Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired chicken burrito casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with layers of zesty spices and melted cheese. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that delivers authentic southwestern warmth in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (473 ml) cooked and shredded chicken
Dairy:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
Pantry and Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 8 small flour tortillas, cut into quarters
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings:
- diced avocado
- chopped cilantro
- sliced jalapenos
- salsa
- sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Create a robust filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a medley of spices including chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Establish a foundational layer of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Construct alternating layers by strategically placing tortilla fragments over the initial chicken base, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Continue layering the casserole, methodically repeating the tortilla and cheese placement until all ingredients are incorporated, culminating with a crowning layer of melty cheese on top.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the protective foil and return the dish to the oven, baking an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then serve with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to create a lighter, more diet-friendly casserole without sacrificing creaminess.
- Roast fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini before adding them to the mixture for enhanced depth and additional nutritional value.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, making meal prep incredibly convenient for busy families.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 466
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg