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- 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 packet taco seasoning In my creamy burrito casserole, I often use ground turkey or beef. Both options work well and add great flavor. Black beans bring protein and fiber, while diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. Corn adds sweetness and texture to the dish. Taco seasoning ties it all together, making each bite burst with flavor. - 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup salsa - 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color) I love using flour tortillas for their soft texture. They soak up the flavors beautifully. Cheddar cheese melts perfectly on top, creating a creamy layer. Sour cream adds richness, while salsa provides freshness. Diced bell peppers add color and crunch to each serving. - Cooking oil for sautéing - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional garnishes A drizzle of cooking oil helps brown the meat well. I always season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. For garnishes, I suggest sliced green onions. They add a fresh touch and look great on the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat a splash of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook the meat until it turns brown. Break it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat is brown, stir in the following ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup bell peppers, diced Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of salsa. Mix well. Now, it’s time to assemble. In a greased baking dish, start with half of the tortilla strips. Lay them at the bottom. Next, add half of the meat mixture. Then, layer half of the sour cream and salsa mix on top. Finally, sprinkle half of the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on this layer. Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips, meat mixture, sour cream mixture, and the rest of the cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. To check if it’s done, look for the cheese to be melted and slightly browned. Once cooked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. To achieve the perfect layer consistency, I recommend using a gentle hand. Start with half the tortilla strips, then add half the meat mixture. Next, spread half of the sour cream mix and sprinkle half the cheese. Repeat this process. This method ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture. For healthier options, you can swap ground turkey for lean chicken or even a plant-based meat. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. Try using whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour ones. These simple swaps can make your dish feel fresher and lighter. The best sides to accompany the casserole include a fresh salad or some guacamole. A zesty corn salad works well too, adding crunch and color. You can also serve tortilla chips on the side for added texture. For garnishing ideas, sprinkle some cilantro or extra green onions on top of the casserole. A dollop of guacamole or a few slices of jalapeño can also add a nice pop of color and flavor. This makes your meal look even more appetizing. For meal prep strategies during busy weekdays, try chopping your vegetables the night before. This way, you can throw everything together quickly. You can also prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Using leftovers effectively is a smart choice. You can repurpose any remaining casserole into lunch the next day. Simply heat it up or turn it into a wrap using fresh tortillas. This way, you avoid food waste and enjoy a tasty meal again. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your casserole. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add jalapeños for extra heat to suit your taste. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground turkey or beef for chicken or plant-based proteins. Ground chicken works well. For a vegan option, try crumbled tofu or lentils. You can also swap out the black beans for pinto or kidney beans. Feel free to use any vegetables you love. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms can add more color and nutrients. If you need gluten-free options, use corn tortillas instead of flour. They still taste great! For a vegan version, replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients! Want more flavor? Add extra spices like cumin or paprika. They give a warm, rich taste. You can also kick up the heat with sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. Mixing in some diced green chiles can add a nice zing! Don't hesitate to get creative with your seasonings to suit your taste. To keep your creamy burrito casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. - Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. - Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. - Slice the casserole into portions. - Place each portion in airtight containers. - Label and date each container. - Freeze for up to 3 months. You can reheat the casserole in two ways: oven or microwave. - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. - Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice. - Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. - Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. - Stir halfway through for even heating. This method is quicker but may make it softer. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 days. Check for signs it has gone bad: - Unpleasant smell - Mold or discoloration - Unusual texture If you see any of these signs, throw it away. Enjoy your creamy burrito casserole while it’s fresh! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Pre-assemble your layers in a baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for later. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Just adjust the bake time if it's cold from the fridge. This makes dinner easy on busy days! To add heat to your casserole, try these ideas: - Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. - Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. - Use spicy salsa instead of mild. - For extra flavor, consider chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These options will give your dish a nice kick. Yes! Cheese options can change the flavor of your casserole. Here are some ideas: - Monterey Jack adds a creamy texture. - Pepper Jack gives a spicy twist. - For a rich taste, try using a mix of cheeses. You can even sprinkle some queso fresco on top for a fresh touch. This blog post covers the key ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the Creamy Burrito Casserole. You learned about the main components like ground meat, beans, and tortillas, plus helpful cooking and storage tips. Remember, you can easily adapt this dish with different proteins and spices. The casserole is not just tasty but also flexible for your needs. Keep these ideas in mind to create a meal that fits your taste and lifestyle. Enjoy cooking!

Creamy Burrito Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole layered with ground meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • to taste cooking oil for sautéing
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Once the meat is cooked through, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, taco seasoning, and diced bell peppers. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa, mixing until well combined.
  • In a greased baking dish, create layers: start with half of the tortilla strips at the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture, and then half of the sour cream and salsa mix. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top.
  • Repeat the layering with the remaining tortilla strips, meat mixture, sour cream mixture, and finish with the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish or in bowls with garnishes.
Keyword burrito, casserole, cheesy, easy meal