Easy Mexican-Inspired Bake (Printable Format)

A hearty, cheesy casserole with all the flavors of a burrito in an easy-to-make baked dish. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep!

# What You'll Gather:

→ Meat & Seasoning

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 onion, chopped
03 - 1 package taco seasoning

→ Casserole Base

04 - 6 large flour tortillas
05 - 1 can refried beans
06 - 2-3 cups shredded taco cheese or cheddar cheese

→ Creamy Sauce

07 - 1 can cream of mushroom soup
08 - 4 ounces sour cream

→ Optional Toppings

09 - Chopped cilantro
10 - Diced tomatoes
11 - Sliced green onions
12 - Sliced jalapeños

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat - this keeps your casserole from becoming greasy.
02 - Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir well to coat every bit of meat with those delicious spices. Add the can of refried beans and mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture is what gives this casserole its rich, comforting texture that everyone loves!
04 - Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Start by spreading half of the creamy sauce on the bottom. Tear three tortillas into pieces and arrange them over the sauce. Top with half of the meat and bean mixture, then sprinkle with a generous layer of cheese.
05 - Continue with another layer of the remaining creamy sauce, followed by the remaining tortillas torn into pieces. Add the rest of the meat mixture and finish with a final layer of shredded cheese on top. Make sure to cover everything for that perfect melty topping!
06 - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown at the edges.
07 - Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely for easier serving. Top with any optional garnishes and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!

# Important Tips:

01 - This casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish - assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and just add 10 minutes to the baking time.
02 - Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef without sacrificing flavor.
03 - For a spicier version, add a small can of diced green chiles or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture.
04 - This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable - feel free to add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture.
05 - Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be frozen in individual portions for quick future meals.

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