Are you searching for a weeknight dinner solution that’s both incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious? Look no further! This recipe for Slow Cooker Smothered Burritos requires just three simple ingredients and delivers a super-cheesy, extra-flavorful meal that the whole family will adore. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of perfectly cooked burritos, bathed in savory sauce and topped with melted cheese, all prepared with minimal effort in your trusty slow cooker. This dish is a dream come true for busy schedules, and perhaps the best part? The leftovers are just as delightful the next day, making meal prep a breeze!
If your hand shot up at the mention of your beloved crockpot, and again at the thought of savory Mexican food, then you’re in for a treat! This incredible recipe combines both, making it an instant classic in your kitchen. Beyond the convenience of slow cooking and the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, what truly elevates this dish is its remarkable simplicity: it calls for only *three* core ingredients. This means less shopping, less chopping, and more time enjoying a fantastic meal with loved ones. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels gourmet but is effortlessly achievable.
Effortless Slow Cooker Frozen Burrito Casserole: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal
This slow cooker smothered burrito casserole has been a cherished recipe for years, and for good reason. It’s the epitome of a quick-fix meal, ideal for those evenings when time is a luxury you don’t have. Its straightforward approach makes it perfect for beginner cooks, college students, or anyone looking to whip up something delicious without a fuss. In fact, these easy smothered burritos were a go-to staple for my son during his university days. With slow cookers often permitted in dorms and a mini-fridge for storing leftovers, he could enjoy hearty, homemade-tasting meals simply by reheating them in his microwave. It’s a testament to how adaptable and forgiving this recipe truly is – truly a “set it and forget it” marvel that delivers big on flavor.
The beauty of using frozen burritos as the base lies in their convenience. They eliminate the need for preparing fillings from scratch, cutting down significantly on prep time. When combined with savory enchilada sauce and a generous blanket of melted cheese, these humble frozen burritos transform into a rich, satisfying casserole. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a pantry staple into a memorable meal, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t always require extraordinary effort. This dish consistently receives rave reviews for its simplicity and comforting taste, making it a reliable choice for busy families or anyone craving a delicious, no-stress dinner.
Customize Your Crockpot Smothered Burrito Recipe: Endless Variations
One of the most appealing aspects of this crockpot smothered burrito recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s designed to be easily adapted to your personal preferences and dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to love. Our family often gravitates towards classic beef and bean burritos, making smothered beef burritos our personal favorite. The rich, hearty filling perfectly complements the zesty enchilada sauce and gooey cheese, creating a truly satisfying experience.
However, the possibilities extend far beyond beef and bean. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply opt for bean and cheese burritos or those filled with savory vegetables. These absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, creating a delicious meat-free meal. For poultry lovers, chicken burritos are an excellent choice. Smothered chicken burritos pair particularly well with green enchilada sauce, which, in my opinion, adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the chicken and cheese. You could even experiment with pork or turkey burritos for different flavor profiles. The key is to choose your favorite frozen burritos, knowing that the slow cooker will transform them into a decadent, saucy masterpiece regardless of the filling.
Beyond the primary burrito filling, don’t hesitate to play with the cheese and sauce. While a classic Mexican blend cheese is a foolproof choice, consider Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or a sharper cheddar for a more pronounced flavor. For the sauce, red enchilada sauce offers a traditional, robust taste, but a green chili sauce can provide a milder, tangier, and often spicier kick. Some enthusiasts even mix the two or add a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This recipe is truly a canvas for your culinary creativity!
Serving Slow Cooker Burritos: A Fiesta of Flavors
One of the many joys of this slow cooker burrito casserole is its incredibly convenient serving style. Since it’s cooked directly in one pot, you can easily serve this delicious dish right out of the crockpot, minimizing cleanup and keeping the food warm for extended periods – perfect for potlucks or family gatherings where people eat at different times. This “one-pot wonder” approach makes entertaining or casual weeknight dinners remarkably stress-free.
To complement the rich flavors of the smothered burritos, we typically opt for a fresh, easy side. A simple crisp lettuce salad with juicy diced tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, saucy main course. The real fun, however, comes with the toppings! Setting up a “burrito bar” allows everyone to customize their plate with their favorite additions, transforming each serving into a personalized culinary experience. Our go-to toppings include tangy pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, briny black olives, cool and creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, rich homemade guacamole, vibrant salsa (whether mild or hot), and fresh chopped cilantro for an aromatic flourish.
Beyond these staples, consider expanding your topping selection. Diced red onions can add a sharp bite, while a sprinkle of Cotija cheese offers a salty, crumbly texture. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten all the flavors. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can do the trick. Don’t forget crumbled tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for added crunch! The more options you offer, the more interactive and enjoyable the meal becomes, turning a simple dinner into a memorable feast.
The Simple Ingredients for this Amazing Crockpot Burrito Casserole
As we’ve mentioned, the magic of this crockpot burrito casserole lies in its remarkable simplicity, requiring only three core ingredients. This minimalist approach not only saves you time at the grocery store but also ensures a hassle-free cooking experience. You’ll find all the precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card provided at the bottom of this post, but for now, let’s dive into the essential components that make this dish so special:
- Frozen Burritos: This is the hero ingredient that makes this recipe so incredibly easy. Choose your favorite brand and flavor – whether that’s beef and bean, chicken, bean and cheese, or a vegetarian variety. The beauty of using frozen burritos is that they come pre-assembled, saving you a significant amount of prep time. They soften perfectly in the slow cooker, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce and becoming wonderfully tender. Look for burritos that are about 5-6 ounces each for optimal layering and cooking.
- Enchilada Sauce: This sauce is the heart of the “smothered” aspect of the dish, infusing the burritos with authentic Mexican flavor. While canned red enchilada sauce works wonderfully for convenience and delivers a robust, classic taste, feel free to experiment. You could opt for green enchilada sauce for a tangier, sometimes milder, or spicier profile, especially if using chicken burritos. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to elevate the flavor even further, try my Homemade Enchilada Sauce – it truly makes a difference!
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: What’s a smothered burrito without a generous layer of melted cheese? A pre-shredded Mexican blend cheese is incredibly convenient and provides a delightful mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asadero, and Queso Blanco, which melt beautifully to create a gooey, irresistible topping. You can also use straight cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for a little added heat.
These three ingredients, when combined in the slow cooker, create a symphony of flavors and textures that will make this dish a regular in your meal rotation. It’s proof that sometimes, less truly is more!
Optional Toppings for a Personalized Touch
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- Pickled jalapeños or fresh sliced jalapeños
- Black olives, sliced
- Diced red onion
- Crumbled tortilla chips for crunch
- Hot sauce for an extra kick
- Fresh lime wedges
How to Master Crockpot Smothered Burritos: A Simple Guide
Making these Crockpot Smothered Burritos is genuinely one of the easiest cooking experiences you’ll ever have. The process is incredibly straightforward, relying on the magic of your slow cooker to transform simple frozen burritos into a culinary delight. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming, satisfying meal ready with minimal fuss:
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker. Begin by spraying the interior of your slow cooker with a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the burritos and sauce from sticking to the bottom and sides, making cleanup significantly easier. A well-greased crockpot ensures that every last bit of that cheesy, saucy goodness comes out cleanly.
Step 2: Layer the Burritos and Sauce. Arrange half of your chosen frozen burritos in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Try to fit them snugly without overlapping too much to ensure even cooking. Once the first layer is down, pour one can of your favorite enchilada sauce evenly over these burritos, making sure they are well covered. This initial layer of sauce will begin to infuse flavor and moisture from the start. Follow this by adding the remaining half of the burritos on top, forming a second layer. Then, pour the second can of enchilada sauce over this top layer, ensuring all the burritos are thoroughly coated. This layering technique allows the burritos to cook evenly and soak up maximum flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to the ‘low’ setting. Allow the burritos to cook undisturbed for approximately 4 hours. During this time, the frozen burritos will thaw, soften, and absorb the rich enchilada sauce, becoming tender and incredibly flavorful. The slow cooking process ensures that all the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a truly comforting and cohesive dish.
Step 4: Add the Cheese. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the burritos. Once the cheese is distributed, replace the lid and continue to cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. This final step creates that irresistible golden-brown crust and gooey, cheesy layer that makes these smothered burritos so appealing.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy! Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, your Slow Cooker Smothered Burritos are ready to be served. Let everyone gather around and add their favorite toppings, turning each serving into a personalized masterpiece. From fresh cilantro and sour cream to salsa and pickled jalapeños, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this incredibly easy and satisfying meal!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the many benefits of this recipe is how well it keeps! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked burritos (without toppings) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating from the fridge, a quick warm-up in the microwave or a few minutes in a conventional oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) will suffice. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming, or reheat directly in the oven at a lower temperature until heated through.
Love It? Pin It! Share This Easy Recipe
If the thought of making these incredibly easy and delicious smothered burritos has your mouth watering, make sure you keep this recipe handy! It’s the kind of reliable, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to revisit again and again. Don’t let this culinary gem get lost in your bookmarks – Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go! Sharing is caring, and your friends and followers will thank you for introducing them to this fantastic slow cooker solution. It’s perfect for meal planning, quick dinners, or simply when you need a little comfort food magic.
Discover More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Love
Our slow cooker holds a special place in our kitchen, and sharing easy slow cooker recipes is genuinely one of my favorite things to do – and judging by reader feedback, you all love them too! There’s something undeniably satisfying about letting an appliance do all the hard work while you go about your day, only to return to a fragrant, perfectly cooked meal. If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of these Smothered Burritos, you’re going to adore some of our other crockpot favorites.
Among my top picks are my incredibly popular Shredded Beef Burritos (pictured above), which take a bit more time but yield an incredibly tender, flavorful filling that’s perfect for burritos, tacos, or bowls. Another absolute must-try is my French Dips, offering succulent beef and savory au jus with minimal effort. But the slow cooker adventure doesn’t stop there!
For those who love a smoky-sweet flavor, my Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs and companion Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches are consistent family and fan favorites. The unique sweetness of Dr. Pepper combined with barbecue sauce creates an unforgettable tang. If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex, you absolutely must try my Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole – it’s pure comfort in a dish. And for a hearty Italian-inspired meal with a fraction of the traditional effort, my Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna is a revelation. Each of these recipes is designed to bring maximum flavor with minimum fuss, perfectly embodying the spirit of convenient and delicious home cooking.
This particular Slow Cooker Smothered Burrito recipe was adapted from a wonderful friend, Candi, over at The Devilish Dish. She has a treasure trove of fantastic recipes, including a new one for Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatball Subs that I highly recommend checking out! You can explore all of my own curated slow cooker recipes right here on my website for more inspiration.
I truly can’t wait to hear what you think about this incredibly easy and delicious recipe! What’s not to love about a meal that comes together so quickly and effortlessly, transforming humble frozen burritos into a cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying feast? It’s perfectly suited for those lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss, a lifesaver for hectic busy weeknights, or even a fantastic, crowd-pleasing option for tailgates and casual get-togethers. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal!
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Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Smothered Burritos
5 mins
4 hrs 30 mins
36 mins
5 hrs 11 mins
Equipment
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 frozen burritos (your choice of flavor)
- 2 (10 ounce) cans enchilada sauce (your flavor choice)
- 1 pound bag shredded Mexican cheese
- Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnishing if desired)
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce, tomatoes, olives, avocado, sour cream for serving if desired
Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place half of the frozen burritos in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour one can of enchilada sauce over the top.
- Add the other half of the burritos. Pour second can of sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, top with cheese. Cover and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and other desired toppings.
Notes
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Adapted from Busy Day Casserole – The Devilish Dish
Nutrition
|
Calories: 160kcal
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
|
Cholesterol: 35mg
|
Sodium: 442mg
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Potassium: 53mg
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Fiber: 0.004g
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Sugar: 0.3g
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Vitamin A: 334IU
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Vitamin C: 0.01mg
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Calcium: 652mg
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Iron: 0.1mg
This recipe was originally posted on June 26, 2017. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 10, 2025.
