Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe for Ultimate Taco Night

Beef burritos have taken an unexpected turn with this loaded smothered creation that promises pure comfort.

Melted cheese blankets each carefully wrapped bundle of savory goodness.

Hearty ingredients mingle inside soft tortillas, creating a satisfying meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Layers of rich flavors promise a dining experience beyond ordinary expectations.

Perfectly seasoned meat nestles alongside creamy beans and vibrant garnishes.

Southwest-inspired spices dance through every delectable bite, inviting you to savor each mouthful.

Prepare to be delighted by this irresistible culinary adventure waiting on your plate.

Smothered Beef Burrito FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Large flour tortillas are ideal because they’re soft, pliable, and can hold the hearty beef and rice filling without tearing easily. Ensure they’re fresh and at room temperature for easier rolling.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat to maintain the recipe’s flavor and texture. The seasoning will help enhance the turkey’s taste.

• How spicy will these burritos be?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa. For a mild version, use a mild taco seasoning and salsa. If you love heat, choose medium or hot versions. You can always adjust the spiciness to suit your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! These burritos are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead meal.

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos That Fill You Up

• Swap ground beef for chicken or plant-based protein, adjust spice levels, and add favorite toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Minimal cleanup with a single baking dish, delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction without complicated cooking techniques.
• Ideal for game nights, potlucks, and family gatherings, these cheesy burritos satisfy everyone from kids to adults with their hearty, comforting appeal.

Must-Have Items for Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation with rich meaty flavor, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds bold southwestern spice blend to meat for depth of flavor.

• Large Flour Tortillas: Soft wrap for holding burrito ingredients, look for fresh, pliable tortillas.
• Refried Beans: Creamy base that helps bind filling together and adds protein.
• White Rice: Provides texture and bulk to the burrito filling, cooled rice works best.
• Salsa: Adds moisture and zesty flavor to the filling mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts well into filling, choose sharp or medium variety.
• Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully on top of burritos, provides golden crispy finish.
• Enchilada Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional mexican sauce flavor to baked burritos.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.
• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds authentic mexican touch.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping that balances spicy flavors.

Cooking Instructions for Loaded Beef Burritos

Step 1: Prepare the Sizzling Beef

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain away any excess fat. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and pour in water. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Cooked rice
• Refried beans
• Salsa
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Fold in the seasoned beef, mixing until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll Awesome Burritos

Lay out a soft tortilla and center a generous scoop of the beef mixture. Carefully fold and roll the tortilla into a classic burrito shape. Repeat until all filling is used.

Step 4: Arrange and Smother

Place rolled burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Drench the burritos with enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese generously on top.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375F (190C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull the burritos from the oven. Scatter chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over the top. Add a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Burrito Tips That Make a Big Difference

• Control Meat Moisture: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy burritos and ensure a perfect texture.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different cheese varieties like monterey jack and cheddar for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble burritos earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different taco seasonings or add a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat and taste according to your preference.
• Make It Healthier: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option without compromising taste.

Best Ways to Save and Heat Beef Burritos

• Store leftover burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover each burrito tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Warm burritos at 350F for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring crispy edges and hot center.
• Place burrito on microwave-safe plate, heat for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through for even warming, adding a damp paper towel to prevent toughness.

Loaded Burrito Sides to Serve Together

• Grab a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis, which cuts through the rich, cheesy burrito flavors and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Whip up a quick homemade salsa verde with tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro to add bright, tangy notes that enhance the burrito's robust beef and cheese profile.
• Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave for a citrusy cocktail that balances the heavy, savory burrito and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Toss mixed greens with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to add a light, fresh element that contrasts the hearty main dish.

Make It Your Own: Loaded Burrito Variations

• Vegetarian Burrito Bonanza: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version. Mix in extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Verify all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Wrap Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas. Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the beef mixture. Incorporate pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and excitement.

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican “loaded smothered beef burritos” bring sizzling southwestern flavors straight to dinner tables. Rich beef, melted cheese, and spicy sauce create an irresistible feast that satisfies you with authentic regional comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats and Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Starches and Bases:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup salsa

Cheese and Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for inside burritos)
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven temperature to a moderate heat of 375F (190C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium flame, ensuring complete browning and thoroughly draining any accumulated fat.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning into the meat, introducing water and allowing the mixture to simmer until it reaches a rich, thickened consistency.
4. Create a hearty filling by combining cooked rice, creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese with the seasoned beef, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Carefully position tortillas, distributing the robust filling centrally and expertly folding into classic burrito formation, repeating the process for remaining tortillas.
6. Arrange burritos carefully in a greased rectangular baking dish, positioning them with seam facing downward to prevent unraveling during cooking.
7. Generously cascade enchilada sauce across the burritos, ensuring complete coverage, then crown with a layer of Mexican blend cheese for maximum flavor and texture.
8. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, allowing burritos to bake uncovered until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling landscape.
9. Upon removal, garnish with freshly chopped green onions, vibrant cilantro, and optional dollop of cool sour cream to complement the warm, savory burritos.
10. Serve immediately while temperature and flavors are at their peak, inviting diners to savor this hearty meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter protein option that keeps the dish exciting and nutritious.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning and salsa to match personal taste preferences without overwhelming the flavors.
• Prepare extra filling and freeze in portions for quick future meals, ensuring you always have a delicious dinner backup that saves time and reduces food waste.
• For gluten-free diets, use corn tortillas and verify seasoning packets are gluten-free, making this hearty dish accessible to more people without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg