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Smothered Beef Burritos

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.