Description
Cheesy burrito pie is a comforting, layered casserole that combines all your favorite burrito fillings—seasoned beef, beans, salsa, and gooey cheese—stacked between soft tortillas and baked to melty perfection. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade mix)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the burrito pie later.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, then let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the refried beans and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies until well combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly oil a 9-inch round or square baking dish to prevent sticking and to add some crispiness to the tortillas.
- Layer the Burrito Pie: Place one flour tortilla at the bottom of the dish. Spread a layer of the beef mixture on top, then add a spoonful of salsa followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process about 4 to 5 times, finishing with a tortilla topped with the remaining salsa and cheese.
- Brush Edges with Olive Oil: Brush the exposed edges of the top tortilla with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and cheese to melt.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the burrito pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
- You can add corn, black beans, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish freezes well—assemble the pie and freeze before baking. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave leftovers until warmed through.
- Brush olive oil only on the exposed tortilla edges for crispiness, not the entire top, to avoid sogginess.
- Use Mexican blend cheese for more authentic flavor or cheddar cheese as a convenient alternative.