Why You’ll Love This Beef Burritos

Beef burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines flavors and textures in every bite. They are perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prep. You can easily customize the fillings to cater to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you like your burritos loaded with ingredients or with a simple filling, this recipe hits the mark.

These burritos are not just tasty; they are also filling. The combination of beef, rice, beans, and veggies makes them a well-balanced meal. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great choice for family dinners.

Why Make This Recipe

This beef burrito recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour. Using common ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare, even for novice cooks. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to mix and match ingredients according to what you have at home. You can use whatever cheese, beans, or veggies you prefer.

As you prepare these beef burritos, your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas that will make everyone eager to dig in. Additionally, they are great for leftovers; simply wrap them up and heat them later. Enjoying the wonderful flavors of homemade burritos can make any meal feel special.

What You Need for Beef Burritos

To create delicious beef burritos, gather the following ingredients:

1 tsp each onion powder, dried oregano, salt
2 tsp each dried cumin powder, paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste, optional)
1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion, finely chopped
500g / 1 lb lean beef mince (ground beef)
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp water
6 – 8 large soft flour tortillas or round wraps (~25cm/10”+)
3 cups cooked rice (warm, not piping hot)
3 cups iceberg lettuce or cabbage, finely sliced (cabbage is better for freezing)
1 cup corn kernels (canned, drained)
1 cup black beans (canned, 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 choice (melting kind)

How to Make Beef Burritos

Making beef burritos is simple and fun. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Filling: Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for around two minutes until the onion is lightly browned. Then, add the beef mince to the skillet. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook until the beef changes from red to brown.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning or use a premade packet if you prefer. Stir the mixture for one minute to let the spices infuse with the beef. Next, mix in the tomato paste and water. Cook for about three more minutes until most of the water evaporates, leaving you with juicy beef. Set the mixture aside to cool for about ten minutes. It’s important not to skip this step, as hot filling can make the tortillas soggy.
Warm the Tortillas: If you like warm burritos, you can heat the tortillas according to the package instructions before assembling.
Assemble the Burritos: Take a tortilla and lay it on a clean surface. Scoop about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the warm rice just below the center of the tortilla. Then add the beef mixture on top, followed by layers of shredded lettuce, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, coriander, and shredded cheese.
Roll the Burrito: Fold the bottom of the tortilla up to cover the filling. Then, fold the sides in to secure the fillings. Tightly roll the burrito from the bottom up. If you prefer, you can wrap it in foil at this point.
Heat the Burritos: To warm the burritos further, you can pan-fry them in the foil on medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until the outside is crispy. If you want to melt the cheese completely, cook them at medium-low heat for about ten minutes. Alternatively, you can bake the wrapped burritos at 180°C/350°F for 20 minutes. If they are cold from the fridge, they might take around 30 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Burritos work wonderfully with a side of sour cream or yogurt and your favorite hot sauce. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving with homemade salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Beef Burritos

Serve your beef burritos with various tasty sides and toppings to make the meal even more enjoyable. Some popular options include sour cream, guacamole, and fresh salsa for drizzling or dipping. You might also consider a side of tortilla chips for crunch or a simple mixed salad to provide a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty burritos.

Another fun way to present burritos is by cutting them in half and arranging them on a platter so everyone can share. This is great for parties or cozy gatherings with friends and family.

How to Store Beef Burritos

If you have leftovers, storing beef burritos is easy. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Place the wrapped burritos in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the burritos. Make sure to wrap them well in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. These can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them according to your preference.

Easy Tips to Make Beef Burritos

Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences. You can use chicken, turkey, or even a meat substitute if you want a vegetarian version.
Add Spice Gradually: If you’re unsure about how spicy you want your burritos to be, add the cayenne pepper gradually. You can always add more later if you like it hotter.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This makes assembling the burritos quicker on a busy night.
Use a Burrito Rolling Technique: Watch a video on how to roll burritos if you’re unsure. It’s a simple skill but can make a difference in how well they hold together.

Try These Variations of Beef Burritos

Chicken Burritos: Substitute the beef for shredded or diced cooked chicken for a lighter option.
Veggie Burritos: Load up on grilled or roasted vegetables, black beans, and cheese for a vegetarian version.
Breakfast Burritos: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast sausages or veggies for a hearty breakfast option.
Tex-Mex Burritos: Add avocado, jalapeños, and spicy salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.

Common Questions About Beef Burritos

1. Can I make beef burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat.

2. How do I keep my burrito from getting soggy?
Make sure your filling isn’t too hot when you assemble the burritos, as steam can make the tortillas soggy. You can also warm the tortillas briefly before using them.

3. What can I use instead of tortillas?
You can use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or whole wheat wraps for a healthier version.

Final Thoughts

Beef burritos are a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. They offer flexibility and the opportunity to explore various ingredients. This easy recipe can delight your family and friends alike. You can modify, personalize, and enjoy these burritos in countless ways.

Now that you know how to make beef burritos, gather your ingredients and get cooking. Enjoy the fulfillment of crafting your own delicious meal and be prepared for rave reviews at the dinner table!

Ready to Give It a Try?

Dive into the delightful world of homemade beef burritos today! Enjoy the satisfying process of making this classic dish that’s sure to please. Bon appétit!

Beef Burritos

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Author: mohammed-zakaria
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

Description

Delicious and satisfying beef burritos filled with rice, beans, and veggies, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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
3 cups cooked rice
3 cups iceberg lettuce or cabbage, finely sliced
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 of choice

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Instructions

Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for around two minutes until lightly browned. Add the beef mince, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned.
Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stir for one minute, then mix in tomato paste and water. Cook for three minutes until most water evaporates. Set aside to cool for ten minutes.
Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas according to package instructions if desired.
Assemble the burritos: Lay a tortilla on a clean surface. Scoop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of warm rice in the center, add beef mixture, then layers of lettuce, corn, beans, tomatoes, red onion, coriander, and cheese.
Roll the burrito: Fold the bottom of the tortilla up, then fold the sides in, and tightly roll from the bottom up. If desired, wrap in foil.
Heat the burritos: Pan-fry in foil on medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side, or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes. Cold burritos from the fridge may need about 30 minutes to heat through.
Serve: Enjoy with sour cream, yogurt, or your favorite hot sauce. Consider serving with salsa or guacamole.

Notes

These burritos are great for leftovers. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to three months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican