Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and smothered in rich enchilada sauce. Hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these burritos are a flavorful fusion of textures and bold Tex-Mex flavors.

ingredients

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

large flour tortillasground beefyellow onion (diced)garlic cloves (minced)taco seasoning or homemade spice blendcooked white ricecanned refried beansshredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)red enchilada saucesour cream (for topping)chopped cilantro (optional)olive oilsalt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until well combined.

Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.

Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tortilla, followed by a scoop of rice, the seasoned beef mixture, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Roll each tortilla tightly into a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go.

Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Pour enchilada sauce generously over the top of the burritos, then sprinkle with more cheese.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Top with sour cream and cilantro before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 large burritos.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use shredded beef or rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
Add sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
Swap red enchilada sauce for green or creamy queso sauce.
Top with guacamole or pico de gallo for a fresh touch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
To freeze, wrap individual burritos tightly in foil and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the burritos and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.

What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and taste great.

Are these burritos spicy?
Not overly, but you can adjust the heat level with spicy enchilada sauce or extra chili flakes.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use large gluten-free tortillas and check that your seasonings and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely—use any cooked rice you prefer.

Do I need to bake the burritos?
Baking helps meld flavors and melt the cheese, but you can skip it and serve them freshly rolled with warm sauce poured over.

Can I use canned beans instead of refried?
Yes, mash them slightly or use them whole for a different texture.

How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Add sauce right before baking or serving, and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients.

Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze and reheat very well, making them ideal for meal prep.

What sides go well with these burritos?
Serve with Spanish rice, corn salad, or chips and salsa for a full meal.

Conclusion

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos are the kind of bold, belly-filling dish that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or prepping ahead for busy nights, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite Mexican-style comfort food—easy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.