Why You’ll Love This Beef Burritos

Beef burritos are the perfect comfort food! They are tasty, filling, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group of friends, beef burritos are a crowd-pleaser. The soft tortillas wrapped around a delicious mixture of beef, rice, and fresh veggies create a meal that satisfies. You can customize your burrito with your favorite toppings, making each one unique. They’re perfect for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a quick lunch.

Why Make This Recipe

Making beef burritos at home gives you control over the ingredients. You can choose lean beef and fresh veggies, ensuring a healthier option than many restaurant versions. Plus, making them from scratch is more affordable than takeout. The recipe is also simple enough for beginners, making it a great way to practice your cooking skills. And there’s something wonderfully satisfying about creating a meal that brings everyone together!

What You Need for Beef Burritos

To make delicious beef burritos, gather the following ingredients:

1 tsp each of onion powder, dried oregano, and salt
2 tsp each of dried cumin powder and paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves
½ onion, finely chopped
500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef), preferably lean
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp water
6-8 large soft flour tortillas or round wraps (approximately 25cm/10”+)
3 cups cooked rice (warm, not too hot)
3 cups finely sliced iceberg lettuce or cabbage (cabbage works better if freezing)
1 cup corn kernels (canned and drained work well)
1 cup black beans (canned and drained)
3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
Finely chopped coriander/cilantro (optional)
1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheese of your choice (a melting kind)

How to Make Beef Burritos

Making beef burritos is a fun and straightforward process! Follow these steps to create your tasty meal.

Prepare the Beef Mixture: Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until the onion is lightly browned. Then, add the beef mince. Cook the beef while breaking it apart with a spatula until it turns from red to a brown color.
Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the onion powder, dried oregano, salt, cumin powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir for about 1 minute to let the spices blend with the beef. Next, add the tomato paste and water, cooking for an additional 3 minutes. The water should mostly evaporate, leaving the beef juicy but not dry.
Cool the Mixture: Once the beef is cooked, set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes. If it’s too hot, it can steam the tortillas, making them soggy when you roll the burritos.
Prepare the Tortillas: If you prefer warm burritos, you can warm your tortillas following the package instructions. This will make them softer and easier to roll.
Assemble the Burritos: Take a tortilla and lay it on a clean work surface. Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of rice just below the center of the tortilla. On top of the rice, add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the beef mixture. Then, layer on some finely chopped lettuce or cabbage, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of red onion, coriander, and cheese.
Roll Your Burrito: Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling. Then fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal it. You can wrap the burrito in foil if desired.
Heat the Burritos (Optional): If you want to warm them through, you can pan-fry the burritos in their foil over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes to heat through and slightly crisp the tortilla.
Serve with Dips: Burritos are best enjoyed with a side of sour cream or yogurt and your favorite chili sauce. For a special touch, try serving them with restaurant-style salsa or guacamole.

Best Ways to Serve Beef Burritos

Beef burritos can be served in various ways! For a casual dining experience, serve them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. You can also add a simple green salad to round out the meal. For a fun gathering, create a burrito bar where everyone can build their own burrito with different toppings. This can include guacamole, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and various sauces.

Another way to enjoy beef burritos is to slice them in half and serve them on a platter for sharing. This makes them great for parties or game days!

How to Store Beef Burritos

If you have leftovers, storing burritos is quite simple. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the burrito and place it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer a crispier texture, pan-fry or bake them again.

You can also freeze burritos for longer storage. Wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-35 minutes.

Easy Tips to Make Beef Burritos

Customize the Fillings: Don’t hesitate to swap the ingredients as per your preference. You can add other proteins like chicken or turkey, and mix in different veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
Make-ahead: To save time, prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to make burritos, simply warm it up and assemble.
Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne or use hot sauce in the filling.
Try Different Cheeses: Changing up the cheese can give each burrito a unique flavor. Experiment with pepper jack, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of feta for something different.

Try These Variations of Beef Burritos

Vegetarian Burritos: Substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or extra beans for a meat-free option.
Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheese for a hearty breakfast treat.
Chipotle-Style Burritos: Include cooked chicken, rice, and chipotle sauce for a bolder flavor.

Common Questions About Beef Burritos

Can I make burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can make burritos ahead of time. Just prepare and roll them up, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I freeze beef burritos?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and place them in the freezer. They can be reheated later for an easy meal.

How do I know when the beef is cooked?

Ground beef is fully cooked when it changes from red to brown and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Final Thoughts

Beef burritos are a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy. They are filling and versatile, allowing for customization based on your tastes. Whether you’re having a simple meal at home or hosting friends, beef burritos can fit the occasion. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and start making these delicious burritos today!

Ready to Give It a Try?

Take the leap and try making beef burritos! With just a few ingredients and steps, you can put together a delicious meal everyone will love. Enjoy the process of cooking, and don’t forget to add your personal touch! Happy cooking!

Beef Burritos

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Author: mohammed-zakaria
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: None

Description

Beef burritos are a tasty and filling comfort food wrapped in soft tortillas, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
2 tsp dried cumin powder
2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, finely chopped
500g (1 lb) lean beef mince
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp water
6-8 large soft flour tortillas (approximately 25cm/10”+)
3 cups cooked rice (warm)
3 cups finely sliced iceberg lettuce or cabbage
1 cup corn kernels (canned and drained)
1 cup black beans (canned and drained)
3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
Finely chopped coriander/cilantro (optional)
1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheese (melting kind)

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Add the beef mince and cook while breaking it apart until it turns brown.
Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the onion powder, dried oregano, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and water, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
Cool the Mixture: Set aside the cooked beef to cool for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Tortillas: Warm tortillas following package instructions, if desired.
Assemble the Burritos: On a tortilla, spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of rice, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of beef mixture, then layer with lettuce or cabbage, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, coriander, and cheese.
Roll Your Burrito: Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to seal.
Heat the Burritos (Optional): Pan-fry in foil over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side or bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes.
Serve with dips like sour cream or yogurt and your favorite chili sauce.

Notes

Customize the burrito fillings according to your taste. They can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican