Frozen burritos are a lifesaver when you’re short on time, but they don’t have to be bland or uninspiring. By pairing them with a flavorful homemade enchilada sauce, you can transform these convenient staples into a truly mouthwatering meal. In this recipe, we’ll uncover the secrets behind creating a classic, simple frozen burrito dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Imagine biting into a piping hot burrito, the soft tortilla wrapped around a savory filling, and then being met with the rich, velvety enchilada sauce that coats every bite. It’s a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your frozen burrito game and impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish.
Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend meal-prep enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets behind this delectable frozen burrito masterpiece.
✨ The Secret Behind This Irresistible Dish
The key to this recipe’s exceptional flavor lies in the homemade enchilada sauce. While store-bought sauces can be convenient, they often lack the depth and complexity of a sauce made from scratch. By simmering together a blend of spices, tomatoes, and aromatic ingredients, we’ve created a sauce that is both bold and well-balanced, perfectly complementing the hearty frozen burritos.
Another secret to this recipe’s success is the attention to detail in the preparation and assembly process. From lightly crisping the burritos in the oven to carefully layering the sauce and toppings, every step is designed to enhance the overall texture and flavor experience. The result is a dish that feels like it was lovingly crafted by a professional chef, but with the ease of a frozen meal.
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
The key to the enchilada sauce’s robust flavor is the blend of spices. The chili powder provides a deep, earthy heat, while the cumin and oregano add warmth and complexity. The diced tomatoes and tomato sauce lend a slight tanginess that perfectly balances the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the frozen burritos, giving them a delightful texture.
- Prepare the Enchilada Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Next, add the chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano, and cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices and release their aromas. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Crisp the Burritos: Arrange the frozen burritos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the burritos are lightly crisped on the outside.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour a generous amount of the enchilada sauce into a baking dish, enough to cover the bottom. Carefully place the crisped burritos on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the burritos.
- Bake and Serve: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 19 g
• Sodium: 1,210 mg
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 7 g
🔄 Creative Twists & Variations
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the frozen burritos with plant-based protein-filled burritos, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Adjust the enchilada sauce by omitting the chicken or vegetable broth and using a vegetable-based broth instead.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the enchilada sauce, or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dish before baking.
🥂 Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the baked burritos with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, and a few slices of avocado for a creamy and satisfying contrast.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold Mexican lager or a refreshing lime-infused sparkling water for a balanced and thirst-quenching accompaniment.
🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that all the ingredients, especially the frozen burritos, are at room temperature before assembling the dish. This will help the burritos crisp up evenly and the sauce to heat through properly.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: A preheated oven is crucial for achieving the perfect crisped texture on the burritos. If the oven is not hot enough, the burritos may not develop that delightful crunch on the outside.
🥡 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the burritos and sauce individually in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated burritos with sauce in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
❓ FAQs
Can I use homemade frozen burritos instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and inclination, making your own frozen burritos can be a great way to customize the filling and ensure top-notch quality. Just be sure to bake the homemade burritos until they’re lightly crisped on the outside before assembling the dish.
Can I make the enchilada sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the enchilada sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This can be especially helpful if you’re meal prepping or want to streamline the assembly process. When ready to use, simply reheat the sauce before assembling the dish.
How can I make this recipe more vegetarian-friendly?
To make this recipe more vegetarian-friendly, you can use plant-based protein-filled burritos and replace the chicken or vegetable broth in the enchilada sauce with a vegetable-based broth. You can also swap the shredded cheese for a dairy-free alternative to create a fully vegan dish.
Can I use canned enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch?
While using a canned enchilada sauce can be a convenient option, we highly recommend taking the extra step to make the sauce from scratch. The homemade version has a richer, more complex flavor that truly elevates the frozen burritos and creates a dish that stands out from the ordinary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicier kick to the enchilada sauce, consider stirring in a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper, or adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You can also experiment with different chili powder blends or spice mixes to customize the heat level to your preference.
✍️ A Final Word from Our Kitchen
Frozen burritos are a convenient and versatile staple, but with a little extra effort, they can become something truly extraordinary. By pairing them with a homemade enchilada sauce, you’re not only elevating the flavor profile, but also creating a dish that feels like it’s been lovingly crafted by a skilled chef. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – the enchilada sauce comes together quickly, and the assembly process is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-level meal without the fuss.
As you dig into these irresistible frozen burritos, surrounded by the velvety enchilada sauce and melted cheese, we hope you’ll be transported to a cozy Mexican cantina, where the flavors dance on your taste buds and the warmth of the dish wraps around you like a hug. This is a recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite, whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a comforting solo meal.
So, gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this classic, simple frozen burrito dish.
Classic Simple Frozen Burritos with Enchilada Sauce
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the frozen burritos, giving them a delightful texture.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Next, add the chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano, and cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices and release their aromas. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Arrange the frozen burritos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the burritos are lightly crisped on the outside.
- Pour a generous amount of the enchilada sauce into a baking dish, enough to cover the bottom. Carefully place the crisped burritos on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the burritos.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
