Beef Burritos Recipe

Juicy Homemade Beef Burritos Recipe for Family Fiesta Night

Every home cook knows a delicious beef burritos recipe can turn an ordinary meal into a celebration of flavor.

The rich, savory mixture of tender meat and warm spices creates magic in your kitchen.

Mexican cuisine offers incredible depth and complexity with these handheld delights.

Our carefully crafted approach ensures each bite bursts with authentic southwestern comfort.

Carefully selected ingredients make all the difference between a good and exceptional burrito.

Fresh cilantro, slow-cooked beef, and perfectly warmed tortillas combine for an irresistible combination.

Trust me, these burritos will become your new weeknight dinner champion.

Why Beef Burritos Are A Go-To Favorite

  • Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Meal: These beef burritos come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families needing a fast and delicious dinner solution.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: The recipe allows easy personalization with different toppings, spices, and ingredients, ensuring everyone can create their perfect burrito.
  • Pack a Flavor Punch: Packed with bold spices like chili powder and cumin, this recipe delivers a zesty, satisfying meal that will excite taste buds without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Burritos are universally loved, making them an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where people want tasty, filling food.

Everything Needed For Beef Burritos

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that forms the main filling with bold flavor. Choose lean beef for healthier option.
  • Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and earthy taste to the burrito filling. Great for vegetarian adaptation.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Warm spices that create depth and authentic Mexican-style flavor profile. Fresh spices will enhance overall taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing other ingredients' flavors.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic and robust underlying taste. Fresh garlic recommended for best results.
Burrito Components:
  • Tortillas: Soft wrap that holds all ingredients together. Flour tortillas work best for classic burrito style.
  • Rice: Adds substance and helps absorb flavors. White or brown rice are suitable options.
  • Salsa: Provides moisture and tangy flavor to beef mixture. Homemade or store-bought salsa works well.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and rich dairy flavor. Cheddar or Mexican blend recommended.
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes: Fresh ingredients that provide crunch and brightness.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy topping that balances spicy elements. Optional but recommended.

How To Make Beef Burritos Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium flame
  • Brown ground beef thoroughly
  • Drain excess fat from the pan
  • Add chopped onions and cook until translucent
  • Sprinkle in minced garlic and spices
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Stir and cook for one minute
  • Pour in salsa
  • Add black beans
  • Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes
  • Remove from heat and set aside

Step 2: Prepare Warm Tortillas

  • Use a dry skillet or microwave
  • Gently heat tortillas until soft and flexible
  • Keep tortillas covered to maintain warmth

Step 3: Build Burrito Layers

Select your filling ingredients:
  • Cooked rice
  • Seasoned beef mixture
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Optional extras like guacamole or hot sauce

Step 4: Roll and Wrap

  • Place tortilla on a clean surface
  • Add desired ingredients in the center
  • Fold bottom edge over filling
  • Fold in side edges
  • Roll tightly from bottom to top
  • Optional: Wrap in foil for easy transport

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Plate warm burritos immediately
  • Cut in half for easier eating
  • Serve with additional salsa or hot sauce
  • Enjoy your homemade beef burritos!

Best Tips For Beef Burritos

  • Beef Balance: Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent greasy filling and ensure a healthier, more flavorful burrito.
  • Spice Mastery: Toast spices like chili powder and cumin for 30-60 seconds to enhance their depth and release intense aromatics before adding other ingredients.
  • Tortilla Technique: Warm tortillas briefly on a hot skillet or griddle to prevent cracking and improve flexibility when rolling burritos.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle shredded cheese directly onto hot beef mixture to help it melt smoothly and create a more cohesive filling.
  • Customization Corner: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that suit different dietary preferences.

How To Store Beef Burritos Right

  • Refrigerate leftover beef burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a skillet to restore crispy edges.
  • Freeze assembled burritos for longer storage by wrapping each burrito securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Frozen burritos will stay good for 2-3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • When reheating from frozen, add an extra 30-60 seconds to cooking time to ensure the filling is heated thoroughly.
  • Pro tip: Keep rice and meat separate when storing to prevent soggy tortillas and maintain the best texture.

What Matches With Beef Burritos

  • Spice Up with Mexican Beverages: Pair these hearty beef burritos with a classic margarita or cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo for an authentic flavor explosion that cuts through the rich, spicy beef filling.
  • Cool Down with Refreshing Drinks: Combat the burrito's warmth with a tangy horchata or fresh lime agua fresca, which will balance the spices and provide a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the robust meat.
  • Complement with Zesty Side Salads: Create a bright cilantro-lime salad or fresh pico de gallo that adds vibrant acidity and crunch, enhancing the burrito's deep, savory flavors and providing a light, fresh contrast.
  • Enhance with Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Malbec or Zinfandel, whose bold fruit notes and slight spiciness will beautifully match the beef's richness and the burrito's complex seasonings.

Beef Burritos With A Twist

  • Spicy Southwest Beef Burritos: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Sprinkle extra cayenne pepper for more intense flavor.
  • Vegetarian Bean Transformation: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans and roasted vegetables. Add quinoa for protein boost and extra texture.
  • Breakfast Burrito Remix: Incorporate scrambled eggs into the beef mixture. Top with crispy hash browns and swap salsa for a creamy breakfast-style sauce.
  • Cheesy Ranch Fusion: Mix ranch seasoning into the beef filling. Add extra shredded cheese and drizzle ranch dressing on top for a tangy, creamy version of the classic burrito.

Your Questions On Beef Burritos

  • What makes these beef burritos different from other recipes?

These burritos stand out because of the perfect blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika that create a rich, deep flavor in the beef filling. The addition of black beans and salsa adds extra texture and zestiness to the classic burrito.

  • Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the heat level by changing the type of salsa you use. For a spicier kick, choose a hot salsa or add some extra chili powder. If you prefer a milder version, use a mild salsa or reduce the amount of spices.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! These burritos are perfect for meal prep. You can cook the beef filling in advance and store it separately. When ready to eat, warm the tortillas, assemble the burritos, and enjoy. They also freeze well, making them a convenient option for quick meals.

  • What are some good protein alternatives if I don't want to use beef?

You can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. The spice blend works great with different protein sources, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

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Beef Burritos Recipe

Beef Burritos Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savor the mouthwatering Beef Burritos, a Mexican-inspired dish packed with zesty flavors and hearty ingredients. Rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and melted cheese promise a satisfying meal that delights you from the first bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
  • 1 (15 ounces) 425 grams can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

Spices, Seasonings, and Sauces:

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup taco sauce or salsa

Assembling Ingredients:

  • 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

  • Guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra salsa

Instructions

  1. Prepare the savory beef foundation by sizzling ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Carefully eliminate excess grease for a leaner filling.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions to the skillet, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
  3. Infuse the meat mixture with a vibrant blend of garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and complex flavor profile.
  4. Incorporate zesty salsa and hearty black beans into the seasoned beef, gently simmering to meld the ingredients and develop a rich, cohesive texture.
  5. Simultaneously, warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave, ensuring they become supple and flexible for effortless wrapping.
  6. Construct each burrito by layering fluffy rice as a foundational base, then generously adding the spiced beef and bean mixture.
  7. Enhance the burrito with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, and a dollop of creamy sour cream.
  8. Expertly fold the tortilla’s sides inward, then roll tightly to encase all the delectable ingredients.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, or wrap individually in foil for convenient transportation and later enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin for milder or bolder flavors.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prepare beef filling in advance and store in refrigerator for quick assembly later.
  • Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 892 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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