Experience the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with our Smothered Beef & Bean Burrito Bake recipe. This hearty dish combines layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta with friends or simply craving a satisfying meal, this easy-to-make bake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we journey through the recipe and discover the joy of savoring each delicious bite of this Tex-Mex-inspired delight.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 20 ounces enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon each cumin, oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 pound shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Beef: Add the refried beans, enchilada sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay out the flour tortillas and spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
- Roll Burritos: Roll up the tortillas tightly to form burritos and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the burritos and sprinkle with additional shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and serve the Smothered Beef & Bean Burrito Bake hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Cook Notes:
- Be sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef to prevent the bake from becoming too oily.
- Customize the seasoning to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and taco seasoning.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef and bean mixture.
Variations:
- Chicken Option: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Vegetarian Twist: Omit the meat altogether and increase the amount of refried beans or add cooked quinoa for added protein.
- Seafood Sensation: Swap the ground beef for cooked shrimp or fish for a coastal-inspired twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps to reduce the carbohydrate content. Use a keto-friendly enchilada sauce made with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Replace the refried beans with mashed avocado or a cauliflower mash.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of beans used in the filling and opt for a cheese crust instead of tortillas. Use a blend of almond flour and spices as a coating for the beef instead of taco seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the burritos in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Wrap individual portions of the baked burrito in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of canned? A: Of course! Homemade enchilada sauce can add a fresher flavor to the dish. Simply substitute an equal amount of homemade sauce for the canned variety.
Dive into a flavor-packed fiesta with our Smothered Beef & Bean Burrito Bake, a Tex-Mex masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With layers of savory beef, creamy beans, zesty sauce, and melted cheese, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds south of the border. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this bake is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in the irresistible allure of our Smothered Beef & Bean Burrito Bake. Let each mouthful whisk you away on a culinary adventure filled with warmth, flavor, and endless delight!
