Smothered Breakfast Burrito
Hearty breakfast burritos packed with sausage, eggs, and potatoes, then smothered in a rich red chile sauce and melted cheese. A satisfying Southwestern classic perfect for a weekend brunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Potatoes and Sausage
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden brown.
- c.Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Push the potato mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the breakfast sausage to the empty side, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Scramble Eggs and Combine Filling
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- c.Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the sausage and potatoes. Gently scramble the eggs, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until they are just set but still moist. Be careful not to overcook.
- d.Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently stir to combine all filling ingredients. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it begins to melt. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Red Chile Sauce
- b.In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
- c.Add the red chile powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano. Toast for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- d.Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- e.Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Smother the Burritos
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent tearing.
- d.Spoon approximately one-fourth of the filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
- e.Place the burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake and Serve
- b.Pour the warm red chile sauce evenly over the burritos, ensuring they are completely covered.
- c.Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- d.Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and golden.
- e.Let the burritos rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer sauce, toast the chile powder in the roux for 30 seconds before adding liquid. This deepens the flavor.
- 2Don't overcook the scrambled eggs initially; they will cook a bit more in the oven.
- 3To prevent a soggy bottom, place the burritos seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
- 4This recipe is great for meal prep. Assemble the burritos (without sauce) and store them wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. Smother and bake just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or a mixture of black beans and corn. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one or two finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet along with the onion. You can also use a hot variety of New Mexico red chile powder.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Substitute the breakfast sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon, chorizo, or shredded beef machaca for a different flavor profile.
Go GreenGo Green
Smother the burritos with a green chile sauce (salsa verde) instead of red chile sauce for a tangier, brighter flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With a generous amount of eggs and sausage, this burrito provides a significant protein boost, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining energy levels throughout the morning.
Sustained Energy Release
The combination of complex carbohydrates from the potatoes and tortillas provides a steady source of energy, helping to prevent a mid-morning slump.
Source of Capsaicin
The red chile powder contains capsaicin, a compound known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and ability to slightly boost metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Each burrito contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of sausage and amount of cheese. It's a very hearty and filling meal.