Cheesy Burrito Pie is an irresistible, hearty comfort food that fuses all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors into one bubbling, golden casserole. Imagine layers of tortillas packed with savory seasoned beef, creamy beans, zesty tomatoes, tangy sour cream, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked together in a pie dish until perfectly melded. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike—a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesy Burrito Pie comes together with kitchen staples you probably have on hand, and each one plays an essential role in the final flavor. From the beefy filling to that melty cheese topping, every component creates something magical while keeping things simple and straightforward.
- Ground Beef: The main protein for a richly flavored, meaty filling. You can easily swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Small Onion (chopped): Adds a sweet, aromatic bite that enhances the beef and gives depth to the dish.
- Garlic (minced): Just one clove infuses the pie with a subtle, satisfying warmth.
- Taco Seasoning: Brings classic Tex-Mex zest, tying all the layers together. Adjust for your preferred spice level!
- Water: Helps dissolve the seasoning and creates a saucy, moist filling.
- Refried Beans: Makes the pie extra hearty and creamy, blending beautifully with the beef.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A pop of freshness and a gentle kick that keeps the layers from feeling heavy.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess, locking in moisture as the pie bakes.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that essential bubbling, gooey cheese crown—use sharp cheddar for even more flavor.
- Large Flour Tortillas: These act as your “crust” and layers, making the pie sliceable and satisfying.
- Olive Oil (for greasing): Prevents sticking and helps you get those perfect, clean slices.
How to Make Cheesy Burrito Pie
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish with olive oil—this keeps your Cheesy Burrito Pie from sticking and ensures easy serving later.
Step 2: Sauté the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once no longer pink, stir in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing everything for three to four minutes until softened and aromatic. This mix forms the flavorful base every great Cheesy Burrito Pie needs.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over your beef mixture and pour in the water. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about five minutes. The water helps blend the spices into every bite, creating a saucy, cohesive filling that won’t dry out while baking.
Step 4: Add Beans and Tomatoes
Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in the refried beans and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. This step adds creaminess and just the right amount of freshness and zip, making the filling irresistibly rich without being heavy.
Step 5: Layer the Pie
Now for the fun part—layering! Place one flour tortilla on the bottom of your greased dish. Spoon a portion of your beef and bean mixture over top, then dollop a bit of sour cream and scatter a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue layering tortilla, filling, sour cream, and cheese—and repeat until you’re out of filling, ending with cheese on top for that all-important gooey finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pie dish loosely with foil (to help the cheese melt evenly and prevent over-browning). Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, letting the top turn bubbly and golden. Rest for five minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set and ensures every piece is picture perfect.
How to Serve Cheesy Burrito Pie
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños on top for vibrant color and an extra burst of flavor. A dollop of guacamole or your favorite salsa also plays beautifully with the cheesy, savory pie.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Burrito Pie pairs wonderfully with crisp tortilla chips, a simple side salad tossed in lime juice, or classic Mexican rice. Black beans or roasted corn will round out the meal for a true fiesta on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing Cheesy Burrito Pie into wedges and serving on a wooden board for a rustic, family-style feel. For a party, cut into bite-sized squares and skewer with cocktail picks for an effortless, hand-held appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Cheesy Burrito Pie cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container—leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days without losing their deliciousness.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the pie and separate portions with parchment before sealing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge—Cheesy Burrito Pie freezes beautifully and makes weeknight meals a breeze.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices; just add a damp paper towel on top to prevent the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Burrito Pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You won’t lose any of that satisfying flavor or texture.
What can I do if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, a pinch of oregano, garlic powder, and salt for a quick homemade version that’s just as tasty in your Cheesy Burrito Pie.
Do I have to use flour tortillas?
While flour tortillas make the pie tender and easy to slice, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version with a bit more texture and flavor.
How spicy will Cheesy Burrito Pie be?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce; for milder tastes, use mild tomatoes and a gentle seasoning blend.
Can I prepare Cheesy Burrito Pie ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the pie up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s perfect for busy nights or planning ahead for guests.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a casual get-together, Cheesy Burrito Pie is guaranteed to become one of your go-to comfort foods. Its layers of savory flavor, gooey cheese, and easy prep make it a winner time and again, so gather your ingredients and dive right in—you’re going to love every bite!
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Cheesy Burrito Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Burrito Pie is a delightful twist on traditional burritos, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, sour cream, and cheddar cheese baked between flour tortillas. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning and water. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Remove from heat, mix in refried beans and diced tomatoes.
- Layer the pie: In a greased pie dish, layer tortillas, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Enhance with jalapeños or black olives for added flavor.
- Pair with guacamole or salsa for a delicious meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
