Classic Smothered Beef Burrito (Wet Burrito)

It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast. If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you. This Smothered Beef Burrito is one of those recipes you’ll make on repeat. It delivers restaurant quality without the high price tag.

Too tired to cook something complicated? This works perfectly for a busy night. It is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. You can have this hearty meal on the table in about 50 minutes.

Why You’ll Make This Again

This dish is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly Fall evening. It is ready in 50 minutes from start to finish. Your family will love the rich red sauce and melted cheese. It is a reliable crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.

The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You probably have most of them in your pantry already. This recipe is picky-eater approved and very filling. It makes for a stress-free dinner that everyone enjoys.

How This Comes Together

Making a Smothered Beef Burrito is surprisingly simple. You just brown the meat and roll the tortillas. The oven does most of the hard work for you. Beginners can master this dish on the very first try. Using pre-made sauce saves you a lot of time.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious Mexican-style feast at home.

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mixture
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup sliced black olives

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onions.
3. Drain the excess fat from the skillet once meat is cooked.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and 0.25 cup of water.
5. Simmer the meat for 5 minutes until the liquid thickens.
6. Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds.
7. Spread 0.25 cup of refried beans onto each tortilla center.
8. Top the beans with a portion of the beef mixture.
9. Fold the sides inward and roll the tortillas tightly.
10. Place them seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
11. Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the burritos.
12. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce layer.
13. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted.
14. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and olives before serving.

How To Serve It

Serve these burritos hot right out of the baking dish. They look impressive and colorful with the fresh toppings. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or corn. A simple green salad also balances the rich flavors well. This is perfect for a casual family dinner.

Leftovers & Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave. This recipe also freezes remarkably well for future meals. Just wrap them tightly before placing in the freezer. Reheat at 350 degrees until warmed through.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Don’t skip warming the tortillas or they might crack.
• Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy sauce.
• Use a high-quality enchilada sauce for the best flavor.
• Shred your own cheese for a much smoother melt.
• Add a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh finish.
• Prepare the beef filling ahead of time to save minutes.
• Double the recipe if you are hosting a larger group.
• Use a glass baking dish to see the bubbling sauce.

Easy Ways To Change It Up

• Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal.
• Use green enchilada sauce for a tangy seasonal twist.
• Add pickled jalapeños if you want some extra heat.
• Mix black beans into the beef for more texture.

Quick Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead?

Flour tortillas work best for rolling large burritos. Corn tortillas are usually too small and may break easily. Stick with large flour tortillas for the best results.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly. You can control the heat with your choice of sauce. Pick a hot enchilada sauce if you want more spice.

I hope you enjoy this simple, comforting meal. It is a staple in my kitchen for busy nights. Let me know how yours turns out!

— Ethan

Classic Smothered Beef Burrito (Wet Burrito)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 850

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mixture
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup sliced black olives

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and 0.25 cup of water, simmering for 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Warm the flour tortillas for 20 seconds in a microwave to increase pliability.
5. Spread 0.25 cup of refried beans onto the center of each tortilla, then top with a portion of the beef mixture.
6. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly; place seam-side down in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled burritos.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce layer.
9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
10. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and black olives before serving.