Name: Chicken Burrito Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken 1 cup cooked rice 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese 6-8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips 1/2 cup salsa 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper to taste Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and melty cheese.
Easy to Make: Simple layering and baking for minimal effort.
Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your spice level and preferences.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup cooked rice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
6-8 small flour tortillas, cut into strips
1/2 cup salsa
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Layer Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla strips, then sprinkle some cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add extra beans or vegetables.
Different Cheese: Use pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for milder flavor.
Corn Tortillas: Substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual servings.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a great shortcut.

How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?

Drain canned tomatoes well and avoid over-saucing.

Can I add corn?

Yes, canned or frozen corn adds a nice sweetness and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and check salsa ingredients to ensure gluten-free status.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese.

How spicy is this casserole?

Mild by default; add spices or jalapeños to increase heat.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time if using uncooked rice.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time.

Can I freeze before baking?

Yes, assemble and freeze; bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Conclusion

Chicken Burrito Casserole is a tasty, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that combines the best of Mexican-inspired flavors in one dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite.