If you love cozy, over-the-top comfort food and all things smothered in melted cheese, Cheesy Enchilada Burritos are about to become your new happy place. Imagine the ultimate union of two favorites: soft flour tortillas filled with deeply flavorful beef, creamy refried beans, and a dreamy swirl of enchilada sauce, all tucked under a bubbling blanket of gooey cheese. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and homey warmth, making this a perfect dish for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or anytime you want to make everyone around your table grin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Cheesy Enchilada Burritos so delightful is their simple lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a special role—be it adding richness, spice, or color—so don’t skip a thing! Let’s break down what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef brings hearty, juicy flavor and makes the burrito filling super satisfying.
- Olive oil: Just a splash (if needed) keeps the beef from sticking and adds a hint of richness.
- Chopped onion: Sautéed onion infuses everything with an irresistible, savory depth.
- Taco seasoning: A quick packet covers all the classic spices—think cumin, paprika, and chili powder for instant Mexican flair.
- Water: Helps the seasoning meld with the beef and create a saucy texture that won’t dry out the filling.
- Enchilada sauce: This is the magic ingredient that transforms burritos into luscious, saucy masterpieces.
- Refried beans: Creamy beans act as a gentle base, holding everything together and giving bite-after-bite of comfort.
- Flour tortillas: Large, soft tortillas are your canvas—choose extra-large for wrapping without leaks!
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: The star on top—melty, golden cheese that finishes everything with that crave-worthy stretch.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Bright, peppery, and crunchy, these add a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness.
- Sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro (for serving): These classic toppers let everyone customize their Cheesy Enchilada Burritos just the way they like.
How to Make Cheesy Enchilada Burritos
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it’s completely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as you go (if you notice sticking, add a dash of olive oil). Once your beef is sizzling and fragrant, drain any excess fat so your filling stays hearty, not greasy. Toss in the chopped onions and let everything sauté together for two to three minutes—just until the onions go soft and translucent. Pour in the taco seasoning and water, then give it all a good stir. Simmer for three to four minutes: you’re looking for a slightly thickened, wildly aromatic mixture that will flavor each bite.
Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans
Warm refried beans spread so much easier and won’t tear your tortillas. Scoop them into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until they’re creamy and soft, or use a small saucepan over low heat. This step ensures every burrito is loaded evenly with beans for that unmistakable smooth, satisfying layer.
Step 3: Make the Tortillas Pliable
Zapping tortillas in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or heating them one by one in a dry skillet makes them soft and bendy. Don’t skip this tiny trick—it keeps your Cheesy Enchilada Burritos from cracking when you roll them up.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Here’s where the magic happens: On each warm tortilla, spread a generous strip of refried beans down the center. Top with a scoop or two of your beef mixture, sprinkle on some shredded cheese, and add a drizzly spoonful of enchilada sauce. This layering gives each burrito a fantastic balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors. Roll the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place them seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Drown and Top with Cheese
Once all your burritos are snuggled in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top—don’t be shy! Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out so every inch is covered. Finish with the rest of your shredded cheese, making sure to blanket the burritos edge to edge. This ensures every bite is ooey-gooey and irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the dish, uncovered, into your oven (preheated to 375°F/190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese has melted into a bubbling golden layer and the sauce is hot and inviting around the edges. Sprinkle with green onions if you like a little color and crunch!
How to Serve Cheesy Enchilada Burritos
Garnishes
Pile on the finishing touches! A dollop of cool sour cream, a scoop of zippy salsa, and a shower of chopped cilantro do wonders to brighten and balance these rich Cheesy Enchilada Burritos. The green onions sprinkled on top add a playful pop of flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
These burritos play well with so many sides! Try a simple green salad doused in lime vinaigrette, fluffy Spanish rice, crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole, or roasted corn. The goal is to add color and a bit of contrast, making your dinner feel like a festive Mexican-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an irresistible party spread, slice each burrito into rounds and spear with toothpicks for fun finger food. Or individually wrap each burrito in foil for picnic-style serving. For a family meal, serve right from the bubbling dish, letting everyone scoop out their own Cheesy Enchilada Burritos and create their perfect plate with all the toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Enchilada Burritos, lucky you! Simply let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as tempting as the first batch.
Freezing
These burritos freeze like a dream! Assemble and bake as directed, then let cool completely. Wrap individual burritos or portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. They’re perfect for make-ahead dinners or easy lunches.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the fridge. Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot (about 20–30 minutes). For a quick fix, microwave on medium power, but keep in mind that oven reheating best restores the melty cheese and saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Enchilada Burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a meat-free crumbles alternative. You’ll still get loads of flavor and a hearty, satisfying burrito.
What’s the best cheese to use for Cheesy Enchilada Burritos?
A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar works wonders, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Monterey Jack and pepper jack add extra melt and a little kick.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can try, but large flour tortillas hold up best to rolling and all that cheesy, saucy goodness. Corn tortillas tend to crack, but if you prefer the flavor, consider assembling as enchiladas instead.
How can I make Cheesy Enchilada Burritos spicier?
Stir some diced green chiles or jalapeños into your beef mixture, or use a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also add hot sauce to the filling or serve with your favorite spicy salsa.
Are Cheesy Enchilada Burritos kid-friendly?
Without a doubt! Kids love the cheesy, mild flavors. To please more sensitive palates, simply use a mild enchilada sauce and skip spicier add-ins.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra joyful about sharing a pan of hot, bubbling Cheesy Enchilada Burritos with people you care about—comfort food that always brings big smiles. This recipe is as weeknight-friendly as it is crowd-pleasing, so set out your toppings, let everyone dig in, and watch these burritos disappear. Give them a try—you’ll see why they’re a forever favorite!
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Cheesy Enchilada Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Enchilada Burritos are a delicious and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will love. Filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese, these baked burritos are easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare Refried Beans: Warm the refried beans until spreadable.
- Warm Tortillas: Lightly warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
- Assemble Burritos: Spread a layer of refried beans down the center of a tortilla, top with seasoned beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the burritos and top with cheese. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve with sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Swap in shredded chicken or black beans for a variation.
- Add cooked rice or corn inside the burritos for extra heartiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
