This Beef Burrito is a hearty, satisfying dish filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a classic Tex-Mex favorite that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This burrito is the perfect combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and ideal for feeding a family or freezing for later. Whether served with rice, beans, or a side of salsa, it’s a fulfilling and flavorful meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Taco seasoning or homemade spice blend
- Olive oil
- Flour tortillas
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Cooked rice (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Lettuce (optional)
directions
- Cook the Beef: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season: Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the Fillings: Shred cheese, dice tomatoes, and chop fresh cilantro.
- Assemble: Warm tortillas. Layer beef, cheese, tomatoes, and any other desired toppings.
- Roll: Fold the burrito tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Toast (Optional): Grill the burrito in a hot pan for a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Slice in half and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 large burritos.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Beans: Refried or black beans add extra protein and flavor.
- Use Chicken or Turkey: Swap out beef for leaner meats.
- Breakfast Burrito: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Vegetarian: Use grilled vegetables and omit the meat.
storage/reheating
Wrap burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave. For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I freeze beef burritos?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and offer great flavor.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. They hold up well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep.
Are flour tortillas necessary?
Flour tortillas are ideal due to their flexibility, but whole wheat or gluten-free options work too.
Can I use leftover taco meat?
Yes, it’s a great way to repurpose leftovers into a new meal.
How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?
Let hot ingredients cool slightly before assembling and avoid overloading with wet toppings.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, bake burritos in a dish topped with cheese for a smothered version.
What sides pair well with burritos?
Spanish rice, guacamole, salsa, or a side salad all complement this dish well.
How do I fold a burrito properly?
Fold in the sides first, then roll from the bottom, tucking as you go for a tight wrap.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, and you can adjust the spice level to suit younger tastes.
Conclusion
The Beef Burrito is a timeless, flexible meal that delivers flavor, comfort, and convenience. With endless ways to personalize it and easy storage for later meals, it’s a staple worth mastering in every home kitchen.
PrintBeef Burrito
This Beef Burrito is a classic Tex-Mex dish made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. It’s a hearty, customizable, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 large burritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
- While the beef cooks, shred the cheese, dice the tomatoes, and chop the cilantro.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble the burritos by layering beef, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and any optional toppings like rice, sour cream, or lettuce.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll from the bottom to form a tight burrito.
- Optional: Toast the burrito in a hot, dry skillet for a crispy exterior.
- Slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- Cool hot ingredients slightly before wrapping to prevent soggy burritos.
- Burritos can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
- Swap ground beef with chicken, turkey, or grilled vegetables for variation.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if needed.
- Top with salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg