If you are craving a comfort food that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, tender flour tortillas, and a burst of salsa and spices baked to perfection in a single dish. It’s the perfect combination of gooey cheese, hearty filling, and fresh flavors that make family dinners or casual get-togethers extra special. Whether you need a weeknight winner or a potluck star, this Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe answers the call with incredible ease and deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this irresistible Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe. Each component adds its own magic, from the savory ground beef to the creamy cheeses and the vibrant touches of salsa and chilies, making the dish as colorful as it is flavorful.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base full of rich flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and texture when cooked.
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix: Infuses the beef with authentic Mexican-inspired spices.
- 1 cup salsa: Brings acidity and a fresh punch to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spices beautifully.
- 6 medium flour tortillas, cut into quarters: Perfect for layering and soaking up all the savory juices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, melty goodness throughout.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Brings a mild, creamy contrast to cheddar’s boldness.
- 1/2 cup refried beans (optional): Adds a smooth, earthy layer for extra richness.
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional): Adds a sweet crunch and lovely pops of color.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional): Introduces a gentle heat without overwhelming the palate.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional): Provides a bright herbal finish that enhances every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to melt the cheeses perfectly and cook the layers evenly. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as you go to ensure even cooking. Once the beef loses its pink color, drain any excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy dish. Toss in the diced onion and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and sweetens slightly, merging beautifully with the meat.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Stir in the taco seasoning mix and salsa to your skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can marry and the sauce thickens nicely. If you’re adding refried beans, corn, or diced green chilies, fold them in now for extra texture, creaminess, and a mild kick. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and get ready to layer.
Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Pie
Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of your baking dish. Next, cover that with a layer of flour tortilla quarters. On top of the tortillas, spread more of the beef mixture, then sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. These layers will create a flavorful mosaic of textures and tastes as the cheese melts into every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Repeat the Layering
Continue layering the tortillas, beef mixture, and cheeses until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Your final layer should be a lavish blanket of cheese on top — this will turn golden and bubbly in the oven, creating that irresistible cheesy crust that everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows everything to heat through and the flavors to meld. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like a fiesta in your kitchen!
Step 7: Garnish and Rest
After taking the Cheesy Burrito Pie out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps everything set so slices hold together beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, bright pop and a hint of herbal aroma.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Creation
Dish out generous servings and pair with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to make each bite even more indulgent. This Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe isn’t just dinner, it’s a celebration of vibrant, comforting flavors all in one pan.
How to Serve Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a stellar choice for its fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that brightens up the richness of the pie. For more zing, add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tasty guacamole on each serving. Thinly sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of fresh lime can also elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe pairs delightfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn salad for texture contrast and freshness. You might also serve it alongside Spanish rice or black beans to keep the fiesta going with complementary flavors and hearty additions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or use mini tortilla cups for bite-sized versions. You can also layer the burrito pie in a large cast-iron skillet and serve it family-style right from the pan, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Burrito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving — perfect for quick lunches or a light dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze portions or the entire assembled pie before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Cheesy Burrito Pie can last up to 2 months, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the crispy cheese layer on top. Alternatively, you can microwave servings, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp but still satisfyingly cheesy and warm.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives that work well with the taco seasoning and all the other flavors in the Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe, just cook them thoroughly as you would with ground beef.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and use extra beans, corn, and diced green chilies to keep the layers hearty and flavorful. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to boost texture and taste.
Can I make it spicier?
Feel free to add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra diced green chilies to the beef mixture. Adjust the seasoning to your heat preference while keeping the creamy cheeses to cool things down.
What type of cheese is best for melting?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses are perfect because cheddar offers sharp flavor and Monterey Jack provides creamy meltability. Combining the two gives you the ideal balance of taste and gooey texture in this Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead meal that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas when it finally goes into the oven.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that feels both indulgent and homey, and this Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. With layers of flavorful beef, melty cheeses, and comforting tortillas, it’s a meal that brings people together around the table. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll love how effortlessly it turns a simple dinner into a crowd-pleasing celebration of bold, cheesy goodness.
Print
Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Cheesy Burrito Pie is a comforting layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines Mexican-inspired flavors with the convenience of a one-dish bake, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 medium flour tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If using, add the refried beans, frozen corn, and diced green chilies now, stirring to combine well. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the burrito pie: Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer quartered flour tortillas over the beef mixture. Spread another portion of the beef mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering tortillas, beef mixture, and cheeses until all ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and rest: Remove the burrito pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm, accompanied by sour cream, extra salsa, or guacamole to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but flour tortillas provide a softer texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding black beans can increase protein and fiber content.
- Check the taco seasoning packet for sodium content if you are monitoring salt intake.
