Essential Ingredients for Your Frozen Burrito Casserole

One of the best features of this frozen burrito casserole is its reliance on just 5 easily accessible ingredients, making it an ideal “crisis meal” – perfect for those evenings when you’re exhausted and contemplating the drive-thru. It’s a wonderfully simple and delicious method to enhance the flavor of plain frozen burritos. I make it a point to always keep these staples on hand: milk and cheese are usually in my fridge, and I ensure there are always frozen burritos, cream of mushroom soup, and green chilies stocked in my pantry and freezer. This way, I know I can effortlessly assemble this hearty meal when creativity and energy are at their lowest.

Frozen bean burritos serve as the fantastic time-saving foundation for this incredibly easy casserole. However, feel free to customize this based on your preferred burrito filling! I personally adore the taste of the bean filling complemented by the creamy gravy, which is why I consistently opt for bean burritos. The combination creates a comforting and familiar flavor that truly satisfies.

Key Ingredients:

• Frozen burritos: While I often use El Monterey bean burritos for their convenient size and excellent flavor, you have plenty of options. You could try another brand or even substitute with ground beef and bean, chicken, or your favorite vegetarian burrito flavor. Even chimichangas work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a slightly crispier texture. For a fun twist and a hearty start to your day, consider using breakfast burritos! Aim for approximately 32 ounces total weight for the best sauce-to-burrito ratio.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This soup provides the incredibly rich and creamy base for our sauce. It pairs exceptionally well with the subtle kick from the green chilies. If mushroom isn’t your preference, condensed cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery soup would also be delicious alternatives, each offering a slightly different but equally delightful flavor profile.
• Diced green chilies: These add a mild, earthy, and slightly spicy Tex-Mex flavor that truly makes the casserole sing. You can choose between spicy or mild green chilies depending on your heat preference. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider swapping them for a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel).
• Milk: Used to thin out the condensed soup, creating a pourable and luscious sauce that thoroughly coats the burritos. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, skim) will work, or even a non-dairy alternative if you prefer.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: This is what gives the casserole its irresistible, gooey, melted topping. Good quality sharp or mild cheddar cheese works perfectly. However, feel free to use a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even quesadilla cheese if that’s what you have on hand. The goal is a melty, cheesy blanket over the top!
• Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for preparing your baking dish, ensuring the casserole doesn’t stick and making cleanup a breeze.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• 9×13 inch casserole dish: This size is ideal for fitting the burritos in a single layer and allowing enough room for the sauce and cheese.
• Medium bowl: For easily combining your sauce ingredients.
• Large spoon or spatula: Useful for mixing the sauce thoroughly and spreading it evenly over the burritos.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the frozen burrito casserole during baking, which helps keep it moist and ensures even heating.

Effortless Preparation: How to Assemble Your Frozen Burrito Casserole

Making this delightful Tex-Mex casserole is incredibly simple and takes minimal effort! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this delicious meal ready for the oven.

1. First, generously spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy serving and cleanup. Carefully arrange the frozen burritos in the baking dish, ensuring they are placed in a single, even layer (1). This allows for consistent heating and sauce distribution.
2. In a separate medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and diced green chilies (2). Whisk or stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and form a smooth, creamy sauce. Pour this delicious soup mixture evenly over the arranged burritos, making sure each one is generously coated.
3. Next, liberally sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the burritos, ensuring all areas are covered (3). This layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly topping during baking.
4. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a good seal around the edges (4). This step is crucial for trapping steam, which helps the frozen burritos thaw and cook through while keeping them tender and infused with the rich sauce.
5. Finally, bake the covered casserole in a preheated 375ºF (190°C) oven for 35-45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the burritos are heated through, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted and golden. If you prefer a slightly browned, crispier cheese topping, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Burrito Casserole

Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Burrito Casserole

This savory frozen burrito casserole is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with a fresh and vibrant side dish. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that perfectly balance the rich flavors of the casserole:

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole. It adds a lovely textural element and a touch of freshness.
• Tex-Mex Cole Slaw: This zesty and crunchy coleslaw, with its southwestern flair, offers a vibrant side that complements the Tex-Mex flavors beautifully. Its coolness and crunch are a perfect counterpoint.
• Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice or Spanish Rice: A classic pairing, a fluffy and flavorful Mexican or Spanish rice adds another layer of authentic taste and helps make the meal more filling.
• Slow-Cooked Green Beans: Tender, slow-cooked green beans seasoned simply provide a comforting, wholesome vegetable side that balances the richness of the casserole.
• Mexican Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad, perhaps with some red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, brings a sweet and tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the savory casserole.
• Black Beans: A simple side of seasoned black beans, perhaps with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream, is always a great choice for adding more protein and fiber.
• Chips and Salsa/Guacamole: For an extra dose of Tex-Mex fun, serve with a basket of tortilla chips alongside fresh salsa or creamy guacamole.

Easy Frozen Burrito Casserole

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