Smothered beef burritos are a delicious and hearty dish featuring flavorful ground beef, rice, and beans, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and covered with a rich, savory sauce and melted cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any time you crave classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients for a big payoff.
- Customizable: Add your favorite fillings and toppings.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat easily.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Burritos:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup cooked white or Spanish rice
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce (or use all red if preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Directions
Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir until the meat is well coated and the sauce thickens.
- Mix in Beans and Rice: Add the refried beans and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix until well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Burritos:
- Fill the Tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat, add a generous spoonful of the beef mixture, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the red and green enchilada sauces with the sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Smother the Burritos: Pour the sauce evenly over the burritos in the baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, then top with your favorite garnishes and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 burritos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Burritos: Swap beef for shredded or diced chicken.
- Vegetarian: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies as a filling.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Wrap individual burritos tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make smothered beef burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos and store them in the fridge up to a day in advance. Add the sauce and bake when ready to serve.
What type of cheese is best for smothered burritos?
A Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese works well for a melty and flavorful topping.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but corn tortillas are smaller and may be more fragile, so handle them gently when rolling.
How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling with wet ingredients and make sure the sauce is not too watery. Baking uncovered also helps reduce excess moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans are great additions.
What can I serve with smothered beef burritos?
Serve with a fresh green salad, Spanish rice, or tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa.
Can I use a different sauce instead of enchilada sauce?
Yes, you can use a creamy queso, salsa verde, or even a homemade tomato-based sauce.
How can I make these burritos gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, prepare the filling as directed, assemble the burritos, and then layer them in a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Are smothered beef burritos spicy?
They can be! Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and controlling the amount of taco seasoning used.
Conclusion
Smothered beef burritos are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, rich sauce, and melty cheese in a warm, satisfying wrap. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this easy recipe will become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy the hearty flavors and simple preparation of this classic dish!
PrintSmothered Beef Burritos
Smothered beef burritos are a delicious Mexican-inspired dish featuring flavorful ground beef, rice, and beans wrapped in a soft tortilla, then topped with a rich, savory sauce and melted cheese. These hearty, cheesy burritos are perfect for dinner or serving at a gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Burritos:
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 can (400 g/15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 6 large flour tortillas
For the Smothering Sauce:
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sauté until softened (2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Season the Meat:
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano.
- Add cooked rice, black beans, and corn, mixing until evenly combined.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Make the Smothering Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine enchilada sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Set aside.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a tortilla flat and spoon 1/2 cup of the beef filling into the center.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly into a burrito.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Bake the Burritos:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the smothering sauce evenly over the burritos.
- Top with more shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices.
- Serve hot with additional sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for shredded chicken or a vegetarian filling with sautéed vegetables.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
- These burritos can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.