Beef Burritos

Beef Burritos are a hearty, flavor-packed meal wrapped in a warm tortilla and filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, these burritos deliver bold flavor and satisfying comfort every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Beef Burritos are a delicious all-in-one meal that’s quick to make and super versatile. You can customize the fillings to match your preferences, and they’re great for leftovers or freezing. Perfectly seasoned beef paired with melty cheese, rice, and beans creates the ultimate bite every time. Plus, they’re portable, kid-friendly, and budget-friendly too.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Taco seasoning or homemade blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
  • Tomato paste or salsa
  • Cooked rice
  • Refried beans or black beans
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Large flour tortillas
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, hot sauce

directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste or salsa. Add a splash of water and simmer for 5 minutes until well combined.
  4. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
  5. Layer each tortilla with rice, beans, seasoned beef, shredded cheese, and any desired toppings.
  6. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly into a burrito.
  7. Optional: Heat burritos in a skillet or grill pan to crisp the outside and melt the cheese.
  8. Serve warm with extra toppings or dips on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 large burritos.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Beef: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Breakfast Burrito: Add scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon for a morning twist.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or wrap in lettuce.
  • Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling.
  • Freezer Burritos: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for quick meals later.

storage/reheating

Wrap leftover burritos in foil or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. For frozen burritos, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well with the same seasonings.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Large flour tortillas are best because they’re sturdy and easy to roll without tearing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble and store in the fridge or freezer for an easy meal later.

What toppings go well with beef burritos?

Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and jalapeños are all great options.

How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?

Let the filling cool slightly before assembling and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients like salsa.

Are these burritos freezer-friendly?

Yes! Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Check tortilla labels to ensure they’re dairy-free too.

What’s a good side dish for beef burritos?

Mexican rice, chips and salsa, street corn, or a simple green salad make great pairings.

How do I make them crisp on the outside?

After rolling, place them seam-side down in a hot skillet or grill pan and cook until golden and crisp.

Can I add sauce inside the burrito?

Yes, enchilada sauce, chipotle mayo, or creamy avocado dressing can be added inside for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Beef Burritos are the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and comfort. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners, packed lunches, or freezer meals. With bold seasoning, hearty fillings, and the flexibility to make them your own, these burritos are sure to be a staple in your kitchen.

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Beef Burritos

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These Beef Burritos are loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, rice, cheese, and your favorite toppings—all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly lunches!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 burritos 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup taco sauce or salsa

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

For Assembling:

  • 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

  • 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice

  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

  • ½ cup diced tomatoes

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • Optional: guacamole, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, extra salsa

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef filling:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more. Add salsa and black beans, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

  2. Warm tortillas:
    Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable.

  3. Assemble burritos:
    Layer each tortilla with rice, beef and bean mixture, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Add optional toppings if desired.

  4. Roll and serve:
    Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly. Serve warm or wrap in foil for later.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate or freeze burritos for a quick meal later. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

  • Customize it: Add corn, jalapeños, sautéed peppers, or swap black beans for refried beans.

 

  • Freezer tip: Wrap tightly in foil, store in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.

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