Beef and Bean Burritos

Introduction

Beef and Bean Burritos are a Tex-Mex classic that combines flavorful seasoned beef, creamy beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience—hearty enough for dinner yet easy to pack for lunch.

Burritos are incredibly versatile, loved around the world, and endlessly customizable. Whether smothered in enchilada sauce, grilled for crispiness, or enjoyed fresh with salsa and guacamole, this recipe always hits the spot.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Beef and Bean Burritos because:

• They’re quick and satisfying—a full meal in one wrap.
• The combination of beef, beans, and cheese is comfort food perfection.
• They’re great for meal prep—freeze them for busy days.
• The toppings and add-ins are limitless, making them customizable for everyone.

The balance of savory beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla is something I never get tired of.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults love them.
• Budget-friendly: Beans stretch the beef, making it affordable.
• Versatile: Eat plain, smothered in sauce, or grilled for extra flavor.
• Perfect for gatherings: Make a burrito bar where everyone builds their own.
• Portable: Easy to pack for school or work lunches.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 burritos
• Calories: ~430 kcal per burrito
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Burrito Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
• 1 (15 oz) can refried beans (or black beans, mashed slightly)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Shredded lettuce
• Jalapeños

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook Aromatics
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Brown the Beef
   • Add ground beef to the skillet.
   • Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Season the Filling
   • Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
4. Add Beans and Tomatoes
   • Stir in refried beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
   • Mix until creamy and combined.
   • Simmer for 5–6 minutes until heated through and thickened.
5. Assemble the Burritos
   • Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
   • Spoon filling into the center of each tortilla.
   • Top with shredded cheese and cilantro if using.
   • Fold sides inward, then roll up tightly.
6. Optional Crisping
   • Place rolled burritos seam-side down in a skillet.
   • Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown for a crispy finish.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.
• Add a side of Spanish rice, tortilla chips, or a simple salad.
• For a restaurant-style experience, smother burritos with enchilada sauce and bake until bubbly.

Recipe Tips

• Warm tortillas before filling to prevent tearing.
• Don’t overfill—this makes rolling easier.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime before serving.

Variations

• Chicken Burritos: Substitute beef with shredded chicken.
• Breakfast Burritos: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns.
• Vegetarian Burritos: Use black beans, corn, rice, and sautéed veggies.
• Spicy Burritos: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers.
• Cheesy Smothered Burritos: Bake covered with enchilada sauce and more cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store wrapped burritos in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Microwave for 2–3 minutes (if thawed) or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle (for portioning filling)
• Aluminum foil (for storing/freezing)

Conclusion

Beef and Bean Burritos are the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy them plain, grilled, or smothered in sauce, they’re sure to satisfy every craving. Best of all, they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.

With their rich beef filling, creamy beans, melty cheese, and soft tortillas, these burritos are a must-try dish that you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.