Beef Burritos: a mouthwatering recipe for a hearty Mexican meal

Homemade beef burritos are an amazing, fast weeknight dinner you can make any time of year. This flavorful Mexican dish is incredibly versatile – you can add any number of ingredients to a burrito.

Add veggies or rice, or use black beans instead of refried beans, but no matter what you do, make sure to sprinkle plenty of cheese over the filling! Bonus? This easy burrito recipe is freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead to enjoy whenever you please! Homemade burritos are a great way to keep your freezer stocked with hearty, delicious food for your family.

Beef Burritos Ingredients

To make basic beef burritos at home, you'll need lean ground beef. Make sure to use lean beef, otherwise, the burrito feeling will end up being too greasy.

Onions and taco seasoning help flavor the beef.

Refried beans and cheese will bulk up the filling.

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a touch of brightness.

Finally, you'll need some large flour tortillas to wrap your burritos. Flour is better than corn because it's easier to wrap.

How to Make Beef Burritos

You won't believe how simple it is to make phenomenal homemade burritos. Start by heating a little oil in a large pan. Put the beef and onions into the pan and cook over medium-high heat, until all the pink is gone. Pour off the fat, then stir in the taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the packet for making the seasoning.

Once the beef is done cooking, take your pan off the heat and mix the cilantro into the mixture. Spread out your warmed tortillas. Dollop beans down the middle of each tortilla, then top it with beef and cheese. Roll the burritos up tightly, warm them up in a non-stick skillet and serve immediately with your favorite topping.

How to Wrap a Burrito

Once you've filled your burritos, you'll need to wrap them, so they don't fall apart. Fold one side towards the center, then fold both the top and bottom of the burrito over the first fold. Wrap the final side around the body of the burrito.

If you want to ensure your burrito doesn't fall apart, you can quickly heat it in a skillet. Cook one side, then flip and cook the other. The burritos should keep their shape.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Burritos

Use lean ground beef, so your burritos aren't too greasy. Either 85/15 or 80/20 is ideal.

Don't forget to warm the tortillas before filling them!

Don't overstuff the burrito.

If you're worried about your burritos falling apart, you can wrap them in foil once they've been assembled.

Beef Burritos Filling Ideas

Instead of Colby, try cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend in your burrito.

Add fresh or grilled vegetables to your burrito. Bell peppers, sweet potatoes, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce are delicious.

Add your favorite sauces like salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce.

You can swap the beef for shredded chicken, chorizo, ground turkey, ground pork, carne asada, or al pastor, or simply use grilled vegetables.

Instead of refried beans, use black beans as a burrito filling.

For ultra-hearty burritos, add a little Mexican or cilantro-lime rice.

What to Serve with Burritos

Enjoy your burritos with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole or pico de gallo, Mexican slaw, a corn salad, or Mexican rice.

Serve them with a cold Mexican beer, a glass of agua fresca, or some Micheladas.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Burritos

Wrap your burritos in foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the burritos, bake them at 225F for half an hour.

Can You Freeze Beef Burritos?

You can totally freeze burritos to enjoy at a later date. Let them cool down slightly, then wrap them in foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for 3 to 6 months. Reheat by baking at 425F for 35 to 40 minutes.

More Mexican Recipes You'll Like

• Chimichangas
• Breakfast burritos
• Quesadillas

Instructions

Sauté the beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the meat has browned. Drain off excess fat.

Stir the cilantro and taco seasoning into the beef mixture. Make the seasoning according to the instructions on the packet. Once the beef is done cooking, remove the pan from the heat and add the cilantro.

Spread out the tortillas. Spoon some refried beans into the middle of each tortilla.

Add beef to each tortilla.

Add the cheese.

Roll and wrap the burrito so that the filling won't fall apart. Fold one side towards the center, then fold both the top and bottom of the burrito over the first fold. Wrap the final side around the body of the burrito.

Repeat.

Place the burritos in a hot non-stick skillet, making sure they are facing the seam side down. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip to the other side and repeat.

Top the beef burritos with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve immediately with tomatoes and cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

Shred the cheese yourself to ensure it melts more evenly.