Hearty Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

Cozy Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe: Homey Tex-Mex Comfort

Bursting with flavor, these hearty smothered beef burritos bring comfort right to your dinner table.

Tender, seasoned beef nestles perfectly inside warm tortillas.

Each bite promises a dance of rich spices and melted cheese.

The robust filling combines perfectly browned meat with aromatic herbs and zesty seasonings.

Generous portions guarantee satisfaction for hungry appetites.

Topped with a silky sauce that blankets the burritos in pure deliciousness, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Prepare to savor every single mouthwatering moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 7

Smothered Beef Burritos Ingredients Guide

For Base and Flavor:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients evenly and adds subtle richness to the dish.
  • Onions: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the beef mixture.
  • Garlic: Releases deep, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the burrito filling.
For Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein and creates a satisfying, substantial filling with rich meaty texture.
For Optional Seasoning (Not Mentioned in Instructions but Commonly Used):
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances and amplifies the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables, allowing each ingredient to shine.

Gear Needed For Smothered Beef Burritos

  • Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning ground beef.
  • Wooden spoon: Essential for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients while cooking.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and oil measurements.
  • Colander or strainer: Useful for draining excess fat from the beef.

How To Make Smothered Beef Burritos

  • Warm Up the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet, creating a sizzling surface ready for cooking.

  • Sauté Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pan, letting them dance and soften until they release their delicious fragrance.

  • Brown the Beef

Drop ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces as it transforms from pink to a rich, appetizing brown.

  • Remove Excess Grease

Carefully drain any extra fat from the meat, keeping the flavors concentrated and the texture perfect.

  • Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in your favorite spices, stirring to coat the meat evenly and allow the flavors to meld together.

  • Wrap and Serve

Spoon the seasoned beef into warm tortillas, roll them up snugly, and top with your preferred garnishes for a mouthwatering meal.

Tips To Boost Smothered Beef Burritos Flavor

  • Flavor Boosting Tip: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cumin or chili powder into the beef while cooking to enhance the overall depth and warmth of the burrito filling.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinner prep super quick and easy.
  • Diet-Friendly Swap: For a lighter version, replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based ground meat alternative to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Transform the recipe by substituting ground beef with black beans, diced mushrooms, or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian option that's equally satisfying.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to suit individual spice preferences, creating a custom flavor profile for every palate.

Serving Smothered Beef Burritos Just Right

  • Flavor Fiesta Plate: Serve these burritos on a vibrant, colorful platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty presentation.
  • Cool and Creamy Companions: Top with dollops of sour cream or guacamole to balance the rich, savory beef and add a smooth, cooling contrast.
  • Side Dish Sensations: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that brings extra texture and nutrition to your plate.
  • Spice It Up Station: Offer hot sauce, salsa, or chopped jalapeños on the side so everyone can customize their burrito's heat level and add a personal touch to their dining experience.

How To Store Smothered Beef Burritos Safely

  • Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Freezer Friendly: These burritos freeze beautifully for future meals. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen burritos in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and maintain internal moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but may soften the tortilla.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a double batch and portion out for quick lunches or dinner. Separate into individual containers with extra salsa or sour cream on the side for grab-and-go convenience during busy weeks.
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Hearty Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

Hearty Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mexican smothered beef burritos deliver hearty comfort with tender shredded meat wrapped in warm tortillas. Rich sauce and melted cheese complete this satisfying meal you’ll want to savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 can (15 oz/400 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a flavorful foundation for the burrito filling.
  2. Develop Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their fragrant notes, infusing the base with depth.
  3. Incorporate Protein: Introduce ground beef into the aromatic mixture, methodically breaking down the meat into consistent, fine crumbles while ensuring even cooking.
  4. Refine Texture: Continue cooking the beef until it transforms to a deep golden-brown, completely eliminating any raw pink sections and developing rich caramelized edges.
  5. Fat Management: Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet, maintaining a concentrated flavor profile and preventing unnecessary greasiness in the final dish.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of spices, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings and allow them to bloom and intensify throughout the meat mixture.
  7. Finishing Touch: Remove skillet from heat, letting the beef mixture rest momentarily to allow flavors to meld and settle, creating a cohesive and robust filling for burritos.

Notes

  • Control Meat Moisture: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent steaming, which helps develop deeper flavor and crispier texture.
  • Spice Customization: Experiment with different spice blends like chili powder, cumin, or taco seasoning to personalize the beef’s flavor profile and match individual taste preferences.
  • Fat Management: Use leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease, or drain fat completely for a healthier version without compromising rich taste.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes to create a delicious vegetarian-friendly version of the burrito filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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