If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, cheesy, and full of flavor, these Smothered Burritos are the way to go. Made with frozen burritos, enchilada sauce, and a cheesy rice base, this dish is super simple but packed with flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a satisfying weekend dinner!
Ingredients:
- Frozen burritos (your favorite kind—beef, chicken, or bean)
- 1 can enchilada sauce (red or green, depending on your preference)
- 1 package Mexican rice (or Spanish rice)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you like it extra cheesy!)
- Toppings (optional): Sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños—whatever you like!
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the Rice:
- Prepare the Mexican or Spanish rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, fluff it up and set aside.
- Layer the Rice:
- Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well).
- Add the Burritos:
- Place the frozen burritos directly on top of the rice. No need to thaw them, just unwrap and lay them down!
- Smother with Enchilada Sauce:
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the burritos. Make sure they’re nicely covered so they stay juicy while baking.
- Bake:
- Bake the burritos at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add Cheese:
- After 25 minutes, pull the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop it back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top & Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted, take the dish out of the oven. Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, or onions.
- Enjoy!
- Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying smothered burritos!
Q&A
Q: Can I use homemade burritos instead of frozen?
- A: Absolutely! If you have homemade burritos, they’ll work just as well. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked and ready to go.
Q: What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
- A: You can substitute with taco sauce or salsa, but the enchilada sauce will give you that authentic flavor. If you don’t have canned enchilada sauce, you can also make your own with chili powder, tomato sauce, garlic, and a pinch of sugar.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
- A: Yes! Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese will all work well. You can also mix it up and use a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.
Q: How do I make this dish spicier?
- A: Add jalapeños to the top, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or mix in a little hot sauce with the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the burritos.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
- A: Yes! You can assemble the burritos with rice, sauce, and cheese, then cover the dish and refrigerate it for a day or two. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- Super Simple: Using frozen burritos and pre-made rice keeps the prep time minimal, but you still get that home-cooked, comforting feel.
- Customizable: With so many topping options, you can make it your own based on your flavor preferences—add veggies, extra cheese, or spice it up!
- Family-Friendly: This is a crowd-pleaser for sure. Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, saucy goodness, and it’s easy to double for a bigger crowd.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors meld even better the next day, and it reheats beautifully.
These Smothered Burritos are perfect for when you want something quick, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s a comforting and customizable dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy! 🌯🧀