Description
Cheesy burrito pie combines Mexican-inspired layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into a comforting family-friendly dinner. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds (0.9 kg) ground beef (85/15)
- 4 cups (907 g) refried beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 ounces (397 g) canned diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces (227 g) canned diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup (75 g) black olives, sliced
Dairy and Extras:
- 2 1/2 cups (225 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 16 ounces (454 g) salsa
- 12 flour tortillas (8-inch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over high heat, brown the ground beef and onions, continuously breaking the meat into small crumbles.
- Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and sauté for 30 seconds, then transfer the meat to a separate bowl.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and combine diced tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, refried beans, and salsa, stirring until thoroughly heated.
- Create the first layer in the baking dish: arrange 3 tortillas as a base, spread 1/3 of the refried beans evenly, top with 1/3 of the beef mixture, and sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
- For the final layer, place remaining tortillas on top and generously cover with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with optional garnishes like sour cream, salsa, cilantro, or guacamole.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for deeper southwestern notes.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot salsa and adjusting green chile intensity to suit personal heat tolerance.
- Maximize cheese meltability by letting the dish rest 5-10 minutes after baking, allowing cheese to set and become more cohesive.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 523 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg