Name: Spicy Beef and Cheese Burritos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/3 cup salsa; 1/4 cup water (if using tomato paste); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 4 large flour tortillas; Optional: 1 cup cooked rice or beans; Optional: hot sauce to taste

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These Spicy Beef and Cheese Burritos are a satisfying handheld meal packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and bold spices, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. They’re easy to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burritos are loaded with flavor and texture, customizable to your heat tolerance, and incredibly filling. They freeze well and can be easily reheated, making them a reliable and crowd-pleasing favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion, diced
garlic, minced
chili powder
cumin
paprika
salt and pepper
tomato paste or salsa
shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
large flour tortillas
cooked rice or beans (optional)
hot sauce (optional)

directions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook onion and garlic until softened. Add ground beef and brown.
Stir in spices, tomato paste, and a splash of water or salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla. Add shredded cheese and any optional fillings.
Roll tightly, folding in the sides.
Toast burritos seam-side down in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes per side for a crispy finish.
Serve warm with extra salsa or sour cream.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Use black beans or lentils instead of beef.
Breakfast burrito: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Low-carb: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Freezer burritos: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Creamy: Add sour cream or cream cheese to the filling.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate cooked burritos for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave. Freeze tightly wrapped burritos and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these less spicy?

Yes, reduce chili powder or skip hot sauce.

What cheese melts best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well.

Should I drain the beef?

Yes, if it’s too greasy. It helps the burrito hold together.

Can I bake them instead of toasting in a pan?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.

What other toppings work?

Sour cream, guacamole, or shredded lettuce are great options.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, it’s a leaner alternative.

Do I have to add rice or beans?

No, they’re optional and based on preference.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—peppers, corn, or spinach are great additions.

How do I keep burritos from falling apart?

Wrap tightly and toast the seam side first.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap in foil or plastic and store in a freezer bag.

Conclusion

Spicy Beef and Cheese Burritos are bold, hearty, and incredibly convenient. Whether made fresh or pulled from the freezer, they’re a go-to comfort meal everyone will love.

Tips by Elsa:

Toasting the burritos adds texture and seals them shut.
Let the filling cool slightly before wrapping to prevent sogginess.
Double the batch and freeze for easy weeknight meals.

Spicy Beef and Cheese Burritos

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Spicy Beef and Cheese Burritos are hearty, handheld wraps filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and bold spices—perfect for quick meals, meal prep, or freezer-friendly dinners.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato paste or salsa, and a splash of water if needed. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Warm tortillas slightly in a microwave or dry pan to make them pliable.
Spoon the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Add shredded cheese and any optional fillings like rice or beans.
Fold sides over and roll tightly into burritos.
Toast seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Serve warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.