We’ve all craved a quick yet flavorful meal and our frozen burrito with enchilada sauce recipe delivers just that. It’s a clever twist on Mexican-inspired favorites that transforms store-bought burritos into a spicy hearty delight perfect for busy weeknights.
Drawing from traditional enchilada roots we love how this easy hack adds bold sauce and toppings for an elevated taste. Join us as we explore this simple way to spice up your dinner routine.
Ingredients
We gather straightforward, premium ingredients to transform our Frozen Burrito with Enchilada Sauce into a bold, weeknight favorite that’s both convenient and packed with authentic Mexican flavors.
For the Burritos
Here’s what you’ll need for the base of our recipe, starting with the store-bought essentials and moving to quick-prep additions:
- 4 frozen burritos (beef, chicken, or bean variety; thaw slightly for even heating)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (grated fresh for optimal melt)
- 1 medium onion (diced finely for topping)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (sliced thinly for a spicy kick, seeds removed if desired)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped roughly, about ½ cup, for garnish)
For the Enchilada Sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for deeper flavor, drained)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (mild or hot, depending on heat preference)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced for aromatic base)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (toasted briefly for enhanced earthiness)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium for control)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, about ½ teaspoon each)
Equipment Needed
To bring our frozen burrito with enchilada sauce recipe to life seamlessly, we rely on a few key pieces of kitchen equipment that ensure efficiency and great results. Below, we outline the essentials, organized by category for easy reference.
Basic Prep Tools
- Cutting board: We use this sturdy surface to safely dice onions, slice jalapeños, and chop cilantro, keeping prep clean and precise.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for quickly and accurately preparing fresh ingredients like garlic and onions to enhance the authentic flavors in our enchilada sauce.
Cooking Appliances
- Oven or microwave: For heating the frozen burritos, we recommend a standard oven preheated to 375°F for even crisping or a microwave for faster thawing—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Medium saucepan: We depend on this for simmering the enchilada sauce, allowing flavors from fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to meld beautifully on the stovetop.
Measuring and Serving Essentials
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in our recipe, so we always have these on hand for ingredients like olive oil and low-sodium broth to maintain the perfect balance of taste.
- Baking dish or casserole pan: Ideal for assembling and baking the burritos topped with sauce and cheese, ensuring a golden, bubbly finish that elevates the dish’s texture and appeal.
With this equipment, we’re equipped to transform simple frozen burritos into a flavorful, homemade-style meal in no time.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our premium ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our flavorful Frozen Burrito with Enchilada Sauce. Follow these instructions for a quick, authentic Mexican-inspired meal that elevates store-bought burritos.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we organize and prep our ingredients for efficiency. Begin by thawing the four frozen burritos (beef, chicken, or bean varieties) on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes until they are easy to handle.
Next, gather and chop the fresh components:
- Dice 1 medium onion into small pieces for a crisp texture.
- Slice 1 jalapeño into thin rings to add a spicy kick.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic finely to release its pungent aroma.
- Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese using a grater for melty goodness.
- Roughly chop a handful of fresh cilantro to infuse bright, herbaceous notes.
This preparation ensures everything is ready and enhances the bold flavors of our dish.
Make the Enchilada Sauce
We start by creating a rich, homemade enchilada sauce that brings authentic Mexican depth to our frozen burritos. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic then sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant, savory aroma. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a pinch of salt for a warm, earthy spice blend.
Pour in 1 can (14 ounces) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and 1 cup of low-sodium broth then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This sauce delivers a bold, tangy flavor that will make your burritos irresistible.
Assemble the Burritos
With our sauce prepared, we assemble the burritos for a layered, satisfying meal. Preheat your oven to 375°F while you work.
Place the thawed burritos in a baking dish and generously spoon the enchilada sauce over them, ensuring each one is fully coated for maximum flavor infusion. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, sliced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro on top to create a colorful, textured topping that promises a crispy, cheesy finish.
For added customization, we recommend arranging the toppings in even layers as shown in the table below for balanced flavors:
| Topping | Quantity per Burrito | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Cheddar | ¼ cup | Provides melty richness |
| Diced Onion | 2 tablespoons | Adds fresh crunch |
| Sliced Jalapeño | 4-5 slices | Delivers spicy heat |
| Chopped Cilantro | 1 tablespoon | Infuses herbal brightness |
This step transforms simple frozen burritos into a gourmet ensemble ready for baking.
Freeze the Burritos
If we want to prepare ahead for busy weeknights, freezing the assembled burritos is a smart option. First, let the assembled burritos cool completely in the baking dish for about 10 minutes to prevent sogginess.
Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in freshness, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months ensuring they retain their authentic flavors.
When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for even heating and optimal taste.
Bake and Serve
Finally, we bake our assembled burritos to achieve a golden, bubbly perfection. Place the baking dish in the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles, filling your kitchen with an irresistible, spicy aroma.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal that boasts warm, hearty tastes and vibrant textures, making it a go-to for effortless dinners.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our frozen burrito with enchilada sauce recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights, we recommend preparing components in advance so you can enjoy authentic Mexican flavors without last-minute hassle. This approach lets you assemble and freeze burritos ahead of time, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful for quick reheating.
Preparing the Enchilada Sauce Ahead
We start by focusing on the enchilada sauce, a key element that benefits from make-ahead preparation as its spices meld together for deeper taste.
- Gather and prep ingredients: Begin by chopping onions and garlic as outlined in our earlier steps. Measure out spices like chili powder and ground cumin to have them ready.
- Cook the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and golden—about 3-4 minutes. Add spices, tomatoes, and broth, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened. This creates a rich, aromatic sauce with a bold, smoky flavor from the fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Cool and store: Let the sauce cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. For optimal freshness, label with the date before refrigerating or freezing.
Assembling and Freezing the Burritos
Once the sauce is ready, we can move on to assembling the burritos. This step allows you to customize and freeze for future meals, preserving the crispy texture and cheesy goodness.
- Thaw and layer: If your frozen burritos need slight thawing, do so in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Lay out the burritos in a baking dish, spoon enchilada sauce over them, and add toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, sliced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant, spicy kick.
- Wrap for freezing: Individually wrap each assembled burrito in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, stacking if needed but separating layers with parchment paper.
- Freeze properly: Arrange the wrapped burritos in a single layer in the freezer for 1-2 hours to flash-freeze, then pack them tightly for long-term storage. This method helps maintain their structure and irresistible, bubbly texture when baked later.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep things efficient, we include guidelines for how long your make-ahead components will last. Here’s a quick reference in table form for storage durations and reheating methods:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enchilada Sauce | Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Heat in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring until warm. |
| Enchilada Sauce | Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as above. |
| Assembled Burritos | Freezer | Up to 2 months | Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and golden. |
By following these steps, we ensure your frozen burrito with enchilada sauce meals are ready to go, delivering “a quick twist on traditional Mexican cuisine” straight from your freezer to the table.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this twist on frozen burritos with enchilada sauce
as it brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort.
It’s a game-changer for busy nights, letting us elevate everyday meals
into something truly satisfying and full of authentic taste.
Give it a try and see how it adds excitement to your routine—your dinners
will never be the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the frozen burritos with enchilada sauce recipe?
This recipe transforms store-bought frozen burritos into a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal by topping them with homemade enchilada sauce and fresh additions. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick twist on traditional dishes with bold flavors from simple ingredients.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need four frozen burritos (beef, chicken, or bean), shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, sliced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro for the burritos. For the enchilada sauce, gather fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chili powder, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground cumin, low-sodium broth, olive oil, and seasonings. All are easy-to-find, premium items for authentic taste.
How do I make the enchilada sauce?
Start by sautéing chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add chili powder, ground cumin, and other seasonings, then stir in fire-roasted tomatoes and broth. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until thickened. This simple process creates a bold, homemade sauce in under 30 minutes.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, make the enchilada sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days to let flavors meld. You can also assemble the burritos with sauce and toppings, then freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake when ready for a convenient meal.
How should I store and reheat the burritos?
Store assembled burritos in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly. For quicker reheating, use the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but baking keeps the texture crisp.
What kitchen equipment do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need basic items like a saucepan for the sauce, a baking dish for assembly, a knife and cutting board for prep, and an oven for baking. Optional tools include a skillet for sautéing and freezer-safe containers for storage, making it simple with everyday kitchen gear.
Are there tips for customizing the recipe?
Absolutely, swap burrito fillings for vegetarian options like beans or add extra toppings such as avocado or sour cream. Adjust spice levels by reducing jalapeño or chili powder. For dietary needs, use low-sodium ingredients or gluten-free burritos to make it your own while keeping the authentic flavors intact.