Smothered burritos are a hearty and comforting meal packed with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and salsa verde, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and baked under a layer of tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese. These burritos are easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Customize them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa for extra flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
3/4 cup salsa verde
1 pound ground beef
4 large flour tortillas (10 inches), warmed
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the enchilada sauce and salsa verde.
Cook the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked (8–10 minutes). Drain excess liquid and stir in 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture.
Fill the tortillas by spooning 2/3 cup of the beef mixture across the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with 3 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Fold the bottom and sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly.
Bake the burritos by placing them in a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the burritos and sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 624
Fat: 33g (15g saturated)
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 1470mg

What Makes Smothered Burritos So Delicious?

Unlike traditional burritos that are served dry, smothered burritos are baked under a blanket of enchilada sauce and cheese, making them extra juicy, flavorful, and indulgent. Here’s what makes them stand out:

A Soft Yet Slightly Crispy Tortilla: Baking the burritos allows the edges to get slightly crispy while keeping the center warm and soft.
A Hearty, Savory Filling: The seasoned ground beef and cheese create a rich, meaty bite with every forkful.
A Flavorful Sauce Combination: The mix of green enchilada sauce and salsa verde brings zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, perfectly complementing the beef and cheese.
A Golden, Gooey Cheese Topping: The melted cheddar cheese on top makes the burritos extra creamy and satisfying.

Smothered burritos strike the perfect balance between comforting and exciting, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.

The Difference Between Smothered Burritos and Enchiladas

While smothered burritos may look similar to enchiladas, there are some key differences between the two dishes:

Size: Burritos use larger flour tortillas, while enchiladas are made with smaller corn tortillas.
Filling: Smothered burritos often contain a heartier amount of filling, making them larger and more substantial than enchiladas.
Cooking Method: Enchiladas are typically rolled tightly and completely coated in sauce before baking, whereas smothered burritos retain their shape with sauce poured over the top.
Texture: The flour tortillas used for smothered burritos become soft and slightly crisped when baked, while corn tortillas in enchiladas tend to soak up more sauce and remain softer.

If you love cheesy, saucy, oven-baked Mexican dishes, smothered burritos offer the best of both worlds—the heartiness of a burrito combined with the melty, saucy goodness of an enchilada.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Smothered Burritos

To make the most flavorful smothered burritos, it’s important to use high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what to consider when selecting your ingredients:

1. The Tortillas

Use large, soft flour tortillas (10-inch size works best) to hold the filling without breaking.
Warming the tortillas before filling and rolling makes them more pliable and prevents tearing.

2. The Meat

Ground beef is the classic choice, offering a rich and savory flavor.
For a leaner alternative, use ground turkey or chicken.
If you prefer a heartier texture, shredded slow-cooked beef or pork also works beautifully.

3. The Cheese

Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that stands out.
Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and adds extra creaminess.
For a spicier kick, try pepper jack cheese.

4. The Sauce

Green enchilada sauce is mild and tangy, complementing the rich beef and cheese.
Salsa verde adds freshness and a slight kick without overpowering the dish.
For a red sauce variation, swap the green enchilada sauce with a classic red enchilada sauce.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor of your burritos, making them even more delicious.

Customizing Your Smothered Burritos

One of the best things about smothered burritos is how versatile and customizable they are. You can easily switch up the filling or toppings to suit your preferences.

Alternative Fillings

Refried Beans or Black Beans: Adds extra protein and creaminess.
Rice: A scoop of Mexican-style rice or cilantro-lime rice can make the burritos even heartier.
Sautéed Peppers and Onions: Adds a slight sweetness and extra texture.
Shredded Chicken or Pork: Works well as an alternative to ground beef.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

Sour Cream: A cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy burrito.
Guacamole or Sliced Avocado: Adds richness and a fresh element.
Pico de Gallo or Fresh Salsa: Enhances the brightness and freshness.
Chopped Cilantro or Green Onions: A simple garnish that adds color and flavor.
Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: If you love spice, add some heat with pickled or fresh jalapeños.

With these options, you can mix and match ingredients to create your perfect smothered burrito.

Serving Suggestions for Smothered Burritos

Smothered burritos are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with classic Mexican sides makes for an even more satisfying experience.

Great Side Dishes:

Mexican Rice: A flavorful and authentic pairing.
Refried Beans or Black Beans: Adds extra protein and fiber.
Corn Salad or Grilled Street Corn: A sweet, slightly smoky side that complements the richness of the burritos.
Chips and Salsa or Queso: A great appetizer or side dish.

For drinks, consider serving with a cold beer, a refreshing margarita, or a glass of horchata.

How to Store and Reheat Smothered Burritos

If you have leftovers, smothered burritos store and reheat well, making them a great meal prep option.

Storage:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze unbaked burritos without the sauce for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Frozen Burritos: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Conclusion

Smothered burritos are the ultimate comfort food, combining the heartiness of a burrito with the gooey, saucy deliciousness of an enchilada. With a rich beef filling, melted cheese, and a zesty green sauce, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a meal to impress guests, or a freezer-friendly option for busy nights, smothered burritos check all the boxes. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make them as simple or as loaded as you like.

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