Hearty Smothered Beef and Bean Burritos Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Bursting with flavor, these hearty smothered beef and bean burritos capture the essence of comforting Tex-Mex cuisine.

Tender beef and creamy beans nestle inside warm tortillas, creating a mouthwatering meal that screams satisfaction.

Bold spices dance through each bite, promising a delicious adventure for your taste buds.

The rich, saucy filling brings layers of depth and excitement to your dinner table.

Melted cheese cascades over the top, adding a golden, irresistible finish to this classic dish.

Packed with protein and bold seasonings, these burritos offer a quick and delectable solution for hungry crowds.

You’ll devour every last morsel of this irresistible southwestern-inspired comfort food.

Burrito Ingredients in One Simple List

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the burrito filling.
• Pinto Beans: Adds texture and additional protein to the meat mixture.
• Tortillas: Soft flour wraps that hold the delicious burrito filling.
• Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that complements the beef and bean mixture.

• Broth: Provides liquid base and depth of flavor for the Chimayo sauce.
• Chile Powder: Adds warm, spicy character to the sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor for the sauce.
• Oregano, Cumin, Cinnamon: Spices that create a complex and rich sauce profile.

• Cheese: Melty component that adds richness to the burrito filling.
• Salsa, Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that provide brightness and additional flavor.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing sauce ingredients and frying the assembled burritos.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.

Kitchen Tools for Easy Burrito Night

• Mixing bowl: For blending broth and chile powder.
• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for sautéing and cooking sauce and burritos.
• Microwave: For warming tortillas quickly.
• Damp paper towel: To keep tortillas soft while warming.
• Colander or strainer: To drain excess beef grease.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and cooking ingredients.
• Cheese grater (optional): If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Smothered Burritos: How-To Guide

Step 1: Whip Up Spicy Sauce Base

Grab your blender and combine broth with vibrant chile powder.

Swirl until the mixture looks smooth and well-integrated.

Set this fiery liquid aside for later magic.

Step 2: Develop Aromatic Sauce Foundation

Heat a skillet with oil over medium warmth.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for about a minute.

• Oregano
• Cumin
• Cinnamon

Stir these spices and let them release their incredible fragrance for another minute.

Step 3: Simmer Spectacular Sauce

Pour in the chile mixture and remaining broth.

Season with salt to enhance flavor complexity.

Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Avoid boiling to maintain sauce integrity.

Step 4: Create Hearty Burrito Filling

Brown ground beef in a separate pan, draining excess grease.

Mix in taco seasoning and fold in beans.

Cook for several minutes, ensuring ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Burritos

Warm tortillas in microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

• Seasoned beef mixture
• Mexican rice
• Shredded cheese

Roll each burrito tightly, tucking in edges.

Step 6: Crisp Up Burrito Exterior

Heat oil in skillet.

Fry burritos two at a time, turning until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Generously drench burritos in Chimayo sauce.

Accompany with fresh salsa, creamy sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Red Chile Burrito Tips for Extra Flavor

• Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the sauce's complexity.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy burritos and ensure a crispy exterior when frying.
• Warm tortillas with a damp paper towel to keep them soft and prevent cracking during rolling and frying.
• Use medium-high heat and minimal oil when frying to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without excessive greasiness.
• Add Mexican rice inside the burrito for extra moisture and incorporate shredded cheese that melts beautifully during cooking.

Burrito Styles and Adaptations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth in the sauce for added depth.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap traditional flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase chile powder and add diced jalapeños to the sauce. Mix in chipotle peppers for a smoky, intense heat that elevates the burrito experience.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip tortillas and create a burrito bowl with cauliflower rice. Layer beef, beans, and Chimayo sauce in a bowl for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.

Plating Smothered Burritos Creatively

• Flavor Fusion Platter: Arrange burritos on a colorful ceramic plate, drizzle generously with red chile Chimayo sauce, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, and add dollops of cool sour cream on the side.
• Fiesta Side Companions: Serve with Mexican-style rice, black bean salad, or crisp green salad with avocado slices to complement the rich burrito flavors.
• Garnish Galore: Top each burrito with extra shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for added texture and zesty kick.
• Family-Style Spread: Create a DIY burrito bar with additional toppings like salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges, letting everyone customize their perfect burrito experience.

Smart Storage for Burrito Leftovers

• Wrap individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce separately in sealed container.
• Place cooled burritos in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Label with date and freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce into small containers for easy thawing.
• Remove foil, place burrito on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. Add extra sauce if desired for moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap burrito, place on baking sheet. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Sprinkle fresh cheese on top before serving.

FAQs

• What makes Chimayo chile powder unique?

Chimayo chile powder comes from a specific region in New Mexico, known for its rich, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that differs from standard chile powders, offering a more complex and authentic southwestern taste.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef in this recipe. It provides a leaner protein option while maintaining similar texture and ability to absorb the spices and seasonings.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. The Chimayo chile sauce provides warmth and flavor without being overly hot, making it suitable for most palates. You can adjust the chile powder quantity to increase or decrease spiciness.

Beef and Bean Burritos Smothered With Red Chile Bring the Heat

• Dive into a flavor explosion with this Chimayo-style burrito that brings authentic southwestern heat and depth to your dinner table.
• Create a hearty meal with simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra toppings to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, beans, and cheese, these burritos will delight both kids and adults with their delicious, familiar flavors.

Smothered Beef and Bean Burritos Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty smothered beef and bean burritos bring Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables across North America. Packed with savory ground beef, rich beans, and melted cheese, this dish provides a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 1/2 cups Mexican rice, cooked
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup red chile Chimayo powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• Vegetable oil for frying

Serving Garnishes:

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the red chile Chimayo sauce by blending broth and chile powder in a mixing bowl, setting it aside for later use.
2. In a skillet heated to medium, sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds. Add oregano, cumin, and cinnamon, stirring for an additional minute to release aromatic oils.
3. Pour the prepared chile mixture and remaining broth into the skillet. Season with salt and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t reach a boil.
4. Brown ground beef in a separate pan, thoroughly draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning and beans, cooking for several minutes to meld flavors and textures.
5. Soften tortillas in the microwave using a damp paper towel for moisture and flexibility. Layer each tortilla with seasoned beef mixture, Mexican rice, and shredded cheese.
6. Carefully roll the burritos, sealing the edges to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
7. Heat oil in a skillet and fry burritos in batches of two, rotating until each side achieves a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
8. Generously drench the crispy burritos with the prepared Chimayo sauce. Garnish with fresh salsa, dollops of sour cream, and chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Spice Adjustment Dial up or tone down the heat by modifying the amount of chile powder, allowing personalized flavor intensity.
• Fat Reduction Choose lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains delicious taste.
• Vegetarian Transformation Replace beef with black beans, roasted vegetables, or plant-based crumbles to create a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap wheat tortillas for corn tortillas and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg