Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe delivers everything you want in a perfect burrito: tender, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh ingredients all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The beef mixture is infused with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, creating a rich, savory filling that pairs beautifully with creamy melted cheese.
These burritos are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste preference. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. The combination of protein-rich beef, fiber-filled black beans, and satisfying rice makes these burritos a complete, nutritious meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
How to Make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Season and Simmer Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Add drained diced tomatoes and beef broth, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the mixture has thickened.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas While the beef simmers, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos Place each warm tortilla on a flat surface. In the center of each tortilla, layer 1/4 cup cooked rice, 1/4 cup black beans, a generous portion of the beef mixture, and about 1/3 cup shredded cheese.
Step 6: Roll the Burritos Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly from bottom to top, ensuring the filling stays contained.
Step 7: Optional Grilling For extra flavor and texture, heat the same skillet over medium heat and place the burritos seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right ground beef for optimal flavor and texture. An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best, providing enough fat for flavor while not being too greasy. When browning the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan and let it develop a nice sear before stirring.
Don’t skip the step of toasting your spices with the tomato paste. This technique, called blooming, intensifies the flavors and creates a more complex taste profile in your beef mixture. The tomato paste acts as a flavor base and helps bind the spices to the meat.
For the fluffiest rice, use day-old cooked rice that has been refrigerated. Fresh rice can be too moist and make your burritos soggy. If using fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly before assembling.
When rolling burritos, don’t overfill them. Too much filling makes them difficult to roll and prone to bursting. Keep the filling in a compact rectangle in the center, leaving about 2 inches of space on all sides.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 large burritos
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Notes
This Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat, corn for sweetness, or bell peppers for extra crunch. You can substitute the black beans with pinto beans or refried beans based on your preference.
For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortillas, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a protein boost.
The beef mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavors as they have time to meld together. Simply reheat before assembling your burritos.
If you prefer a spicier burrito, increase the chili powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these burritos? Yes, these burritos freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing in freezer bags. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe? A Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully, but sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both also delivers excellent results. Avoid pre-shredded cheese when possible, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Can I make this recipe with different proteins? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even seasoned crumbled tofu work well with the same spice blend. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may cook faster or slower than beef.
How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy? Make sure all ingredients are properly drained and not too wet. Let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling, and avoid overfilling the tortillas. If adding salsa, use it as a side rather than inside the burrito.
Storage Instructions
Store assembled but uncooked burritos in the refrigerator for up to 2 days wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, freeze individual burritos for up to 3 months.
Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It’s perfect for quesadillas, nachos, or taco filling throughout the week.
To reheat refrigerated burritos, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For frozen burritos, thaw overnight and follow the same reheating instructions, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Conclusion
This Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe proves that restaurant-quality Mexican food can be easily made at home. With perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla, these burritos satisfy every craving. The recipe’s flexibility allows for endless customization, making it perfect for families with different taste preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep solution, or crowd-pleasing party food, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results. The combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables creates a balanced, satisfying meal that both kids and adults will love. Save this recipe for your regular rotation – you’ll find yourself making these flavorful burritos again and again.