Cheesy Burrito Pie Casserole
A comforting layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, tangy taco sauce, and melty cheese, reminiscent of a taco night in a cozy casserole form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 16-oz can refried beans
- 1 8-oz jar taco sauce
- ⅔ cup canned diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (about 5 oz)
- ¼ cup canned diced green chile peppers, drained (about 2 oz)
- ¼ cup canned sliced black olives, drained (about 1 oz)
- 6 10-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese (about 4 oz)
Optional Ingredients
- Salt and pepper (to taste, depending on taco sauce saltiness)
- Hot sauce or extra taco sauce (for serving)
- Extra cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack)
Desired Toppers
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Fresh jalapeño slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Shredded lettuce (add after baking for crunch)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, for about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion softens, about 5 more minutes.
- Carefully drain excess grease.
Mixing / Assembling
- Stir in the refried beans, taco sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, diced green chiles, and black olives.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and looks rich and scoopable.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cooking / Baking
- Spread a thin layer of the beef-bean mixture on the bottom of a 12-inch round baking dish.
- Add a tortilla layer (you may need to fold or tear tortillas slightly to fit).
- Continue layering: beef mixture, tortilla, beef mixture, cheese, until you’ve used the ingredients, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges.
Resting / Finishing
- Let the burrito pie rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Top with cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños (or any toppings you love) just before serving.
Notes
For best texture, simmer the filling until thick; watery filling makes the tortillas soggy. For flavor, use pepper jack or a cheddar-jack blend. Let the casserole rest to avoid messy slices.