Burrito Supreme Casserole

Burrito Supreme Casserole Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Burrito Supreme Casserole is a delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that combines all the flavors of a classic burrito in a convenient casserole form. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and can feed a crowd.

History

The origins of the Burrito Supreme Casserole are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been inspired by the popular fast-food chain Taco Bell's Burrito Supreme. This casserole version takes all the classic ingredients of a burrito - ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and toppings - and layers them in a baking dish for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

8 flour tortillas
1.5 cups tomato juice or (1 cup tomato sauce)
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 lb (227 g) ground beef
16 oz (454 g) can refried beans
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 small avocado
1 tbsp lemon juice
1.5 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomato
cheese sauce, optional
hot sauce, optional

How to prepare

Wrap tortillas tightly in aluminum foil and bake them at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes.
In a bowl, combine tomato juice (or tomato sauce), seasoning mix, and oil. Stir well and set aside.
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet until it is browned, stirring to crumble. Then, drain well.
Stir in the beans and 0.5 cup of tomato juice (or tomato sauce) mixture.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Place 0.25 cup of the beef mixture and 2.5 tbsp of cheese down the center of each tortilla.
Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in a lightly greased rectangular baking dish.
Pour the remaining tomato juice (or tomato sauce) mixture over the casserole. Then, cover and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 35 minutes.
Uncover the dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Peel and cube the avocado, then toss it with lemon juice.
Sprinkle the avocado, lettuce, and tomato over the casserole. Serve hot and plain or with other side dishes. Drizzle with the cheese sauce and/or hot sauce, if desired.

Variations

For a spicier version, add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tightly wrap the tortillas in foil before baking to prevent them from drying out.

- Be sure to drain the ground beef well after cooking to remove excess grease.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding sliced jalapenos, diced onions, or sour cream.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Burrito Supreme Casserole with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and salsa for a complete meal. You can also top it with additional toppings such as sliced olives, diced onions, or chopped cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include baking the tortillas before assembling the casserole, browning the ground beef, and simmering the beef and bean mixture to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Substitute black beans or pinto beans for the refried beans.

- Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the Burrito Supreme Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Burrito Supreme Casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Serve it in individual bowls or on a platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Burrito Supreme Casserole with a refreshing side salad, such as a Mexican street corn salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. You can also serve it with a side of chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Burrito Supreme Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Burrito Supreme Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Burrito Supreme Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Burrito Supreme Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Burrito Supreme Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Burrito Supreme Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (tortillas). It may also contain soy (from the taco seasoning mix).

Summary

Burrito Supreme Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Burrito Supreme Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings all the classic flavors of a burrito into a convenient casserole form. With layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, cheese, and toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy it as a comforting meal for any occasion!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a rainy afternoon and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend, Maria. Maria was a wonderful cook who loved to share her recipes with me. As I turned the pages, a picture of a mouth-watering Burrito Supreme Casserole caught my eye. I could almost smell the fragrant spices and savory flavors just by looking at the photograph.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish. I quickly scanned the ingredients and instructions, taking mental notes of each step. It seemed like a complex recipe, but I was determined to master it.

The following week, I invited Maria over to my house for a cooking session. I showed her the recipe for the Burrito Supreme Casserole and she smiled approvingly. She explained that this dish was a family favorite and had been passed down through generations. As we worked together in the kitchen, Maria shared stories of her grandmother teaching her how to cook when she was just a young girl. I listened intently, soaking up every word she said.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the aroma filled my kitchen and I couldn't wait to dig in. Maria and I sat down at the table, serving ourselves generous portions of the steaming hot dish. With the first bite, I knew that this recipe was something special. The flavors were rich and complex, the textures perfectly balanced. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious!

From that day on, the Burrito Supreme Casserole became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time I served it, it received rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I felt proud to have learned such a wonderful dish from my dear friend Maria.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the Burrito Supreme Casserole, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added a bit more spice, a touch of sweetness, and experimented with different toppings. Each variation was a hit, but the original recipe remained my favorite.

As time went on, I learned that the key to a great dish is not just the ingredients or the technique, but the love and passion that goes into it. I thought of Maria and her grandmother, passing down their recipes with care and dedication. I realized that cooking is not just about following steps, but about creating memories and sharing traditions with those you love.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing the Burrito Supreme Casserole for yet another family dinner, I can't help but reflect on the journey that led me to this moment. I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me, for the joy of cooking and creating something delicious from scratch.

And as I take the casserole out of the oven, the bubbly cheese and fragrant spices filling the air, I know that this dish is more than just a meal. It is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those you hold dear. And for that, I am truly thankful.