Smothered Wet Beef Burrito
A hearty and satisfying classic, this burrito features a savory ground beef filling wrapped in a warm tortilla, then generously smothered in red enchilada sauce and bubbly, melted cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet
- a.Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet to make them pliable
- a.Lay a tortilla flat and spread about 1/4 of the warmed refried beans down the center. Top with 1/4 of the beef mixture and about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
- 6
To roll the burrito, fold the two sides inward over the filling
- a.Then, take the bottom edge of the tortilla and pull it up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly. Continue rolling until the burrito is sealed.
- 7
Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish
- a.Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the top, ensuring they are completely covered. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and golden. Let the burritos rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
- 2To prevent burritos from becoming soggy, ensure your beef filling is thick and not watery before assembling.
- 3Don't overfill the tortillas. Leaving a 2-inch border makes them much easier to roll without tearing.
- 4The beef filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight meal.
- 5For a creamier sauce, stir 1/4 cup of sour cream into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the burritos.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork (carnitas), or ground turkey. For a vegetarian version, use a mix of black beans, pinto beans, and corn.
SauceSauce
Use green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) instead of red for a tangier, brighter flavor profile.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For extra heat, add one or two finely diced jalapeños or a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture along with the other spices.
FillingFilling
Add 1 cup of cooked Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice to the filling of each burrito for extra substance and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and supporting overall body function.
Source of Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the ground beef, a form of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is rich in several B vitamins, including B12, niacin, and B6. These vitamins are vital for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this recipe contains approximately 850-950 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and the amount of cheese and sour cream.