Description
A classic Tex-Mex favorite, these beef and bean burritos are packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and flavorful spices. Wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with cheese and fresh salsa, they’re a satisfying and customizable meal for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Bean Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (or black beans, if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional)
- 1/2 cup guacamole (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beef.
Next, add the can of refried beans to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine the beans with the beef and onion mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth (or water) to help thin out the mixture and create a creamy texture.
Stir the mixture until the beans are fully incorporated and everything is heated through. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the beef and bean mixture is simmering, warm the flour tortillas. Heat a separate dry skillet over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30-45 seconds on each side, or until it becomes warm and slightly toasted. Be careful not to overheat the tortillas, as they could become crispy and hard to roll.
Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-45 seconds to soften them.
Once the tortillas are warmed and the beef and bean mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the burritos. Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface or plate.
Spoon a generous amount of the beef and bean mixture into the center of the tortilla, leaving about 2-3 inches on the sides. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filling, allowing the cheese to melt into the warm mixture.
This is where you can get creative and add your favorite toppings. You can add a few spoonfuls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole to the burrito, or you can add fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Lime wedges on the side also add a refreshing citrusy flavor.
To roll the burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then carefully roll it up from the bottom to enclose the filling inside. Be sure to roll tightly so the burrito holds together, but not so tightly that it tears the tortilla.
Once the burrito is rolled, you can serve it as is or grill it slightly in the skillet for an extra crispy texture. To grill, heat a small amount of oil in the same skillet and place the rolled burrito seam-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Once the burrito is assembled and optionally grilled, it’s ready to serve! Arrange the burritos on a platter and serve with your favorite sides, such as Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 22-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 25-30g