Burrito Pie is a hearty Tex-Mex casserole that became especially popular during the 1970s and 1980s when layered family-style dinners were a staple at potlucks and weeknight tables. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, taco sauce, and melty cheese, this comforting baked dish captures all the flavors of classic burritos in an easy-to-serve casserole form. The addition of green chiles and taco sauce gives it a warm, spicy kick while keeping the texture rich and satisfying. Recipes like this became favorites because they stretched affordable pantry staples into crowd-pleasing meals that could feed a large family with minimal effort. Burrito Pie remains beloved today for its cozy layers, bold Tex-Mex flavor, and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced )
- 20 oz sliced black olives (1 can, drained)
- 4 oz diced green chiles (1 can)
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can)
- 16 oz taco sauce (1 jar)
- 32 oz refried beans (2 cans)
- 12 8-inch flour tortillas
- 9 oz Colby cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess grease if desired.420
Step 3: Add Remaining Filling Ingredients28
- Stir in the black olives, green chiles, diced tomatoes with green chiles, taco sauce, and refried beans.21
- Mix thoroughly.25
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.10
Step 4: Layer the Casserole2
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the bottom of a 4-quart casserole dish.10
- Cover with a layer of flour tortillas.1
- Add another layer of meat mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.58
- Repeat the layers until all tortillas are used, finishing with meat mixture and cheese on top.1120
Step 5: Bake480
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
Tips
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add cooked rice between layers for extra heartiness.
- Use corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro before serving.
- Add jalapeños for additional spice.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with black beans and corn.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or Mexican rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 21gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 1120mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 3.5mg
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