Hearty and comforting, these Smothered Beef Burritos are packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered in a rich, savory sauce. I love how easy they are to make, yet they feel like a satisfying, indulgent Tex-Mex treat. Whether I’m planning a family dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, these baked burritos always deliver.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/3 cup water
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until it’s browned and then drain the excess fat.
I add taco seasoning and water to the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Then I stir in the refried beans and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through, then remove it from the heat.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
I warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them easier to roll.
Next I spoon the beef and bean mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle a bit of cheese inside, and roll them up tightly.
I place each burrito seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Then I pour the creamy sauce over the burritos and top with the remaining cheese.
I bake the dish uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
For an extra pop of flavor and color, I like to garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 540 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a quicker version.
To spice things up, I add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
When I want a richer flavor, I swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of cheddar or nacho cheese soup.
For a low-carb option, I use low-carb tortillas or wrap the filling in lettuce cups.
I’ve even tried adding cooked rice or corn to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place the burritos in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. For oven reheating, I cover the baking dish with foil and warm them at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes.
If I want to freeze them, I wrap each burrito tightly in foil before baking and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe spicier?
I like adding hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture if I want more heat. Using a spicy taco seasoning packet also kicks things up.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. I’ve used Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend depending on what I have on hand. They all melt beautifully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the burritos and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pour the sauce on before I’m ready to bake to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
What side dishes go well with smothered burritos?
I usually serve them with Spanish rice, Mexican street corn, a simple salad, or chips and guacamole. It makes a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Is there a vegetarian version?
To make this vegetarian, I skip the beef and use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini or a meat substitute. I keep the refried beans and sauce the same.
Conclusion
Smothered Beef Burritos are my go-to when I want a comforting, filling, and easy-to-make dinner. They’re rich, cheesy, and totally satisfying, with just enough spice and flavor to make them crave-worthy. Whether I’m feeding a family or stocking up the freezer, this recipe always hits the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Smothered Beef Burritos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Hearty and comforting, these Smothered Beef Burritos are filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered in a rich, savory sauce. A satisfying Tex-Mex favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/3 cup water
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the refried beans and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them easier to roll.
- Spoon the beef and bean mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle some cheese inside, and roll up tightly.
- Place burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the burritos and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a quicker version.
Add diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat.
Swap cream of mushroom soup with cheddar or nacho cheese soup for a richer flavor.
Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Try adding cooked rice or corn for added texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze before baking for future meals.
To reheat, microwave with a damp paper towel or bake covered at 350°F until warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
