I always find myself reaching for this hearty meal when that familiar craving hits, and trust me, homemade is always better! Our easy taco bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style brings that warm, gooey comfort straight to your table, with its rich sauce and melted cheese. It’s a perfect family-friendly solution for busy weeknights, offering a simple way to enjoy a truly satisfying dinner. We’ve honed this taco bell smothered burrito recipe over countless family meals, making it one of our favorite easy dinner ideas. Get ready to create this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Why They Matter)
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a fantastic taco bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style. Here’s what you’ll need to create those layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef – for a robust, savory base. (Swap for plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option.)
- 8 large (10-inch) flour tortillas – essential for strong, foldable burritos. (Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.)
- 16 oz (450g) canned refried beans – provides classic creamy texture.
- 2 cups (360g) cooked rice – adds bulk and heartiness. (White or brown rice works well.)
- 19 oz (540g) red enchilada sauce – the signature smothering element. (Choose low-sodium for a healthier option.)
- 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend – for melty, gooey richness. (I often buy block cheese and shred it fresh for better melt!)
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream – for a tangy finish inside or on top. (Greek yogurt is a great high-protein alternative.)
- ½ yellow onion, diced – for aromatic sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – deepens the flavor.
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix – delivers bold, authentic flavor. (Adjust to taste or use a homemade blend.)
To elevate your taco bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style, consider choosing organic ingredients like grass-fed ground beef or black beans. For those aiming for low-carb meals, swap the rice for cauliflower rice and use low-carb tortillas. You can also make this a high-protein snack by focusing on the meat and cheese fillings, or a convenient meal prep recipe by preparing ingredients ahead.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Making your own easy taco bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style is simpler than you think. I often make a double batch of the filling on Sundays to save time during the week. Follow these steps for a truly delicious, hearty meal.
- Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute. If dry, add 1-2 Tbsp water.
- Prepare Fillings: Warm refried beans until spreadable, about 3 minutes. Have cooked rice ready; pre-cooked packets are a fantastic shortcut for quick meals.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay a large tortilla flat. Spread beans, then add seasoned beef, rice, and cheese. Roll tightly, tucking in sides. Don’t overfill!
- Smother & Bake: Arrange burritos seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce generously, coating all. Sprinkle with more shredded cheese.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and sauce bubbles. Serve hot!
For a healthier twist on this taco bell smothered burrito recipe, try swapping half the ground beef for cooked lentils – it adds fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor. To save time, use pre-cooked rice packets.
Perfect Occasions and Storage Made Simple
- Everyday uses: This easy Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe (Copycat Style) is ideal for busy weeknights, quick school lunches, game day gatherings, or casual potlucks.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh salsa, guacamole, or a sprinkle of cilantro. A crisp side salad or Mexican rice makes a complete family-friendly meal.
- Storage and reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual burritos (before smothering) for up to 2 months. Reheat baked burritos in the oven or microwave.
Why the Taco Bell Smothered Burrito Recipe Fits Today’s Lifestyle
- Enjoy best healthy dinner recipes with customizable ingredients that fit your family’s needs.
- Experience easy weeknight meals that save you precious time and effort in the kitchen.
- Create family-friendly dishes everyone will love, even picky eaters, with satisfying flavors.
- Make ahead and freeze for convenient meal prep favorites, always ready when you are.
Tips, Upgrades, and Variations with the Taco Bell Smothered Burrito Recipe
- Cooking techniques for enhanced texture/flavor: Brown your tortillas slightly in a dry pan before filling for a chewier texture. Toast the taco seasoning with the beef for a deeper, more robust flavor.
- Adjustments for spice levels, seasoning, and richness: Add diced jalapeños to the beef for more heat. Use a mild or hot enchilada sauce. Stir in a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Notes on dietary preferences: For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives. For a gluten-free Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe, use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas.
Common Questions Answered
Q: Is the Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style good for family meal prep?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble and freeze these burritos before baking, or even bake and freeze portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. I often make a double batch on Sundays, and find wrapping them individually in parchment before freezing helps prevent them sticking.
Q: Where can I find organic ingredients for this Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe?
A: Many local grocery stores now carry organic ground beef, beans, and tortillas. Look for specific organic brands in the natural foods aisle or check a specialty health food store for premium ingredient options.
Q: Can the Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style be adapted for low-carb diets?
A: Yes, easily! Swap flour tortillas for large lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas. Replace rice with cauliflower rice, and consider reducing the amount of beans or using black soybeans for a high-protein snacks twist.
Q: What kind of red sauce should I use for smothering?
A: A mild or medium red enchilada sauce works best. You can use canned sauce for convenience or make a simple homemade version with tomato sauce, chili powder, and spices for healthier eating.
Q: Can I make this Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the burritos and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store separately and then smother and bake just before serving for the freshest taste, making for quick meals later.
Q: What if I don’t have time to cook rice?
A: No problem! Use pre-cooked rice packets from the grocery store, or even leftover rice from a previous meal. This is a great shortcut for this easy Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe, saving you effort.
This Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe (Copycat Style) delivers big on flavor, comfort, and convenience, making it a perfect hearty meal for any busy family. Save this recipe for your next dinner win on Pinterest or share it with a friend who loves classic comfort food!
taco bell smothered burrito recipe Copycat Style
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Diet: General
Description
This easy copycat Taco Bell smothered burrito recipe offers warm, gooey comfort with a rich sauce and melted cheese, perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 16 oz canned refried beans
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 19 oz red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning mix
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain fat. Stir in taco seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare Fillings: Warm refried beans until spreadable, about 3 minutes. Have cooked rice ready (pre-cooked packets are a fantastic shortcut).
- Assemble Burritos: Lay a large tortilla flat. Spread beans, then add seasoned beef, rice, and cheese. Roll tightly, tucking in sides.
- Smother & Bake: Arrange burritos seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce generously, coating all. Sprinkle with more shredded cheese.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and sauce bubbles. Serve hot!
Notes
Consider vegetarian or healthier swaps like plant-based crumble, whole wheat tortillas, low-sodium sauce, or Greek yogurt. Shred cheese fresh for best melt. Don’t overfill burritos. Prepare filling ahead or use pre-cooked rice for convenience. Adjust taco seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 750 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 90 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg