Smothered Burritos are the ultimate comfort meal—flavor-packed burritos drenched in creamy enchilada or chile sauce and topped with melted cheese. Think cheesy beef or chicken wrapped in large flour tortillas, baked until golden, and finished with a saucy, spicy blanket of goodness.
This smothered burritos recipe balances vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, easy prep, and hearty portions. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, these burritos bring big satisfaction with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Smothered Burritos
- 🔥 Loaded with bold flavor thanks to seasoned meat, beans, rice, and cheese
- 💧 Luxurious sauce for a wet “enchilada-style” finish
- 🍽️ Bake once and feed many—ideal for meal prep or serving guests
- 🎯 Easily customizable with turkey, shredded chicken, or vegetarian fillings
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly—make ahead for stress‑free meals
Ingredients That Make the Magic
Here’s what you need for the ultimate smothered burritos experience:
- Large flour tortillas (10″ burrito-size)
- Ground beef or shredded chicken (slow-cooker or rotisserie)
- Refried beans or black beans
- Cooked Mexican rice (optional but adds hearty texture)
- Red or green enchilada sauce
- Sour cream, cream cheese, or a green chile sour cream sauce
- Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blend
- Onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano for seasoning
This combo lets each bite bring savory, spicy, creamy, and cheesy layers all at once.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Smothered Burritos
🥩 1. Cook the Filling
Brown ground beef with sautéed onion and garlic, then stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and a bit of taco seasoning. If using shredded chicken—toss it with salsa or pre-seasoned sauce.
Pro tip: Drain excess fat before combining with beans or rice for a clean base.
🌯 2. Assemble the Burritos
Lay each tortilla flat. Add a spoonful of beans, a scoop of meat, optional rice, and cheese. Roll burritos tightly, tucking in ends.
Pro tip: Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure pliability. Facebook+10Taste of Home+10Carlsbad Cravings+10Carlsbad CravingsBettyCrocker.com+6Mom’s Dinner+6Borrowed Bites+6
🧀 3. Arrange in a Baking Dish
Place seamside down in a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish lined with foil or sprayed with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
🥄 4. Smother in Sauce
Pour enchilada or chile sauce evenly over burritos. Then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Taste of HomeMom’s Dinner
🍽️ 5. Bake to Perfect Melt
Bake at 350–375 °F for 20–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and sauce bubbles around edges. For extra crust, broil for 1–2 minutes. AllrecipesLife’s A Tomato
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Smothered Burritos
- Use fresh tortillas or gently heat them to avoid tearing. tsgcookin.com+8Mom’s Dinner+8BettyCrocker.com+8
- Don’t overfill—leave a border to prevent splitting during baking.
- Control sauces—adjust sauce heat by mixing green chile sauce or adding sour cream for creaminess.
- Choose quality cheese—grate your own for a better melt without added stabilizers. Allrecipes+14Life’s A Tomato+14Taste of Home+14Taste and Tell
- Customize fillings—swap meat for beans, queso, vegetables, or add rice for texture and bulk.
Flavor Variations to Try
| Variation | Ingredients & Twist |
|---|---|
| Green Chile Chicken | Shredded chicken in salsa verde smothered with green chile sauce |
| Buffalo-Style Burritos | Marinated shredded buffalo chicken, cheese, and creamy lime ranch sauce (a Carlsbad Cravings fave) Taste of HomeTaste of Home+7Borrowed Bites+7Taste and Tell+7Facebook+4Carlsbad Cravings+4Carlsbad Cravings+4 |
| Bean & Cheese Only | Vegetarian version using refried beans and rice, topped with your favorite sauce |
| Double Sauce Style | Red enchilada sauce bottom layer + creamy chili verde top layer |
Each variation keeps the core Smothered Burritos concept but shifts the flavor profile!
Side Dishes That Elevate the Meal
Complete the fiesta with simple sides:
- Mexican rice and refried beans (or charro beans)
- Pico de gallo, guacamole, or cilantro-lime slaw
- Chips and salsa or queso dip
- A tangy Mexican street corn salad or pickled jalapeños
- Margaritas or agua fresca for pairing
Storage & Meal Prep
- Prep ahead: Assemble burritos uncooked and freeze prior to baking. Thaw overnight then smother and bake fresh. instagram.com+11Carlsbad Cravings+11Taste and Tell+11Carlsbad Cravings+1Facebook+1Borrowed Bites
- Refrigeration: Store baked burritos in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual burritos, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen—microwave or oven—and top with fresh sauce/cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a burrito and a smothered burrito?
A: Smothered burritos (or “wet burritos”) are fully covered in enchilada-style sauce and cheese, while dry burritos are plain. Mom’s DinnerBorrowed Bites+1Mom’s Dinner+1
Q: Can I use rice in the filling?
Yes—Mexican or Spanish rice is an optional but tasty addition. Just don’t overfill or it can burst during cooking. Mom’s Dinner
Q: Which sauce is best?
Red enchilada sauce is classic, while green chile sour cream sauce adds a creamy, tangy twist—especially with chicken burritos. Carlsbad Cravings
Nutritional Snapshot (per burrito)
- Calories: ~700–800 kcal
- Protein: ~25–35 g
- Fat: ~25–35 g (depending on cheese use)
- Carbs: ~70–80 g (includes tortilla, beans, rice, sauce)
Hearty and satisfying—perfect for sharing or storing leftovers!
Final Taste Test
These Smothered Burritos bring layers of soaring flavor, cheesy goodness, and creamy sauce in every bite. With their ease of assembly, freezer-friendly format, and wide customization potential, they’re ideal for weeknights, parties, or meal-prep Sunday. Whichever version you choose—from classic beef to buffalo chicken or vegetarian cheese—they’re guaranteed to fill you up and delight your taste buds.
Build them, bake them, smother them—and watch them disappear. 🌯🔥