Quick & Cheesy Smothered Burritos Recipe for Fiesta Night

Crispy tortillas wrapped around savory burritos create a mouthwatering adventure for hungry souls.

Stuffed with tender meats and melted cheese, these delectable bundles promise pure comfort.

Layers of flavor burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Southern-style cooking brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

Spices dance alongside rich fillings, making every forkful an exciting experience.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean you can master this dish quickly.

Grab your apron and let the culinary magic begin!

FAQs

• Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade enchilada sauce can enhance the flavor of your smothered burritos. Just ensure it’s a similar consistency to store-bought sauce for best results.

• Do I need to thaw the frozen burritos before baking?

No, you can bake the frozen burritos directly from the freezer. The baking process will heat them thoroughly and ensure they’re perfectly cooked.

• What type of burritos work best for this recipe?

Frozen beef, chicken, or bean burritos all work great. Choose your favorite flavor or mix different types for variety in the dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetarian frozen burritos or bean burritos as the base. The recipe is flexible and can easily accommodate vegetarian preferences.

Why Smothered Burritos Keep Everyone Happy

• Rescue Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this smothered burrito recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor explosion.
• Effortless Cooking: Grab frozen burritos and transform them into a mouthwatering meal without complicated preparation steps.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Add personal touch with favorite toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, or green onions to make each serving unique.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a hearty, cheesy dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every single bite.

Smothered Burritos Pantry Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Burritos: Frozen burritos are the star of this hearty dish.

Rice: Mexican or Spanish rice provides a flavorful base.

Enchilada Sauce: Adds rich, spicy flavor to the burritos.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar creates a melty, gooey topping.

Garnish and Toppings:

Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes, Green Onions: Fresh additions that bring color and extra flavor.

Cooking Essentials:

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is perfect for layering and baking.

How to Make Smothered Burritos

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F. This warm temperature will help transform your frozen burritos into a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Prepare the Mexican or Spanish rice following the instructions on the package. The rice will create a delicious base for your burritos.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will provide a flavorful foundation for your smothered burritos.

Step 4: Position the Burritos

Carefully arrange the frozen burritos in a single layer on top of the rice. Make sure they’re spread out evenly for consistent heating.

Step 5: Pour on the Sauce

Generously cover the burritos with enchilada sauce. Ensure every burrito gets a good coating of the rich, zesty sauce.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This will help heat the burritos and blend the flavors.

Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The cheese will melt and create a golden, gooey layer.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to become melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting smothered burrito feast!

Smart Pointers for Perfectly Smothered Burritos

• Choose Perfectly Frozen Burritos: Select high-quality frozen burritos with robust fillings like beef, chicken, or bean for maximum flavor and texture.
• Prevent Soggy Rice Base: Spread rice in a thin, even layer and pat gently to create a stable foundation that absorbs sauce without becoming mushy.
• Master Cheese Melting Technique: Watch cheese closely during final baking stage to achieve golden, bubbly perfection without burning or overcooking.
• Customize Topping Varieties: Experiment with fresh garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, sliced avocado, or pickled red onions to elevate the dish's visual appeal and taste profile.
• Control Sauce Coverage: Ensure complete burrito coverage with enchilada sauce by gently tilting the baking dish, guaranteeing each burrito absorbs delicious flavors evenly.

Tips for Storing Smothered Burritos

• Store leftover smothered burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual burritos in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality.
• Place a single burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer burritos to a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.

Tasty Matches for Smothered Burritos

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Lager: Crisp and light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly cut through the rich, cheesy burritos and refresh your palate with each bite.
• Complement with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright, tangy pico de gallo adds a zesty contrast to the heavy, smothered burritos, bringing fresh citrusy notes that balance the creamy cheese and sauce.
• Elevate with Creamy Guacamole: Smooth, rich guacamole provides a cool counterpoint to the hot burritos, adding a layer of luxurious texture and subtle lime brightness that enhances the overall dish.
• Match with Cilantro-Lime Margarita: A classic margarita with fresh cilantro and lime cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing, slightly tart drink that complements the spicy, cheesy flavors of the smothered burritos.

Smothered Burrito Flavor Spins

• Vegetarian Smothered Burritos: Replace frozen meat burritos with bean or plant-based protein burritos, using vegetable enchilada sauce for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free frozen burritos and verify enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or skip rice layer entirely, using low-carb tortillas and reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast, keeping the recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Smothered Burritos Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheesy smothered burritos blend Mexican comfort with hearty flavors, wrapping rich ingredients in warm tortillas. Melted cheese and zesty sauce promise a satisfying meal that will transport diners straight to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Base:

• 4–6 frozen burritos (beef, bean, or your favorite variety)
• 1 package Mexican or Spanish rice (about 1.5 cups cooked)

Sauces and Cheese:

• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)

Garnishes and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2–3 sliced jalapenos
• 1/2 cup guacamole

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F, creating an ideal cooking atmosphere for the burritos.
2. Craft the rice foundation by cooking it according to package instructions, ensuring a fluffy and flavorful base in the baking dish.
3. Strategically arrange the frozen burritos atop the rice layer, positioning them carefully to maximize coverage and even heating.
4. Generously cascade the enchilada sauce over the burritos, guaranteeing complete sauce coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Allow the burritos to bake uncovered for 25 minutes, enabling the sauce to penetrate and warm the frozen burritos thoroughly.
6. Temporarily remove the baking dish and create a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly across the surface.
7. Return the dish to the oven, letting the cheese melt and transform into a golden, bubbling topping for an additional 5-10 minutes.
8. Let the smothered burritos rest briefly, allowing the temperatures to settle and flavors to meld.
9. Embellish with preferred garnishes like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and green onions to enhance the visual and taste experience.
10. Serve immediately, presenting a comforting and satisfying meal ready to delight hungry diners.

Notes

• Perfectly thaw frozen burritos in the refrigerator overnight for more even heating and consistent texture.
• Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican cheese mix to elevate the dish’s taste complexity.
• Consider adding protein-rich toppings like black beans or shredded chicken to increase nutritional value and make the meal more filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg