These Smothered Burritos are a game-changer. Packed with flavor, cheese, and a cozy rice base, they’re guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. If you’re looking for a simple, quick, and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love, this recipe is for you!
Here’s an in-depth look at how to make these mouth-watering burritos from start to finish.
Ingredients:
- Frozen burritos: I recommend using classic beef or chicken burritos for the most flavor, but feel free to go with whatever filling you prefer! This recipe calls for about 5-6 burritos, but you can adjust based on how many you’re serving or how hungry your crowd is. 🌯
- 1 can enchilada sauce (about 10 oz): The enchilada sauce is what makes the burritos “smothered” and gives them that rich, spicy-sweet flavor. I love using the red enchilada sauce, but you can opt for green if you prefer something milder or tangier.
- 1 package of Mexican or Spanish rice (usually 6-8 oz): This rice creates a hearty base under the burritos. It complements the flavors and makes this a more filling meal. You can find pre-seasoned rice boxes in the grocery store, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your rice from scratch! Either way, it’ll be delicious. 🍚
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese: You can use extra-sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack) if you prefer. The cheese is melted on top of the burritos, creating that golden, bubbly top layer! 🧀
- Toppings (optional): Sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, jalapeños, guacamole… whatever you love on your burritos. These toppings take the flavor over the top, adding freshness and crunch. 🌶️🥑🍅
Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
- Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Most Mexican or Spanish rice takes about 15-20 minutes. The rice should be fluffy and fully cooked before you layer it in the baking dish.
- Once cooked, spread the rice evenly across the bottom of a large, greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13-inch dish, but if you’re using smaller burritos or want more layers, you can use a smaller dish. You want a nice, even layer of rice as a base to soak up all that sauce later. 🍚
2. Prep the Burritos:
- While the rice is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Next, arrange the frozen burritos on top of the rice. No need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.
- Pour the enchilada sauce generously over the burritos. Use the whole can or adjust depending on how saucy you like it. Make sure the burritos are well-coated in the sauce. The sauce will infuse into the rice and burritos as they bake, creating an irresistible flavor. 🌶️
3. Bake the Burritos:
- Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture (this step is optional, but I recommend it to keep the burritos nice and juicy).
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F. This will heat up the frozen burritos, melt the cheese, and allow the sauce to soak into everything. If you’re using thawed burritos, reduce the baking time to 20 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese:
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil (if used) and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the burritos. The cheese will melt and turn golden brown, adding that gooey, delicious layer you crave.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Add Toppings:
- Once the burritos are out of the oven, add your favorite toppings. Here are some options:
- Sour cream for a creamy contrast.
- Chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce for added crunch and freshness.
- Sliced jalapeños if you love the heat!
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t skip the rice: The rice not only adds flavor but also soaks up the enchilada sauce, making it tender and delicious. It creates the perfect base for the burritos, and it makes this dish much more satisfying. If you want a bit more flavor, you can sauté the rice in a little butter and garlic before cooking it. 🧄
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer your burritos extra saucy, feel free to add more enchilada sauce. You can even drizzle a little extra on top before serving for that extra saucy goodness. 🍅
- Make it vegetarian: If you’re trying to keep things meatless, swap out the frozen burritos for bean and cheese or vegetarian burritos. You could also fill the burritos with black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions.
- Freezer-Friendly: This is also a great meal to prep in advance. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, bake it from frozen (you might need to add a little extra time) — you’ll have a quick, homemade meal ready whenever you need it. ❄️
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Serve these smothered burritos with a side of Mexican street corn (elote) or a bowl of refried beans. You can even make a simple green salad with lime and cilantro dressing for a refreshing contrast.
- Drinks: Pair it with a cold Mexican soda, a refreshing margarita, or a classic limeade for the ultimate Mexican meal experience! 🍹🍸
Why You’ll Love It:
- Minimal prep: This recipe is super easy and requires minimal effort. If you’re short on time but still want something homemade, this is a no-fuss, one-pan meal.
- Comforting & Filling: It’s the kind of dish that satisfies the hunger and the soul. Cheesy, saucy, and hearty—everything you want in comfort food!
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and make it your own. Whether you’re into spicy or fresh, there’s room for you to customize this dish.
These Smothered Burritos are sure to become a family favorite. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—what more could you ask for in a dinner? Enjoy! 🌯🍴