Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos are a hearty and satisfying Tex-Mex classic, perfect for dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal. Filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, then rolled in a tortilla and topped with a rich red sauce and more melted cheese, these burritos are baked to bubbly perfection. Comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, they’re a must-try for any burrito lover.

ingredients

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

ground beefoniongarlicchili powdercuminpaprikasaltblack pepperrefried beanscooked riceflour tortillasshredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheesered enchilada saucegreen onions (optional for garnish)sour cream (optional for serving)

directions

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

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.

Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Warm the refried beans and cooked rice in separate bowls.

Lay out each flour tortilla and layer with a spoonful of refried beans, rice, beef mixture, and shredded cheese.

Roll up each tortilla burrito-style and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Pour enchilada sauce generously over the burritos, making sure they are fully covered.

Top with additional shredded cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream if desired.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey.

Add sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños for extra spice and texture.

Use black beans instead of refried beans for a lighter option.

Top with fresh diced tomatoes or avocado for a fresh finish.

Use green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor twist.

storage/reheating

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

FAQs

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them without the sauce. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.

Are they spicy?

They can be mild or spicy depending on the enchilada sauce and seasonings used.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Absolutely, but you can also make your own if you prefer.

How do I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the tortillas before rolling can help, and avoid overfilling them with wet ingredients.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas are more fragile and better suited for enchiladas, but you can use them if softened first.

What cheese works best?

A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully and adds great flavor.

Do I have to bake them?

Baking helps meld the flavors and melt the cheese, but you can skip it and serve freshly rolled if preferred.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the beef and use extra beans, rice, and vegetables.

How large should the tortillas be?

Large (10-inch) flour tortillas work best to hold the filling.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze well either before or after baking.

Conclusion

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—meaty, cheesy, and covered in savory sauce. They’re easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for feeding a hungry group or meal prepping for the week. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular favorite on your dinner table.