Cheesy Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

Bursting with flavor, these cheesy loaded smothered beef burritos dance with authentic Mexican-inspired ingredients that will make your taste buds sing.

Tender beef slow-cooked to perfection blends seamlessly with melted cheese and robust spices.

Each bite promises a mouthwatering explosion of savory goodness that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Wrapped in soft tortillas and generously covered in a rich, velvety sauce, these burritos bring restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen.

The combination of seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and hearty fillings creates a satisfying meal that appeals to everyone at the table.

Packed with protein and bold flavors, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional burrito preparations.

Prepare to embark on a delectable journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve Burritos with Salsa, Rice, or Nothing at All

  • Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Delicious Serving Companions
  • Fresh Zesty Side Salad: Toss together crisp romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to complement the rich burrito flavors.
  • Creamy Cool Companions: Serve alongside homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, and extra sour cream to add refreshing balance and enhance each delicious bite.
  • Mexican Rice Roundup: Prepare a quick spanish rice with diced bell peppers and onions as a perfect side dish that echoes the burrito's southwestern spirit.
  • Beverage Pairing Perfection: Offer ice-cold Mexican beer, tangy margaritas, or fresh lime-infused agua fresca to cut through the hearty meal's richness.

Store Them Right for a Tasty Reheat

  • Let burritos rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to prevent burning and help filling set properly.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 3-4 days. Separate individual burritos with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil before freezing. Stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Oven method works best – unwrap frozen burrito, place on baking sheet at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Microwave alternative: 2-3 minutes, rotating halfway through for even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos – Ingredient List

For Protein and Base:
  • Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein punch, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy base that brings authentic Mexican texture and extra protein boost.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: Delivers zesty southwestern spice blend that transforms ordinary meat.
  • Salsa: Introduces vibrant, tangy notes and moisture to filling mixture.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Provides rich, authentic Mexican sauce that smothers burritos with deep flavor.
For Assembly and Topping:
  • Tortillas: Soft flour wraps that cradle delicious filling, look for fresh, pliable versions.
  • Rice: Adds substantial texture and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides creamy richness to filling.
  • Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates golden bubbly topping with complex cheese flavor.
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, crisp bite and bright color as final garnish.
  • Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal accent that elevates overall dish.
  • Sour Cream: Offers cool, tangy contrast to spicy components.

Tools That Help Wrap and Smother These Beef Burritos

  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef evenly.
  • Large bowl: Essential for mixing rice, beans, salsa, and beef.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for arranging and baking burritos.
  • Cheese grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheese.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Useful for portioning filling and ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping green onions and cilantro.
  • Can opener: Required for opening refried beans or salsa.
  • Cutting board: Provides surface for chopping herbs and ingredients.

How to Cook and Assemble Loaded Burritos

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, getting ready for burrito magic.

  • Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it’s perfectly golden and drain away any extra grease.

  • Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning into the meat, letting it simmer and develop rich flavors for about 5 minutes.

  • Create the Filling Fusion

Mix together cooked rice, refried beans, zesty salsa, and melty cheese with the seasoned beef, creating a mouthwatering mixture.

  • Roll and Wrap

Spread the filling onto tortillas, folding them into perfect burrito parcels and nestling them snugly in a greased baking dish.

  • Sauce and Cheese Cascade

Drench the burritos with enchilada sauce and shower them with a generous layer of cheese.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling golden blanket.

  • Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh green onions and cilantro, adding a dollop of cool sour cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Dive in while it’s hot!

Topping Options and Custom Flavor Combos

  • Cook the beef and rice mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Swap regular flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
  • These burritos freeze beautifully – wrap individually in foil and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months, creating quick future meals that reheat perfectly in the oven.
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Cheesy Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe

Cheesy Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican comfort cuisine reaches new heights with loaded smothered beef burritos, where tender seasoned meat and melted cheese create a mouthwatering fusion of flavors. Rich and satisfying, you’ll savor each bite of this hearty southwestern classic that promises pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) refried beans
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cooked rice
  • 1 cup (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese (for inside burritos)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • ½ cup (120 ml) salsa
  • 2 cups (480 ml) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 ½ cups (360 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped green onions (optional)
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet, draining excess fat. Infuse with taco seasoning and simmer until sauce thickens.
  2. Filling Creation: Combine cooked rice, refried beans, salsa, and cheddar cheese with seasoned beef, creating a robust and flavorful mixture.
  3. Burrito Assembly: Spread filling across tortillas, rolling tightly into compact bundles, ensuring even distribution and secure closure.
  4. Baking Setup: Arrange burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish, creating a nestled formation.
  5. Sauce and Cheese Layer: Drench burritos with enchilada sauce, generously coating each roll. Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese across the surface for complete coverage.
  6. Oven Transformation: Bake uncovered at 375F (190C) for 20-25 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a scattering of green onions and cilantro, optional sour cream dollop adds a creamy contrast. Serve immediately while hot and appetizing.

Notes

  • Ensure each burrito is rolled compactly to prevent filling from spilling during baking, creating a neat and professional presentation.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly and use thick salsa to avoid soggy burritos, maintaining a perfect texture and preventing excess liquid.
  • Select a high-quality melting cheese like sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for maximum flavor and creamy consistency when baked.
  • Easily substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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