Beef Burrito Recipe

This Beef Burrito Recipe is the kind of dinner that feels like comfort food without requiring much work. Seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and plenty of melted cheese are wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and toasted until lightly crisp on the outside. The filling is hearty and flavorful, and you can easily adjust the toppings depending on what you have in the fridge. It is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner, and the burritos can also be prepared ahead for busy days.

Why This Beef Burrito Works

The filling does not need a long list of ingredients to taste good. Ground beef gets plenty of flavor from chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and smoked paprika, while salsa adds both moisture and a little acidity. Black beans make the filling more substantial, and melted cheese brings everything together. Toasting the finished burrito is worth the extra few minutes because it gives the tortilla a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside warm and cheesy.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 small yellow or white onion, finely diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chunky salsa

For the Burritos

• 6 large burrito-size flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican-blend cheese

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Extra salsa
• Hot sauce
• Diced tomatoes

Also Read: Black Bean Burritos

How to Make Beef Burritos

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spread it across the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes so the meat can develop some browning before breaking it apart.

2. Add the Seasonings and Onion

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt over the beef. Add the diced onion, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small pieces. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely cooked and the onion has softened.

3. Add the Beans and Salsa

Stir the black beans and salsa into the beef mixture. Scrape the bottom of the skillet as you stir to pick up any browned bits. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the beans are hot and some of the excess moisture has cooked away. The filling should be moist but not watery.

4. Fill the Tortillas

Place one tortilla on a clean work surface. Add a small handful of shredded cheese down the center, leaving some room around the edges. Spoon about one-sixth of the beef and bean mixture over the cheese, then add another layer of cheese.

5. Fold the Burritos

Fold the two sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then fold the bottom edge up and over the filling and roll the burrito forward, keeping it fairly tight as you go. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

6. Toast Until Golden

Heat a clean nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the underside is golden and lightly crisp. Turn them carefully and toast the other side. Work in batches if necessary so the pan does not become crowded.

7. Serve

Let the burritos rest for a minute or two before cutting. Serve them hot with salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or your favorite hot sauce.

Also Read: Harissa Chicken

What You Can Do Better

Do not overfill the tortillas. It is tempting to add a huge scoop of filling, but an overstuffed burrito is difficult to roll and tends to split in the pan. Keep the filling in a neat line down the center.

Let the beef brown. Instead of immediately stirring the meat around the skillet, give it a few minutes to develop some color. That extra browning gives the filling a deeper flavor.

Choose a thick salsa. Very watery salsa can make the filling difficult to wrap. A chunky or thicker salsa works better because it adds flavor without leaving the beef mixture soggy.

Warm the tortillas if they feel stiff. A few seconds in the microwave or a quick pass through a dry skillet makes flour tortillas much easier to fold without tearing.

Toast the burritos seam-side down first. Starting with the seam against the hot skillet helps seal the burrito before you turn it over.

Also Read: Easy Mango Pancakes

Easy Beef Burrito Variations

Make It Spicy

Use a hot salsa, add finely chopped jalapeño to the beef and onion, or finish the burrito with your favorite hot sauce.

Add Rice

For a larger burrito, add a few spoonfuls of cooked rice to the filling. Cilantro-lime rice works particularly well, but plain white or brown rice is also fine.

Use Different Cheese

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, and Mexican-blend cheese all work well. Pepper Jack is a good choice if you want a little extra heat.

Change the Protein

You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. If using a leaner meat, add a small splash of oil while cooking if the skillet looks dry.

Add More Vegetables

Diced bell peppers, corn, chopped tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini can be added to the filling. Just cook vegetables until tender and make sure the mixture is not too wet before filling the tortillas.

What to Serve with Beef Burritos

These burritos are filling enough to serve on their own, but a few simple sides can turn them into a bigger meal. Try tortilla chips with salsa, a fresh tomato salad, Mexican-style corn, guacamole, or a simple green salad. For a lighter meal, serve the burrito with sliced avocado and a spoonful of fresh salsa.

Also Read: Sheet Pan Eggs Recipe

How to Store Beef Burritos

Let the cooked burritos cool before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet or oven so the tortilla becomes crisp again. A microwave also works when you need something quick, although the tortilla will be softer.

Can You Freeze Beef Burritos?

Yes. For the best results, assemble the burritos but do not toast them before freezing. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrapping and place them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout before serving.

Beef Burrito Nutrition

The approximate nutrition below is for one burrito when the recipe is divided into 6 servings. Actual values will vary depending on the type of ground beef, tortillas, cheese, salsa, and toppings used.

Also Read: Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Recipe at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef burritos ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the burritos several hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Toast them in a skillet just before serving.

How do I keep my burritos from falling apart?

Avoid adding too much filling and make sure the filling is not overly wet. Folding the sides inward before rolling also helps keep everything contained.

What is the best tortilla size for beef burritos?

Large flour tortillas around 10 inches in diameter are easiest to work with because they provide enough space for the filling and allow you to fold the burrito securely.

Can I use canned pinto beans instead of black beans?

Absolutely. Pinto beans are an easy substitute and work especially well with the seasoned beef and salsa.