Saucy Beefy Burritos

Mexican Saturday made easy.

One of the more popular posts that folks like to read is the article I wrote a few years ago including several recipes for Mexican Sauces. It gets more hits week in, week-out. And it's no wonder: Everyone I know loves Mexican food and everyone likes a simpler recipe. Well, the Burrito Sauce recipe today is as simple as it gets but padre, it has a walloping good flavor. And it is so simple, did I mention that?

Many of you know we enjoy Mexican foods on Saturday, it's a specialty of the house. And if I'm not in the mood to cook, we dine out to get our fill.

Note: Photos show only four burritos or half recipe since it was only two this night.

for the Burrito Sauce:
1 1/2 cups tomato juice
1 package Mrs. Dash's Taco Seasoning
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup beef broth

for the Beef Burritos:
1 pound ground beef round, 85/15
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, chopped
1 -15 oz refried beans
1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
8 -8 inch flour tortillas

garnishes:
pico de galo
avocado slices
lettuce
sour cream

In a medium saucepan, mix tomato juice, Mrs. Dash Taco Seasoning, oil and salt. Heat over low heat until simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a skillet over medium high heat, cook beef until browned stirring to crumble and drain away any grease. Add onion and jalapeno and allow both to sweat. Stir in refried beans and 1/2 cup of Burrito Sauce. Heat until mixture comes to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove meat mixture from heat.

Meanwhile, heat tortillas in microwave between paper towels for a minute or two or until pliable. Stir the beef broth into the Burrito sauce.

Spray a 3-quart casserole with cooking spray and heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of cheese on each tortilla. Spoon about 3 mounded tablespoons of meat mixture in the center and enclose the burrito. To do so, fold the edge closest to you over the meat, fold the two ends toward the center and roll burrito over forming an envelope pattern on the underside. Place seam side down in the casserole. Continue making burritos leaving about an inch between each one.

Pour sauce over the burritos making sure to completely cover each one. Place in oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce begins to bubble.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the burritos and heat about 5 minutes  or until cheese melts.

Serve and top with your choice garnishes.