut them in half before layering them along the sides and bottom of the baking dish.
What type of beans are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of refried beans mixed with the meat.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I assemble the meat and bean mixture?
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat with refried beans and a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies until well blended.
What size baking dish is needed?
A standard 9x13-inch rectangular baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
What kind of sauce is used in the layers?
The recipe uses 2 cups of green chili sauce, drizzled throughout the layers and over the top.
How much cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cheese, divided between the inner layers and the topping.
How long does the burrito bake take to cook?
Bake covered for 30-35 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Why should I cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Covering with foil prevents the cheese from burning while the casserole heats through thoroughly.
What should I look for to know the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Should I let the casserole rest before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to slice.
What fresh toppings are suggested?
Top the finished bake with 2 cups of shredded romaine lettuce and 2 diced large tomatoes.
Can I add extra ingredients to make it heartier?
Yes, this dish is versatile and perfect for adding extra Spanish rice into the layers.
What kind of lettuce is best for this dish?
Shredded romaine lettuce is recommended for its crisp texture.
Is sour cream included in the recipe?
Yes, sour cream is suggested to be served as a dollop on top to taste.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas are specified for their softness in this bake, corn tortillas could be used for a different texture.
How many layers of meat and beans are in the bake?
The meat and bean mixture is divided into three equal parts for three distinct layers.
How do I prevent the tortillas from sticking to the dish?
Slightly overlapping the cut edges of the tortillas along the sides and bottom helps create a cohesive structure.
What if I use shredded beef instead of ground beef?
If using shredded roast, you can skip the browning step and mix it directly with the beans and chilies.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it can be sliced into portions and reheats well.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much green chili sauce goes on each layer?
Use 1/2 cup of sauce for each of the first two meat layers, and the remaining 1 cup for the top layer.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, any melting cheese like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend will work well.
How many tomatoes are needed for the garnish?
The recipe calls for 2 large tomatoes, diced.
Does the recipe use diced green chilies?
Yes, a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies is mixed into the beef and bean filling.
Is the beef seasoned?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Can this recipe help use up leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically described as a great way to transform leftover beef or rice.
What is the final topping added before baking?
The final topping before the oven is a layer of green chili sauce followed by the remaining shredded cheese.