Ground Beef Smothered Burritos – Ever just need a meal that envelops you in warmth and comfort? These Ground Beef Smothered Burritos are it. Picture tender, seasoned ground beef, layers of melty cheese, and a little zing from green chilies, all tucked into a warm tortilla. It’s the type of feast that fills you up and keeps everyone around the table satisfied. A quick bake, and voilà—you’ve got a dish that’s ready to cozy up with in under an hour.
I’ll never forget the first time I made these. It was one of those busy evenings where I needed something hearty but didn’t want to fuss. My husband was a little skeptical—until he took that first bite. And my kid? They’ve got a new dearest! Now, these burritos are on repeat, and I swear, they’re just as comforting each time.
What makes this Ground Beef Smothered Burritos truly special?
What’s not to treasure? They’re loaded with spiced beef, flawlessly balanced by a creamy, cheesy sauce, and just enough green chili to keep things gripping. And they’re so easy to make your own! Add some shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, an extra dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of onions. These burritos are customizable, pleasing, and just straight crave-worthy!
What You Need To Make This Ground Beef Smothered Burritos Recipe?
Lean Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! I love using lean ground beef because it gives you all that great flavor without being too greasy. You can also swap it for ground turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure you season it well—that’s key!
Chili Powder: This adds a nice kick to the beef. It’s one of those spices that makes everything taste a little more exciting. You can find different blends, so if you like things spicy, don’t hesitate to grab one with more heat!
Garlic and Onion Powder: These two are like the dynamic duo in the spice world! They bring depth and flavor to your dish without needing to chop up fresh garlic and onions. Plus, it saves you some prep time, which we all appreciate, right?
Dried Oregano: A little sprinkle of this herb adds a nice earthiness to the mix. It’s subtle but makes a big difference in rounding out the flavors. It’s perfect for those days when you want to channel your inner chef without too much fuss.
Paprika: This gives the burritos a lovely color and a hint of smokiness. It’s a great way to elevate the dish without overpowering it. Trust me, a little paprika goes a long way!
Ground Cumin: This spice adds warmth and a hint of nuttiness. It’s a must-have in Tex-Mex cooking, and it really ties everything together in these burritos. Just a teaspoon can really transform the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Classic staples! They’re essential for bringing out all the flavors. Don’t skip them; it’s amazing how a little seasoning can make everything taste so much better.
Cornstarch: This might seem a bit random, but it helps thicken up the meat mixture. It gives you that nice, hearty texture that makes each bite satisfying. Just a bit mixed in does wonders!
Sour Cream: Oh, this is where the creaminess comes in! It not only adds flavor but also helps balance out the spices. Plus, it’s perfect for drizzling on top when you serve. Who doesn’t love a dollop of sour cream?
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the magic ingredient that makes the sauce so rich and creamy. It really simplifies the cooking process and adds a ton of flavor without you having to make a sauce from scratch.
Chopped Green Chiles: These little guys bring a nice tang and just the right amount of heat. They add flavor without overwhelming the dish, and they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is just the best for melting. It makes everything ooey-gooey and delicious. Plus, it has a mild flavor that works perfectly with the spices in the beef. I always say, the more cheese, the better!
Flour Tortillas: You can’t have burritos without tortillas! I prefer the burrito-sized ones because they hold everything together nicely. Just warm them up a bit before filling; it makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
Steps To Make Ground Beef Smothered Burritos:
Preheat Your Oven: Alright, let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s like getting your oven ready for a cozy dinner party!
Brown the Beef: Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Once it’s warmed up, toss in the lean ground beef. Just break it up with a spatula as it cooks—give it about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned and crumbly. The smell? Absolutely mouthwatering!
Mix the Spices: While the beef is doing its thing, let’s whip up our spice mix. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir—trust me, this blend is going to make your burritos pop!
Season the Beef: Once your beef is browned, sprinkle that spice mix all over it. Mix it in well so every little bit of beef gets coated in those delicious flavors. Then, pour in half a cup of water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the beef soak up all that goodness and makes it super flavorful.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Now, in another bowl, let’s combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chopped green chiles, and half of the shredded Monterey jack cheese. This creamy mix is what dreams are made of—seriously, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!
Combine the Mixtures: Take about half of that cheesy goodness and stir it right into the seasoned beef. Now, here comes the fun part—fill those tortillas! Scoop the beef mixture evenly onto each tortilla and roll them up snugly like little burrito presents.
Roll ‘Em Up: Place each rolled burrito seam-side down in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Keep going until all your tortillas are filled and nestled together.
Top with Cheese: Now, take that remaining cheese mixture and spread it over the top of the burritos. Don’t be shy—cover them up with all that creamy goodness!
Bake: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and just starting to turn golden. Yum!
Let Them Rest: When they come out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. I know it’s hard to wait, but letting them rest helps everything set nicely.
Serve and Enjoy: Now it’s time to dig in! Serve these burritos with your favorite toppings—maybe some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a generous dollop of sour cream. Enjoy every delicious bite and don’t forget to share a few smiles at the dinner table!
Tip:
One of my favorite ways to make these Ground Beef Smothered Burritos even easier is to prep everything ahead of time! Seriously, on those busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle, cooking the beef and mixing up the creamy cheese sauce earlier in the day is a game-changer. When dinner time rolls around, all you have to do is assemble the burritos, and you’ll be ready to eat in no time. A little tip: warm the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds to make them nice and pliable, so they roll up without breaking. Plus, don’t hesitate to get creative with the filling—if you have leftover veggies like bell peppers or corn, throw them in! You can even switch the cheese for something like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work just fine if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they might cook a bit faster.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven for that nice, melty cheese goodness!
Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes, you can totally freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They should last about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking!
