Cheesy Beef Burrito Pie with Melted Cheese Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the absolute best results, try grating your own cheese rather than using pre-packaged shredded cheese. Block cheese does not contain the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties, which means it melts much more smoothly and creates that perfect, dramatic cheese pull.

A combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack or mozzarella for meltability works beautifully. Additionally, letting the assembled pie sit for about ten minutes before baking allows the tortillas to start absorbing the savory sauce, resulting in an even more tender texture after baking.

If you want to enhance the flavor profile of the meat sauce, consider sautéing some finely diced onions and minced garlic in the skillet before adding the ground beef. This simple step adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the dish.

You can also mix a small can of diced green chilies directly into the beef mixture for a subtle, smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese. Always ensure your baking dish is deep enough to prevent any cheese or sauce from bubbling over onto the bottom of your oven.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno Burrito Pie: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Black Bean and Corn Burrito Pie: Stir half a cup of black beans and sweet corn into the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze tightly wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, the burrito pie will remain fresh and delicious for up to three to four days. The layers will continue to absorb the savory sauce as it sits, making the leftovers incredibly flavorful. For longer storage, you can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze them in a heavy-duty freezer bag.

This burrito pie is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You can fully assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready to serve, simply remove the cover and bake as directed, adding about five to ten extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats completely through from its chilled state.

Serving ideas

Serve this hearty burrito pie warm, sliced into generous wedges just like a traditional pie or lasagna. To complement the rich, savory flavors of the beef and melted cheese, pair each slice with cool, refreshing toppings.

A dollop of sour cream, a scoop of fresh guacamole, or a spoonful of vibrant tomato salsa makes an excellent addition. Freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños can also be sprinkled over the top for a burst of color and a touch of fresh heat.

To round out the meal, serve the pie alongside a simple, crisp green salad tossed with a light lime vinaigrette, or a side of warm black beans and Mexican rice.

The brightness of a fresh salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef beautifully, creating a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or potlucks where everyone can customize their own slice with their favorite toppings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Beef Burrito Pie with Melted Cheese

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 5 minTotal 45 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is completely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir the taco seasoning and tomato sauce into the browned beef. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Ensure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before removing the skillet from the heat.
3. Place one flour tortilla at the bottom of your 9-inch round baking dish. Spread a portion of the seasoned beef sauce evenly over the tortilla, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tortillas, beef sauce, and cheese.
4. Finish the assembly by placing the final tortilla on top, spreading any remaining beef sauce over it, and covering it completely with the rest of the shredded Mexican blend cheese.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden-brown, and bubbling at the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

890 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.