Crunchwrap Casserole

Crunchwrap Casserole takes all the delicious flavors of a taco and transforms them into a hearty, comforting casserole. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, cheesy nacho goodness, and fresh taco toppings, all layered between soft flour tortillas and baked to perfection. The result is a savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will please the entire family. It’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night when you crave the flavors of Mexican food without the hassle of assembling individual tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup nacho cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Grease or lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the dish with 3 of the flour tortillas, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire base.
5. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the tortillas.
6. Add half of the nacho cheese, followed by half of the sour cream.
7. Layer half of the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese over the sour cream.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, starting with the remaining tortillas and ending with the remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Fold the edges of the tortillas over the top to create a “crunchwrap” effect, folding in the corners to form a sealed, layered top.
10. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are lightly browned and crispy.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Crunchwrap Casserole: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a combination of beans and vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
3. Spicy Crunchwrap: Add diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture, or drizzle with hot sauce after baking to add heat.
4. Extra Cheese: Use a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for an even cheesier casserole.
5. Taco-Style Crunchwrap: Add some salsa, guacamole, or sliced olives in between the layers to enhance the taco-inspired flavors.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Crunchwrap Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place a portion of the casserole in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make Crunchwrap Casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may become a bit more fragile when baking. If you do, consider layering the tortillas in a slightly different arrangement to maintain structure.
3. What can I use instead of nacho cheese?
   If you don’t have nacho cheese, you can use regular melted cheddar cheese or a cheese sauce. For a richer taste, try using a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
4. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting too soggy?
   To prevent soggy tortillas, make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef, and avoid overloading the casserole with too much liquid, especially from the sour cream or salsa.
5. Can I freeze leftover Crunchwrap Casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.
6. How do I make it spicier?
   You can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture to spice things up. You can also top the casserole with a drizzle of hot sauce after baking.
7. Can I add beans to the casserole?
   Yes, black beans or pinto beans make a great addition. Layer them with the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
8. Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
   Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, or simply omit it for a less creamy version.
9. How do I get a crispy edge on the tortillas?
   To get crispy edges, make sure the tortillas are tucked in properly at the top of the casserole, and bake long enough so the tortillas crisp up without burning.
10. Can I add more veggies to the casserole?
    Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn to the beef mixture for more color and texture. Just sauté them along with the ground beef and seasoning.

Conclusion

Crunchwrap Casserole is a fun, flavorful twist on traditional tacos that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh taco toppings, this casserole brings the best of Taco Tuesday to your dinner table in one hearty dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick family meal, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. The best part? It’s customizable, so feel free to make it your own with your favorite taco toppings and ingredients.

Print