Sunken Meat Burrito Recipe
Introduction
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Toucan Taco’s renowned Sunken Meat Burrito with this homemade version! Recreate the magic of this Tex-Mex delight right in your kitchen. This recipe, inspired by the beloved Laurel, Maryland eatery, brings together a symphony of savory ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Despite being on a low-sodium diet, you can still savor every bite by opting for reduced-sodium alternatives. Let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary adventure!
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 4 burritos
- Calories: 539.1 per serving
- Rating: 4.5 stars
- Review Count: 5
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the Sunken Meat Burrito:

Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Flour tortillas | 4 |
Colby cheese | 1 cup |
Monterey Jack cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
Sour cream | 1 cup |
Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
Red bell pepper | 1 |
Cocoa powder | 1 tablespoon |
Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
Recaito | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | To taste |
Onions | 1-2 |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
White vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Bacon fat | 3 tablespoons |
Mushrooms | 3 |
Tomato paste | 1 can |
Kitchen Bouquet | 1 tablespoon |
Liquid smoke | 1 teaspoon |
Tomatoes | 3 |
Diced tomatoes | 1 can |
Red pepper flakes | To taste |
White pepper | To taste |
Cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Molasses | 3 tablespoons |
Refried beans | Optional |
Instructions
The Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with the flour, red bell pepper, chili powder, salt, minced onion, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. (Note: Exclude the cocoa powder at this stage.)
- Thoroughly mix the ingredients into the ground beef using your hands.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture along with all the liquid to a crockpot.
- Sprinkle a little cocoa powder over the mixture.
- Cook on low for approximately 2 hours.
- Every 20 to 30 minutes, sprinkle a tiny amount of cocoa powder over the mixture and mash it with a potato masher.
- Remove the meat and water from the crockpot and transfer to a saucepan.
- If desired, add refried beans and simmer gently until the water evaporates.
The Sinking Gravy
- Melt bacon fat or oil in a skillet.
- Gently sauté chopped onions and mushrooms until tender, then set aside.
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine ¼ cup of beef stock with flour. Shake vigorously until smooth.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the stock/flour mixture with the remaining beef stock.
- Add tomato paste and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
- Bring the stock mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, whisking frequently until the mixture thickens.
- Add all remaining ingredients, including the onion/mushroom/fat mixture.
- Simmer until heated throughout, adjusting seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Putting It All Together
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place 3 to 4 ounces of beef or beef/bean mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle minced onion and generous amounts of cheese on top of the beef.
- Fold the filled tortillas into oblong burritos.
- Arrange the burritos, folded side down, in an 8″ x 4″ baking pan or a larger pan without letting them touch.
- Pour the sinking gravy into the baking pan until the burritos are barely covered.
- Sprinkle additional cheese generously over each burrito.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or bake for 10 to 15 minutes and then broil until the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish with hot sauce, crumbled tostados, sour cream, and/or guacamole as desired.
- Serve with a side of taco salad or your preferred salad.
Conclusion
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Toucan Taco’s Sunken Meat Burrito right in the comfort of your home. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of this Tex-Mex delight and savor each delicious bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Customize it to your taste preferences and enjoy a flavorful culinary experience that’s perfect for any occasion!