The Smothered Burrito from Costa Vida features a warm flour tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and Spanish rice, all generously topped with melted cheese and savory tomatillo sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Oven or salamander broiler
- Saucepan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Rice cooker or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked Spanish rice
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups tomatillo sauce (salsa verde)
Ground beef should be cooked thoroughly with a blend of spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to achieve the authentic taste. Ensure black beans are drained and rinsed to avoid excess moisture in the burrito filling, which can affect texture. Use large flour tortillas to properly accommodate the combination of seasoned beef, black beans, and Spanish rice, preventing overstuffing and allowing for easier wrapping. Melting Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the filled tortilla enhances the rich, creamy flavor that balances the tangy tomatillo sauce. You can recreate the beloved Smothered Burrito from Costa Vida copycat menu by following these ingredient guidelines and cooking methods for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven or salamander broiler.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook until beef is well-seasoned and cooked through.
- Warm black beans in saucepan.
- Cook Spanish rice using rice cooker or pot.
- Grate Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Lay flour tortillas flat on cutting board.
- Fill each tortilla with Spanish rice, black beans, and seasoned ground beef.
- Roll tortillas into burritos and place seam-side down in baking dish or sheet pan.
- Pour tomatillo sauce over burritos with ladle.
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses evenly over burritos.
- Place baking dish in oven; bake or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven.
- Transfer smothered burritos to serving plates with spatula.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Smothered Burrito from Costa Vida copycat recipe combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, Spanish rice, and two types of cheese all wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped with tomatillo sauce. If you can't find Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or a mild white cheddar to maintain a similar melt and flavor. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sauteed mushrooms or textured vegetable protein, and ensure your tomatillo sauce is free of added meat stocks. Using a skillet to warm tortillas before assembling can prevent tearing and enhance pliability. Your baking dish or sheet pan should be oven-proof for broiling the burritos if a salamander broiler is unavailable.
Tips
Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly until browned, ensuring the spices are evenly mixed in for optimal flavor. You should warm the black beans separately before assembling to keep the filling hot and avoid sogginess in the tortilla. When rolling your burrito, tuck the edges tightly to prevent fillings from spilling out during baking. Use a ladle to evenly distribute the tomatillo sauce over the burritos for consistent moisture and a rich taste before melting the cheese in the oven.
Nutritions
The Smothered Burrito offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, with ground beef providing a rich source of protein and healthy fats. Black beans and Spanish rice contribute dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese adds calcium and additional protein, while tomatillo sauce delivers antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin C. Your meal delivers essential nutrients in a hearty Mexican-inspired dish designed to satisfy hunger and nourish your body.
Storage
Store leftover Smothered Burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume refrigerated burritos within 3 to 4 days, reheating in an oven or microwave until heated through to preserve the melted cheese and tomatillo sauce flavors. For longer storage, wrap burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or sauteed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a lighter or vegetarian option. Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas to add extra fiber and nutrients. Substitute Monterey Jack and cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella cheese to alter the flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier dish, mix diced jalapenos into the tomatillo sauce before pouring it over the burritos.
Allergies
The Smothered Burrito from Costa Vida contains common allergens such as dairy from the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses and gluten present in the flour tortillas. The dish also has potential sensitivity concerns for those allergic to nightshades, as it includes tomatillo sauce and chili powder. If you have food allergies, review the ingredient list carefully to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Smothered Burrito from Costa Vida restaurant is popular for its generous fillings of seasoned grilled chicken, fresh rice, black beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and smothered in creamy green chile sauce. Your taste buds will appreciate the perfect balance of savory flavors and textures, complemented by fresh pico de gallo and guacamole toppings. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this signature dish with customizable ingredients and fresh quality at home. You can recreate the authentic taste and satisfy cravings without waiting in line.