Hearty Loaded Beef Burritos Recipe: A Family Favorite

Hearty and packed with flavor, these loaded smothered beef burritos will transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

beef bursting with zesty spices creates a mouthwatering centerpiece for this incredible dish.

Tender shredded meat nestles inside warm tortillas, waiting to be drenched in rich, velvety sauce.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and bold southwestern flavors.

The combination of melted cheese, savory beef, and robust sauce guarantees a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together effortlessly.

Prepare to experience a burrito that redefines deliciousness and leaves everyone craving seconds.

Why You’ll Want to Make These Burritos Again

• Easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes by swapping ground beef for chicken, adding extra veggies, or adjusting the spice level to match your family's preferences.
• These loaded burritos are a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together, offering a hearty meal packed with bold flavors that both kids and adults will absolutely love.
• With just a handful of simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients for Loaded Smothered Burritos

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for the burritos.
• Onions: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to enhance the beef's overall taste.

• Taco Seasoning: Provides a bold and zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the beef mixture.
• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the beef and onions evenly while adding a subtle richness.

• Large Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable wraps that hold the delicious beef filling.
• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa: Classic burrito toppings that add extra creaminess, tanginess, and freshness to the dish.

How to Wrap and Bake These Beefy Burritos

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and onions, cooking and stirring until the beef is completely cooked and onions become soft and translucent.

Break up the beef while cooking to ensure even browning.

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm flour tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until they’re soft and pliable.

This makes them easier to fold and prevents cracking when rolling the burritos.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

Lay out the warm tortillas on a clean surface.

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.

• Refried beans
• Shredded cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro

Step 4: Roll the Burritos

Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling.

Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up to create a sealed burrito.

Ensure the sides are tucked in to prevent filling from falling out.

Step 5: Smother with Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Sour cream
• Additional shredded cheese

Pour the sauce generously over the rolled burritos, covering them completely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Place the smothered burritos in a baking dish.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas become slightly crispy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove burritos from the oven.

• Chopped green onions
• Additional cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious loaded smothered beef burritos.

Pro Cooking Tips for Burrito Success

• Remove extra grease from cooked ground beef by using a colander or tilting the pan to let fat drip away, ensuring a lighter and less greasy burrito filling.
• Briefly heat tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when rolling burritos.
• Experiment with adding fresh chopped jalapeños or a splash of beer during beef cooking to enhance the overall taste profile of your burrito filling.
• Place cheese directly on warm tortilla before adding meat to help it melt slightly and create a delicious barrier that prevents soggy wrapping.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by mixing your own blend or using less packaged seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Leftover Storage & Heating for Burritos

• Store leftover burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual burritos in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Remove foil, place burrito on microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap burrito, place on baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, adding extra cheese on top if desired for crispy texture.

What to Serve with Smothered Burritos

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Zesty Margarita Companion: Prepare a classic lime margarita with salt rim to complement the rich, spicy beef burrito. The citrusy kick cuts through the heavy meat and balances the robust flavors perfectly.
• Mexican Street Corn Sidekick: Serve grilled elote (Mexican street corn) alongside the burrito. Creamy, tangy corn with chili powder and cotija cheese creates a vibrant contrast to the hearty beef filling.
• Cooling Cilantro Slaw Boost: Whip up a fresh cilantro-lime slaw with shredded cabbage, green onions, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp, bright salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, heavy burrito.
• Refreshing Mexican Agua Fresca: Mix a watermelon or cucumber agua fresca to wash down the rich burrito. Its light, sweet nature helps cleanse the palate and adds a hydrating touch to the meal.

Burrito Fillings & Flavor Twists

• Vegetarian Burrito Bowl: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and verify all seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas for large lettuce wraps or serve the beef mixture over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining full flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for those craving extra heat and bold southwestern flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different protein option.

• How spicy are these burritos?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. You can control the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot seasoning blend, or by adding extra chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meat and assemble the burritos fresh.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make these burritos?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like browning ground beef and assembling burritos. Even novice cooks can easily follow the steps and create a delicious meal.

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table with hearty, flavor-packed ingredients. Warm tortillas embrace seasoned beef, melted cheese, and rich sauce, promising a satisfying meal that delights you from the first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 16 oz can refried beans

Grains and Fillings:

• 7 large flour tortillas (10-inch, burrito size)
• 8.5 oz package pre-cooked Spanish rice

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 small sweet Vidalia or white onion, diced small
• 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce, medium heat, reduced sodium)
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 15 oz can red enchilada sauce (medium heat)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Cilantro (optional for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a searing foundation for the ground beef and diced onions.
2. Introduce beef and onions to the hot surface, continuously stirring and breaking down the meat for approximately 7 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown color and onions become translucent.
3. Infuse the cooked mixture with robust taco seasoning, allowing the spices to meld and intensify the flavor profile.
4. Drain excess grease from the beef mixture to maintain a clean, concentrated taste and prevent soggy burritos.
5. Warm tortillas briefly on a griddle or in a dry skillet to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
6. Center a generous portion of seasoned beef onto each tortilla, positioning it strategically for optimal wrapping.
7. Layer additional ingredients like refried beans, shredded cheese, and chopped green chilies across the beef mixture.
8. Fold tortilla edges inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, creating a compact and secure burrito package.
9. Place assembled burritos seam-side down in a baking dish, preparing for the smothering process.
10. Cascade enchilada sauce and extra shredded cheese over the burritos, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn slightly crispy.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños before serving hot.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Drain excess fat after cooking beef to prevent soggy burritos and maintain a crisp texture.
• Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier rolling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg