Hearty Burrito Bake
Transform your traditional burrito-making experience into a delightful Hearty Burrito Bake! After an unsuccessful attempt at rolling burritos due to the tortillas sticking together, we decided to create a layered casserole that combines all the beloved flavors of burritos into one delicious dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, this casserole delivers a comforting and filling meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare and customize with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone at the table will leave satisfied.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tortillas
8-10 (Whole and torn to fit the pan)
refried beans
16 ounces (Canned or homemade)
taco seasoning
1 1/4 ounces (Prepared spice mix)
ground beef
1-2 lb (Browned and drained)
picante sauce
16 ounces (Jarred salsa)
taco cheese
2-3 lbs (Shredded cheese of your choice)
sour cream
as desired (For topping)
tomatoes
as desired (Chopped for topping)
lettuce
as desired (Chopped for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground hamburger until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
3
Stir in the refried beans, 3/4 of the jar of picante sauce, and taco seasoning into the browned meat. Mix well and heat until everything is warmed through. Remove from heat.
4
Prepare a greased rectangular cake pan by layering the bottom with whole tortillas. Tear some tortillas as necessary to fill in gaps.
5
Spread half of the remaining picante sauce evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with your preferred amount of cheese.
6
Next, layer the meat and bean mixture over the cheese.
7
Repeat the layers by adding more tortillas (omit picante sauce this time), cheese, and the remaining meat and bean mixture.
8
Finish with a final layer of whole tortillas, followed by the last half of picante sauce and a generous layer of cheese on top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you have prepared it in advance and stored it, allow for additional baking time.
10
Once baked, serve immediately topped with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and fresh lettuce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hearty Burrito Bake?
It is a layered casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and tortillas into a comforting dish.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was created after an unsuccessful attempt at rolling burritos when the tortillas stuck together.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How much ground beef is required?
You will need between 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef.
How many tortillas do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 tortillas, used whole and torn to fit the pan.
What type of beans are used?
Use 16 ounces of canned or homemade refried beans.
How much taco seasoning is needed?
Use 1 1/4 ounces of prepared taco seasoning spice mix.
What kind of sauce is added to the meat mixture?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of jarred picante sauce.
How much cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 to 3 pounds of shredded taco cheese.
How long does the Hearty Burrito Bake need to cook?
Bake it for approximately 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How do I prepare the meat?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then drain the grease.
What should I mix with the browned meat?
Stir in the refried beans, 3/4 of the picante sauce, and the taco seasoning.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Use a greased rectangular cake pan and layer the bottom with whole tortillas.
How should I fill the gaps between tortillas in the pan?
Tear some tortillas as necessary to fill any gaps in the layers.
What is the first layer on top of the base tortillas?
Spread half of the remaining picante sauce evenly and sprinkle with cheese.
Where does the meat mixture go in the layering process?
Layer the meat and bean mixture over the initial cheese layer.
How many meat layers are there?
The meat and bean mixture is divided into two layers within the bake.
Do I add picante sauce to the middle tortilla layer?
No, the recipe specifies to omit the picante sauce for the middle tortilla layer.
What goes on the very top of the bake?
The final layer consists of whole tortillas, the remaining picante sauce, and a generous layer of cheese.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, but if you store it before baking, allow for additional time in the oven.
What are the recommended toppings?
Serve with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and fresh lettuce.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is easy to prepare and transport, making it perfect for gatherings.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a Mexican-style casserole and comfort food.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any shredded cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is done when the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is a filling meal that is popular with both kids and adults.
What should I do with the meat grease?
You should drain any excess grease after browning the hamburger.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients, including the optional toppings.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, you can likely substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
How do I serve the Hearty Burrito Bake?
Serve it immediately after baking while it is hot and cheesy.