Burrito Casserole

GrammaJeanne's Note:

I got this recipe from my daughter. It is easy to assemble and tastes great. Mild, so it appeals to younger palates and those of us who don't like "hot spicy" - just full of flavor! Don't let the ingredients list intimidate you. It's much easier than it appears. Note: Sauce ingredients are marked with (s) (you can use 4 cups canned Enchilada Sauce instead of making your own.) Topping ingredients are marked with a (t)

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 12

Yield: 1.0 casserole

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 (1 ½ ounce) packages dry enchilada mix (s)
• 3 cups water (s)
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste (s)
• 1 garlic clove , minced (s)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (s)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (s)
• 9 (9 inch) flour tortillas
• 4 cups cheddar cheese , shredded
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans , warmed
• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (t)
• 2 cups sour cream (t)
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies , drained (t)
• 2 cups onions , chopped (t)
• 2 cups guacamole (t)
• 1 (4 ounce) can black olives , sliced & drained (t)
• 2 cups monterey jack cheese , shredded (t)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sauce mix, water, tomato paste, garlic, pepper & salt. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. In a skillet, brown the beef and drain. Stir in 1/3 of sauce.
3. Spread 1/3 of sauce in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13" baking dish. Place 3 tortillas over sauce, tearing to fit the bottom of pan. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese.
4. Add 3 more tortillas. Spread refried beans over tortillas, then top with remaining meat. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese.
5. Layer remaining tortillas, then top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
7. While it is baking, prepare topping ingredients into small containers and arrange on a serving tray.
8. Serve casserole with topping tray so guests can choose whatever toppings they desire. (Can also be served plain without toppings and it's still very good).

Reviews

[rickoholic83]

Great casserole! I took the shortcut and used canned enchilada sauce. I also added some chopped garlic, onion and jalapenos while browning the beef. It was served with all of the toppings and was absolutely wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Jeanne. **Made for Spring PAC 2008**

[CompulsiveCook]

This is really, really good! Reminds me of a dip, turned into a casserole! I added another can of diced green chilis to spice it up a bit. It would be great for kids or for a teen party. Shoot, it doesn't even need an occasion - we loved it!