From the first bite, I knew I had to share this recipe for enchilada style ground beef burritos. The savory beef filling paired with the rich, tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese is pure comfort food joy.
If you’re a fan of flavorful, satisfying meals that feel like a restaurant dish but are easy to make at home, you’re in for a treat. Plus, this recipe has options for customizing to your liking, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Oh, and if you enjoy versatile dishes, you might also love trying out your own homemade Sesame Chicken for a perfect mix of flavors!
Your Ingredients Checklist
A good recipe begins with great ingredients, and every component here plays a role in creating the flawless harmony of flavors you’ll enjoy. Here’s everything you need to make these mouthwatering burritos, plus a few pro tips to get it just right.
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- Ground beef (2.5 pounds): Opt for lean ground beef to prevent greasy filling, but don’t go too lean – a little fat adds flavor!
- Taco seasoning (2 packets): Feel free to use store-bought or make your own blend for extra freshness.
- Better than Beef Bouillon (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the beefy flavor and adds depth to the mix.
- Dr. Pepper (1 bottle, 12 oz): Sounds unconventional, but this secret ingredient brings a hint of sweetness and tenderness to the beef.
- Water (1 cup): Needed to simmer the meat and seasoning together.
For the Sauce:
- Butter (3 tablespoons): A rich base to build the sauce.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce to a silky consistency.
- Beef stock (1 ½ cups): Adds robustness to the sauce.
- Red enchilada sauce (1 can, 19 oz): Brings bold, tangy, and authentic Mexican flavors.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): For a hint of smoky heat.
For the Burritos:
- Tortillas (4 large, burrito-sized): Soft, pliable tortillas work best for wrapping.
- Mexican cheese blend (4 cups): Freshly grated cheese melts better, giving you that perfectly gooey topping.
Note: This recipe makes four generously sized burritos. Adjust ingredients accordingly if you’re feeding more or fewer people!
Flavorful Variations You Can Try
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how adaptable it is! If you’d like to switch things up or cater to dietary preferences, here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of black beans, diced mushrooms, and cooked quinoa for a delicious meat-free filling.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef mixture for more heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese alternative and skip the butter in the sauce, substituting with a vegan butter alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Sauté some diced bell peppers or onions to mix in with your ground beef for added nutrients and flavor.
Need more inspiration for fun dinner options? Try these slow-cooker Italian chicken sandwiches for another crowd-pleasing dish!
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here’s how long you’ll need to prepare and cook these enchilada-style burritos:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes the process easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet: For browning the beef filling.
- Small saucepan: To cook the sauce to perfection.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get all ingredient quantities just right.
- Oven-safe baking dish or plate: Essential for keeping the burritos warm and melting all toppings in the oven.
How to Make Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burritos
This recipe is easier than it looks, and the results are totally worth it. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect burrito.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once properly browned, drain off any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and Better than Beef Bouillon to infuse the beef with incredible flavor.
Pour in the Dr. Pepper and water, allowing the mixture to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. The end result? Juicy, flavorful beef that’s the heart of this recipe.
Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce
While the beef is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until bubbly. Gradually add the beef stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the red enchilada sauce and chili powder, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon 1/4 of the beef mixture into the center. Add a sprinkle of cheese, saving the bulk of it for the topping. Fold the tortilla into a neat burrito by tucking in both sides and rolling from the bottom up.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the rolled burritos in a baking dish. Generously pour the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your enchilada-style burritos with sour cream, diced red onions, chopped cilantro, or even some avocado slices for a pop of color and freshness.
Additional Tips for Even Better Results
From my experience, here are a few extra tips to make these burritos absolutely unforgettable:
- Warm Your Tortillas: A quick warm-up in the microwave or skillet makes the tortillas more pliable for easier rolling.
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to overstuff your burritos – this helps prevent them from bursting open!
- Experiment with Cheese: Sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add an extra punch of flavor to the cheese topping.
How to Serve Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burritos
When serving, presentation matters! Place the burritos carefully on a large serving plate and garnish them with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced tomatoes. Adding a side like Spanish rice or chips and salsa completes the meal beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Here are the key nutritional highlights per burrito:
- Calories: 1316
- Protein: 80g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 99g
How to Store Your Burritos Properly
Whether you’ve got leftovers or want to prep ahead, these burritos store well. Here’s what you need to know:
- Refrigerating: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each burrito in foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for the best texture.
Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t forget to try other amazing dinner recipes here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not convinced yet? Here are the top reasons why these enchilada-style burritos deserve a spot on your dinner menu:
- Full of Flavor: The beef filling is rich and well-seasoned, complemented perfectly by the enchilada sauce.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for different tastes or dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal weeknight meal.
- Impressive: It feels fancy enough to serve guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a burrito and enchilada?
Burritos are typically made with larger flour tortillas and can be eaten with your hands, while enchiladas use smaller corn tortillas, are baked in sauce, and eaten with a fork.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Try guacamole, salsa, or even shredded lettuce for more variety.
Is there a substitute for Dr. Pepper?
You can use a similar soda like root beer or cola, or even omit it altogether and substitute beef stock for the liquid.