Smothered Burritos
A hearty, cheesy Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, spicy chilies, and melted cheese wrapped in tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet, then add taco sauce and chopped jalapeno pepper; cook until heated through.
- Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture and cheese onto each tortilla, then roll them up.
- Layer the rolled tortillas in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, heat cream of chicken soup, chopped chilies, and water until hot.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered tortillas in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or using a spicy taco sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer, use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, but be sure to warm them first to prevent cracking. Adding black beans or corn to the filling can enhance texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smothered burritos with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. They pair beautifully with Chicken Avocado Tortilla Soup for a complete meal. Offer tortilla chips for crunch on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smothered Burritos contains roughly 829 calories, with 28g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2419mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos and layer them in the baking dish, then cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, making for a delicious meal when you're ready to bake them.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, consider using homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, you can blend Greek yogurt with a bit of chicken broth for a creamy consistency without the extra calories.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make smothered burritos vegetarian, replace the hamburger with black beans or lentils for protein. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to enhance the filling. Use vegetable broth in place of the water in the soup mixture for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).