Taco Bell Smothered Burrito Recipe : Easy Homemade Version

Craving the bold, cheesy, and saucy goodness of Taco Bell’s famous Smothered Burrito? You don’t need to hit the drive-thru. I’ll show you how to recreate this Tex-Mex classic right at home. Packed with tender chicken, seasoned rice, refried beans, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy enchilada sauce, this recipe brings the full Taco Bell flavour straight to your kitchen. Trust me, one bite of this smothered Burrito, and you’ll never want to settle for fast food again.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making Taco Bell’s Smothered Burrito at home is easier than you think. I break it down into simple steps so you can get that authentic, saucy Burrito on the table in under an hour.

Cooking the Chicken & Onions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil.
   
2. Add the chicken strips, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is golden and there’s no pink left inside.
   
3. While the chicken cooks, dice the white onion. Add it to the skillet and sauté until the onions turn soft and caramelized.
   
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
   

Preparing the Rice & Beans

1. Cook the instant rice according to the package directions. Once done, season with a pinch of cumin and parsley flakes for extra flavour.
   
2. In a small saucepan, heat refried beans over medium-low heat until warm and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   

Making the Smothered Cheese Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, combine cubed Velveeta cheese and the green chilli enchilada sauce..
   
2. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is the secret to that classic Taco Bell-style smothered flavour!
   

Seasoning the Chicken

1. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet.
   
2. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, add ½ cup water, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken soaks up all the flavours.
   

Assembling the Taco Bell Smothered Burritos

Now comes the fun part, building your smothered burritos just like Taco Bell (but better!).

1. Warm the tortillas: Microwave your flour tortillas for about 25 seconds or use a tortilla warmer. This keeps them soft and easy to fold.
   
2. Layer the fillings: Spread a spoonful of refried beans onto the center of each tortilla. Add a scoop of seasoned rice, then top with a generous amount of the taco-seasoned chicken.
   
3. Wrap it up: Fold the sides in, then roll tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito.
   

Smothering the Burritos

1. Place your Burrito seam-side down on a plate.
   
2. Pour the hot cheese & enchilada sauce over the top until it’s smothered in creamy, cheesy goodness.
   
3. Finish with a drizzle of sour cream for that signature Taco Bell look.

Serving Suggestions

Smothered burritos are a complete meal on their own, but here are some ways I love to serve them:

• Add a side of fresh lettuce and chopped tomatoes for crunch.
  
• Pair with chips and salsa or guacamole for a restaurant-style Tex-Mex feast.
  
• Sprinkle a little fresh cilantro or green onions on top for added flavour.
  

Tips & Variations

• Make it beefy: Swap chicken for seasoned ground beef or shredded beef for a heartier burrito.
  
• Go vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on beans, rice, and veggies like sautéed peppers and corn.
  
• Extra saucy: Don’t be shy with the cheese sauce; smothering is the whole point!
  
• Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce if you love heat.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Smothered Burritos

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible, so the Burrito doesn’t get soggy.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. If stored without sauce, re-smother after reheating.
  
• Oven: Wrap burritos in foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. This keeps the tortilla from becoming chewy.
  

Freezing Burritos

You can also freeze un-smothered burritos. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat in the oven and smother with fresh sauce.

Taco Bell Smothered Burrito Recipe FAQs

1. What is a Taco Bell smothered Burrito?

A smothered burrito is a flour tortilla filled with seasoned chicken (or beef), rice, beans, and cheese, then covered in a cheesy enchilada sauce and sour cream. It’s a Tex-Mex comfort food classic that Taco Bell fans love.

2. What sauce is on Taco Bell’s smothered Burrito?

The Burrito is topped with a creamy cheese sauce made from Velveet and gruyère, giving it that signature, rich, zesty, and cheesy flavour.

3. Can I make this burrito vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add more beans, rice, or sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for a delicious vegetarian version.

4. How do I keep the burrito from falling

The key is to warm the tortilla before filling it so it’s soft and pliable. Don’t overstuff it, just enough filling to fold the sides in and roll tightly. Then smother it on the plate right before serving.

5. Can I freeze Taco Bell smothered burritos?

Yes, but freeze them before smothering with sauce. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and add fresh sauce when ready to serve.

6. What can I serve with smothered burritos?

They’re filling on their own, but you can serve them with chips and salsa, Mexican street corn, or a fresh side salad for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

Not really, it’s mildly spiced. If you love heat, you can use a spicy enchilada sauce or add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chilli flakes to kick it up a notch.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my homemade Taco Bell Smothered Burrito Recipe that’s every bit as cheesy, saucy, and satisfying as the original. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy beans, flavorful rice, and that rich cheese-enchilada sauce makes this burrito a crowd-pleaser.

I love making this recipe when I’m craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, and it’s always a hit at family dinners. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with beef, veggies, or extra spice, this smothered burrito beats takeout every time.

So grab your tortillas, whip up that sauce, and treat yourself to the ultimate Taco Bell-inspired burrito right from Burriton’s kitchen!