The Best Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe for Taco Night Magic

Beef burritos smothered in rich, velvety sauce promise a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Some nights call for comfort wrapped in a warm tortilla, bursting with hearty flavors.

The magic happens when tender meat meets melted cheese and zesty seasonings.

Each bite tells a story of slow-cooked goodness and authentic Mexican-inspired deliciousness.

Forget complicated dinner plans and embrace this simple yet spectacular meal.

Layers of savory ingredients create a symphony of textures that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering creation that transforms an ordinary evening into a feast.

Grab a plate and get ready to experience pure deliciousness that’ll become your new weeknight favorite.

Smothered Beef Burritos Prep Tips

• Master Meat Browning: Ensure the ground beef gets a deep, rich color by not overcrowding the pan, allowing it to sear properly and develop delicious caramelized edges.
• Prevent Greasy Texture: Always drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to keep your burritos light and prevent a heavy, oily mouthfeel.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic until they're translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a robust base for your burrito filling.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version that still packs incredible taste.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to personalize the burrito's spiciness according to your preference.

How To Store Smothered Beef Burritos Well

• Refrigerate leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Freeze prepared burritos for longer storage, keeping them fresh for 2-3 months.
• When reheating, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for best results, ensuring the filling stays moist and the tortilla doesn't become soggy.

Great Pairings For Smothered Beef Burritos

• Sip Mexican Margarita Magic: Elevate the hearty beef burrito experience with a classic margarita, where the tangy lime and tequila cut through the rich, meaty flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Pair Crisp Cerveza Companion: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo, whose crisp and clean profile perfectly balances the robust, savory beef and complements the burrito's warmth.
• Enhance with Zesty Salsa Verde: Add a vibrant salsa verde on the side, its bright, herbal notes and slight acidity will brighten the deep, umami-packed beef and add a layer of complexity to each bite.
• Cool Down with Creamy Horchata: Smooth out the burrito's spiciness with a cool, sweet horchata, its cinnamon-rice blend creating a delightful counterpoint to the hearty, seasoned ground beef.

Ways To Change Smothered Beef Burritos

• Spicy Chipotle Beef Burritos: Replace ground beef with shredded beef and add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery kick. Mix in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese to amplify the heat.
• Southwest Black Bean Blend: Substitute half the ground beef with black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian option. Incorporate corn kernels and bell peppers for extra texture and color. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Green Chile Beef Burritos: Stir in roasted green chiles and use green enchilada sauce instead of traditional seasonings. Sprinkle queso fresco on top and serve with a side of Mexican rice for an authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Lean Turkey Wrap: Swap ground beef for ground turkey to reduce fat content. Add dried oregano and cumin for depth of flavor. Include diced zucchini or spinach for additional nutrients and a lighter meal option.

Questions About Smothered Beef Burritos

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content is ideal. It provides great flavor while not making the burrito too greasy.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as delicious alternatives that match the recipe’s style.

• How can I make these burritos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños during the onion and garlic sauté stage, or sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking the ground beef. You can also include hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra kick.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes! Ground beef, onions, and basic seasonings make this an affordable meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank. The ingredients are common and inexpensive.

Why Smothered Beef Burritos Are So Filling

• Whip Up a Speedy Weeknight Meal: This smothered beef burrito recipe delivers delicious results in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick and satisfying dinner.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients into Extraordinary Flavor: With simple pantry staples like ground beef, onions, and garlic, you can create a mouthwatering dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
• Customize for Every Palate: The basic recipe allows endless variations – add your favorite spices, swap ground beef for turkey, or load up with extra toppings to make it uniquely yours.
• Master a Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Children and adults alike will love the hearty, comforting flavors of this burrito recipe that's easy to prepare and guaranteed to disappear from the dinner table in minutes.

Ingredients Needed For Smothered Beef Burritos

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that forms the core of the burrito filling, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for maximum flavor.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the beef mixture, fresh ingredients provide the best taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking, extra virgin provides a subtle fruity undertone.

• Tortillas: Soft wheat tortillas work best for authentic smothered burrito experience, large size recommended for generous filling.

Steps To Make Smothered Beef Burritos

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Pour olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and spread across the cooking surface.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Foundation

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Gently stir and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, delicate aroma. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown Protein Perfectly

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small, even crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the meat thoroughly, ensuring it turns a rich, appetizing brown color. Continuously stir to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. This step usually requires 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Remove Excess Grease

After cooking, carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove any accumulated fat. This technique ensures a cleaner, more concentrated beef flavor.

Step 5: Prepare Burrito Filling

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Cumin

Stir ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Warm Tortillas

Heat soft flour tortillas on a separate skillet or griddle until slightly crisp and pliable.

Step 7: Assemble Burritos

• Shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream

Step 8: Wrap And Roll

Fold tortilla sides inward, then roll from bottom to top, creating a tight, compact burrito.

Step 9: Create Smothering Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Beef broth
• Diced green chilies

Step 10: Smother And Serve

Pour warm sauce over assembled burritos. Garnish with additional cheese and fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot and incredibly delicious.

Enjoy your homemade Smothered Beef Burritos!

Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Smothered Beef Burritos bring Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, saucy goodness. Packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and zesty green chile sauce, these burritos promise pure satisfaction that will make you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Main Ingredients:

• 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)

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling foundation for the burrito filling.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the hot pan, gently sweating them until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Carefully incorporate ground beef into the aromatic vegetable mixture, using a wooden spoon to break down the meat into small, uniform crumbles.
4. Continue cooking the beef until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
5. If necessary, carefully tilt the skillet and remove any accumulated excess fat using a spoon, maintaining a clean and flavorful base for the burrito filling.
6. Season the beef mixture with your preferred blend of spices, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify during the final moments of cooking.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef mixture rest briefly, allowing the flavors to settle and distribute evenly throughout the protein.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Consider using a cast-iron skillet for more even heating and enhanced flavor development during cooking.
• Customize the burrito filling by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and spice kick.
• Experiment with different protein alternatives like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg