Smothered Burritos Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic Drenched in Flavor
If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, saucy dinner that’ll hit every comfort food note, these smothered burritos are the answer! Tender tortillas are stuffed with seasoned meat, beans, and rice, then covered with a rich enchilada sauce and melty cheese. This dish is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
You can make them ahead, freeze them, or switch up the fillings depending on what you have. They’re that versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (or green, if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in refried beans and rice, mixing everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Lay out the tortillas and spoon an even amount of the mixture into the center of each. Roll them up tightly.
- Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce generously over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the burritos.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Burrito – based on 6 servings):
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Smothered Burritos | |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Ground beef, refried beans, rice, tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese |
| Steps | Cook beef with seasoning, mix in beans and rice, roll in tortillas, top with sauce and cheese, and bake |
FAQs
Q: Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.
Q: Can I freeze smothered burritos?
Definitely. Wrap them individually in foil and freeze. To reheat, unwrap, place in a baking dish, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until heated through.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or more beans and rice.
Q: Which sauce works better – red or green?
It depends on your taste! Red enchilada sauce has a richer, deeper flavor, while green has a tangy brightness. Try both!
