Beef and Vegetable Burrito Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and refried beans, topped with melted cheese. This mexican-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs pound Ground beef, Bell peppers, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced bell peppers and 1/2 cup diced onion to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 ounces diced tomatoes and 1 cup corn, then simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup refried beans in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, then layer half of the beef mixture over the beans.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 4 tortilla strips over the beef layer, then spread the remaining beef mixture on top.
  6. Step 6: Top with 1/2 cup refried beans, then the remaining tortilla strips and 2 cups shredded cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Vegetable Burrito Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef and Vegetable Burrito Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Vegetable Burrito Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef and Vegetable Burrito Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef and Vegetable Burrito Casserole?

Mexican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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