Easy Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burrito Recipe

This enchilada-style ground beef burrito recipe is packed with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich red enchilada sauce, and loaded with gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect as an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal, this beef burrito recipe combines bold Mexican flavors with hearty ingredients for a delicious and satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Tacos and burritos instantly make me feel nostalgic, even though we didn’t have them much growing up. I actually hated ground beef because of the texture, and my mom was so patient! She never forced me to eat while I quietly melted cheese on a tortilla instead.

My biggest tip? Don’t stress about making separate meals or battles at the table. My parents just kept offering and waiting for me to try new things, and I turned out fine. Now, I offer my kids lots of toppings to make things less “gross” (looking at you, Grayson, and your avocado skepticism). I ask them to try one bite, then enjoy what they like, without catering to picky tastes every time. Mealtime should be peaceful and fun for everyone.

I’ve completely changed my mind about ground beef, and this recipe might be my favorite. These burritos are giant, filled with beef simmered in Dr. Pepper and Better Than Bouillon, and covered in a rich mix of red enchilada sauce, beef stock, and lots of melted cheese.

What are Enchilada Style Burritos?

Enchilada-style burritos are burritos that are covered in a red or green chile sauce and lots of cheese and then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted. They are also known as smothered burritos.

What Ingredients Do You Need for This Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burrito Recipe?

This recipe takes a few ingredients to make the ground beef extra flavorful and to take the sauce on top to the next level.

Ground Beef Filling

• Ground Beef: The main filling. Choose something with a little fat so it stays flavorful.
• Taco Seasoning: A wonderful mix of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Adds that classic, bold flavor everyone loves.
• Better than Beef Bouillon: My go-to for a big boost of rich flavor.
• Dr Pepper: My little secret, but it adds the best little hint of sweetness.
• Water: Just helps everything cook together nicely.

Sauce

• Butter: Starts the sauce with a rich, smooth base.
• Flour: Thickens it up so it sticks to the burritos just right.
• Beef Stock: Gives it a deep, savory flavor.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: Adds spice and a little tang.
• Beef Bouillon: Bumps up the beefy taste even more.
• Chili Powder: A warm little kick of flavor.

Burritos

• Flour Tortillas (burrito size): Big enough to hold all the filling without falling apart.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts perfectly and ties all the flavors together.

Head down to the recipe card for the measurements!

How to Make This Enchilada-Style Ground Beef Burrito Recipe

These burritos come together super fast and really boil down to cooking the ground beef, making the sauce, constructing the burritos, and then baking them. Ain’t no thang!

How to Make Beef Burritos

1. Brown: Cook the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.
2. Flavor: Add taco seasoning and Better Than Bouillon.
3. Simmer: Stir in Dr Pepper and water; cook until most of the liquid is gone.

Make the Sauce

1. Melt: Warm the butter in a saucepan.
2. Whisk: Add flour, then slowly stir in beef stock, enchilada sauce, and chili powder.
3. Thicken: Let it simmer until the sauce is smooth and coats a spoon.

Assemble the Burritos

1. Fill: Add 1/4 of the beef mixture to the center of each tortilla with a sprinkle of cheese.
2. Fold: Roll up the burritos and place them in a baking dish or oven-safe plate.
3. Smother: Pour sauce over the top and add more cheese.
4. Bake: Cook until everything is hot and melty, then top with your favorites and serve!

What Toppings to Put on This Beef Burrito Recipe?

The great thing about burritos is that you can top them with whatever your family loves most. We usually go for a big dollop of sour cream and a scoop of fresh pico de gallo, but there are plenty of other delicious options to try. Guacamole or sliced avocado adds creaminess, while Restaurant Style Salsa or your favorite jarred salsa brings a fresh, tangy flavor.

Creamy Tomatillo Dressing can give your burrito a nice zing, and diced red onion adds a bit of crunch and bite. Don’t forget fresh chopped cilantro and shredded lettuce for some brightness and texture. To make your burrito even more filling, try adding beans, brown or white rice, or even quinoa! These extras help turn your burrito into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Can I Make This Beef Burrito Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can absolutely make this easy beef burrito recipe ahead of time, and they’re a lifesaver on busy nights. To prep ahead, assemble the burritos by filling and folding the burritos, placing them in a baking dish, and wrapping the dish in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, unwrap, pour the sauce over the top, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly, about 25–30 minutes.

For longer storage, freeze the wrapped burritos (without sauce) in a freezer-safe airtight container or individually in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, smother with sauce and cheese, and bake as directed. If baking straight from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until everything is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

What to Eat with This Ground Beef Burrito Recipe?

These burritos are big and filling, so you might not need any sides at all. But if your family is anything like mine, they’ll probably want a side or two to round out the meal. Some of our favorites to serve alongside include Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Elote Mexican Street Corn, Black Beans, and Cilantro Lime Rice. Each one pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the beef burritos and adds a little extra something special to the plate.

How to Reheat This Beef Burrito Recipe

I prefer to reheat these ground beef burritos in the oven. Just pop them in at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, and they’ll come out perfectly warm with a nice, slightly crispy tortilla. You can microwave them if you’re in a rush, but I don’t recommend it. The tortilla tends to get soggy, and it’s tricky to heat the filling evenly. The oven really gives you the best texture and flavor every time.

Prepare yourselves for a burrito full of the most flavorful saucy ground beef and topped with a bold red sauce and gobs of melted cheese!

Other Mexican Recipes You Might Like

• Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burrito
• Smothered BBQ Beef Burrito
• Smothered Cafe Rio {Copycat} Chicken Burrito
• Deep-Fried Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
• All our favorite Mexican Recipes here!