Ground Beef Burritos

Introduction

Ground Beef Burritos are a classic, hearty, and delicious Mexican-inspired meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a grab-and-go meal. These burritos combine seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. They are comforting, filling, and packed with flavor, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.

Burritos are versatile, easy to make, and great for meal prep or entertaining. You can customize the fillings to suit your taste, adding toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or extra cheese. They’re portable, freezer-friendly, and a satisfying way to enjoy bold Tex-Mex flavors at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Ground Beef Burritos recipe because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. The seasoned beef pairs perfectly with beans and rice, and the melted cheese adds a creamy, gooey touch that makes every bite satisfying.

The best part is that everyone can customize their burrito—add veggies, hot sauce, or extra cheese. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but also hearty enough to make a meal prep batch for the week. The combination of textures and flavors is comforting and delicious every single time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Portable and great for lunch, dinner, or freezer meals.
• Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
• Highly customizable for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for meal prep, parties, or casual family dinners.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
• Calories: ~450 per burrito (depends on fillings)

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 4–6 large flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, lettuce, hot sauce, chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the beef:
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes.
   • Drain excess fat.
2. Season the beef:
   • Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add tomato sauce or salsa and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Prepare other fillings:
   • Cook rice according to package instructions.
   • Drain and rinse beans.
   • Shred cheese if not pre-shredded.
4. Assemble burritos:
   • Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
   • Lay a tortilla flat and layer: ¼ of beef mixture, ¼ cup cooked rice, ¼ cup beans, and ¼ cup shredded cheese.
   • Add optional toppings if desired.
5. Roll burritos:
   • Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the filling.
6. Optional step – crisp burritos:
   • Place rolled burritos seam-side down on a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.
• Pair with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips.
• Great for meal prep: wrap individually in foil for easy grab-and-go meals.

Recipe Tips

• Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent tearing.
• Don’t overfill burritos—leave room to fold and roll.
• Customize fillings: add sautéed peppers, corn, or fresh vegetables.
• Use leftover rice and beans to save time.

Variations

1. Cheesy Beef Burritos: Add extra cheese inside and on top before baking.
2. Spicy Beef Burritos: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
3. Vegetarian Burritos: Replace beef with seasoned tofu, tempeh, or extra beans.
4. Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese.
5. Baked Burritos: Assemble burritos in a baking dish, top with cheese and salsa, and bake 15–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store unheated burritos in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil (if baking or freezing)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken; adjust cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I make burritos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and store in the fridge or freezer. Heat before serving.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas?
Absolutely! Burritos work with any large tortilla.

Q4: How do I keep burritos from falling apart?
Don’t overfill and fold the sides before rolling tightly from the bottom.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach work great.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Burritos are a quick, filling, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings. With seasoned beef, beans, rice, cheese, and customizable toppings, these burritos are versatile, satisfying, and universally loved.

They’re portable, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences, making them a go-to recipe for busy families and burrito lovers alike.