This spicy smothered beef burrito is a mouthwatering Tex-Mex delight that brings together tender, seasoned beef, zesty flavors, and a luscious sauce. This dish is loved for its bold and fiery taste, making it a perfect choice for those who crave a little heat in their meals. What sets this burrito apart from standard burrito fare is the sauce that’s generously scooped on top adding a level of richness and spiciness to the dish. Yum!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- Flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. This step takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and water, and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a separate skillet or wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
- Assemble the burritos by spooning the spicy beef filling onto the center of each tortilla. Add desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
- Roll up the tortillas, tucking in the sides as you go, to form the burritos. Add another generous scoop of sauce on top of your burrito and some more shredded cheese and enjoy!
Notes
You can adjust the spice level of the smothering sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you’d like. I typically use flank steak or shredded beef for this recipe but if using a tougher cut, consider marinating the meat before cooking to enhance its tenderness. For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional flour tortillas. After topping your burrito with the sauce and shredded cheese, you can throw it under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese if desired. Serve the burritos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans to create a complete meal.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
