Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Smothered Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and loaded with melty cheese and a rich, savory sauce. These burritos are packed with seasoned beef, refried beans, and rice, then rolled up and smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese before being baked to perfection. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beeftacoseasoningmixoniongarlicrefriedbeanscookedricelargeflourtortillasshreddedcheddarenchiladasauceoliveoilsaltpeppercuminoptional toppings: sour cream, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.

Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease.

Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, salt, pepper, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Warm the refried beans and cooked rice separately.

Lay out a flour tortilla, spread a layer of refried beans, a scoop of rice, and the seasoned beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Roll up the burrito tightly, folding in the sides as you go.

Place burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Top with your favorite garnishes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 burritos.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version.

Add sautéed peppers and corn for extra veggies and flavor.

Swap enchilada sauce for queso or salsa verde for a different taste.

Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.

Top with avocado slices or guacamole for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual burritos for 1-2 minutes or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through.Freeze unbaked burritos (without sauce and cheese) for up to 2 months; thaw and bake with sauce when ready.

FAQs

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add sauce and bake when ready to serve.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Large flour tortillas work best for rolling and holding the filling.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Absolutely. Use your favorite brand or homemade if you prefer.

Do I have to use rice?

No, but it adds bulk and texture. You can skip it or substitute with quinoa.

How can I make them vegetarian?

Use black beans or a plant-based meat substitute in place of the ground beef.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

You can crisp the burritos in the air fryer, but for the smothered effect, baking works best.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are great choices.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free.

Are these spicy?

They’re mild as written, but you can adjust the heat with spicy sauce or toppings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, easily double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Smothered Burritos are a filling and flavorful meal that combines all your favorite Tex-Mex elements in one dish. With gooey cheese, savory beef, and rich sauce, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking up on freezer meals, this recipe is a winner every time.