Description
This Smothered Cheesy Beef Burritos recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas, then baked in a rich enchilada sauce until bubbly and delicious. A comforting, hearty Mexican-American main course that’s easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Assembly
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the burritos.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease as needed to avoid greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices become fragrant, infusing the beef mixture with rich flavor.
- Mix Beans and Rice: Add refried beans and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through, creating a hearty filling base.
- Incorporate Cheese and Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream to add creaminess and extra cheesiness to the filling.
- Warm Tortillas: Slightly warm the flour tortillas to make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Assemble Burritos: Spoon the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla and roll tightly into burritos, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the burritos seam side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to keep them intact while baking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the burritos and sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top for a melty, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Prepare the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate to save time on busy nights.
- Use store-bought or frozen Mexican rice for convenience.
- For extra heat, add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the filling.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
