Cheesy Pizza Burger

This hearty Mexican-inspired burrito casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting family meal that's become my weeknight dinner hero. The combination of savory beef, creamy beans, and cheese creates a dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters while bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.

When I first made this recipe during a busy weeknight dinner crisis, my family demolished it so quickly I had to start doubling the recipe. Now it's our go-to meal when we want comfort food without ordering takeout.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base; look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor
• Refried beans: Add creaminess and help bind everything together; select traditional style for authentic flavor
• Onion and garlic: Create an aromatic foundation crucial for developing deep flavor
• Taco seasoning packet: Delivers complex flavor without measuring multiple spices
• Flour tortillas: Form the perfect wrapper; choose burrito size for easier rolling
• Cheddar cheese: Brings that essential melty goodness; use freshly shredded for best melting
• Enchilada sauce: Creates the saucy casserole effect; red or green both work beautifully
• Sour cream: Adds cooling creaminess that balances the spices
• Fresh tomatoes and cilantro: Brighten the rich flavors with fresh color and taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Heat your skillet to medium before adding the beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns, cooking for about 5 minutes until no pink remains. Add the onions and garlic when the beef is about halfway cooked through to prevent the garlic from burning. The onions should become translucent but not browned. Drain the fat by tilting the pan and spooning it out, or using a colander for a leaner result.

Create the Flavorful Mixture:

Return the drained meat mixture to the pan and add the refried beans. They might be stiff from the can, so use a spatula to break them up as they warm. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning evenly across the surface, then pour in the water. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until everything is well incorporated and the mixture has thickened slightly. A properly combined mixture will hold its shape on a spoon.

Assemble the Burritos:

Warm your tortillas for 20 seconds in the microwave between damp paper towels to make them pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and scoop approximately 1/2 cup of filling just below the center. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of cheese before folding. Fold the sides in first, then roll from the bottom up, tucking tightly as you go to prevent the filling from escaping.

Create the Casserole:

Arrange your rolled burritos in the baking dish with the seam side down. Position them so they're touching but not squished. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover all exposed tortilla surfaces to prevent drying. The sauce should come about halfway up the sides of the burritos. Finish with a generous layer of the remaining cheese, ensuring even coverage for that perfect melty top.

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The refried beans are truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. When I tried making it once without them, the filling lacked that creamy binding quality that makes everything hold together so perfectly. My husband noticed immediately and requested we never skip them again.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on your family's preferences. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a milder flavor profile, use mild enchilada sauce and reduce the taco seasoning by half. Vegetarians can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or simply double the beans and add sautéed bell peppers for texture and nutrition.

Storage And Reheating

Store any leftover baked burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the tortillas slightly soggy. For best results when freezing, wrap individual unbaked burritos in foil, then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this simple casserole into a complete Mexican feast by serving it with Spanish rice, a simple green salad with cilantro lime dressing, or refried black beans. For a fun family dinner, create a toppings bar with extra sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, and different hot sauces so everyone can customize their portion. A side of tortilla chips and homemade salsa completes the restaurant experience at home.

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This delectable casserole will bring your family to the table in record time—guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filled and rolled burritos a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour the enchilada sauce and cheese on top, then bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What can I substitute for the refried beans?

Black beans or pinto beans work well as alternatives. Simply drain, rinse, and slightly mash them before adding to the meat mixture. You could also use canned chili beans for extra flavor.

→ Can I freeze these burritos?

Absolutely! These burritos freeze well both before and after baking. For best results, freeze them without the enchilada sauce and cheese topping. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the sauce and cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You could also use a spicy enchilada sauce or top the finished burritos with hot sauce or sliced fresh chiles.

→ What sides go well with these baked burritos?

Mexican rice, a simple green salad, corn salad, or guacamole all complement these burritos nicely. For a complete spread, add some tortilla chips with salsa and a side of refried beans.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas are recommended for their flexibility and strength when rolling burritos, you can adapt this recipe to use corn tortillas for a more enchilada-style dish. Lightly fry corn tortillas in oil to make them more pliable before filling and rolling.