Beef Burritos Recipe

Introduction

Beef Burritos are a delicious and filling Mexican-inspired dish that features seasoned ground beef wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, with a variety of tasty toppings like cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. This hearty dish is a favorite for many, offering bold flavors and versatility, making it a great option for a family dinner, weeknight meal, or even a weekend gathering with friends.

What makes Beef Burritos so special is their ability to be completely customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, from adding extra vegetables to making it spicier or even switching up the protein. Whether you prefer your burrito with beans, rice, or extra cheese, the possibilities are endless, ensuring that this meal can be enjoyed by everyone in your household.

This Beef Burrito recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the result is a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Beef Burritos

• Quick and Easy: Beef Burritos are a fast meal to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: These burritos are highly versatile and can be tailored to your preferences. Add beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, and even hot sauce to create the perfect combination of flavors.
• Flavorful Ground Beef: The ground beef is seasoned with a mix of spices that give it a rich and savory flavor. It’s cooked until browned and crispy, adding great texture to your burrito filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: If you’re looking for a dish to make ahead of time, Beef Burritos are a fantastic option. You can prepare the filling and keep it in the fridge for a few days, and just warm it up when you’re ready to assemble the burritos.
• Family-Friendly: Burritos are a fun, hands-on meal that kids will love. You can set up a burrito bar with different toppings and let everyone customize their own burrito, making mealtime more interactive and enjoyable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories per burrito, depending on portion sizes and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 5-7g
• Sugar: 4-5g

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For Assembling the Burritos:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
• 1 cup refried beans (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• ½ cup guacamole (optional)
• Jalapeño slices (optional for added heat)
• Lime wedges for serving

Special Equipment

To prepare your Beef Burritos, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:

1. Large Skillet: A heavy skillet or frying pan is essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
2. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula or wooden spoon is useful for breaking up the beef as it cooks and ensuring it’s evenly browned.
3. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for chopping the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro.
4. Bowls: You’ll need a few small bowls to prepare the toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and salsa, as well as to hold any additional ingredients like rice or beans.
5. Microwave or Oven (Optional): If you prefer to warm your tortillas, you can use the microwave or an oven to ensure they’re soft and pliable for easy rolling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Make sure to stir the beef frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Once the beef is browned, add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using). Stir the spices into the beef until everything is well coated, and cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom.

Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth (or water), and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and becomes slightly saucy. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the soy sauce (if using) for extra flavor, and finish off with fresh cilantro if desired. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the beef mixture aside.

2. Prepare the Tortillas

While the beef filling is simmering, prepare the tortillas. If you prefer warm tortillas, you can heat them in the microwave or on a dry skillet.

To warm them in the microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until soft and pliable.

To warm them in a skillet, heat a dry pan over medium heat and place the tortillas one at a time in the pan. Warm each side for about 15-20 seconds until they are soft and flexible.

3. Assemble the Burritos

Now that the beef filling and tortillas are ready, it’s time to assemble the burritos.

Place each tortilla on a flat surface and add a generous scoop of the beef filling in the center of each one. If you’re adding rice or refried beans, spoon a small amount of each on top of the beef mixture.

Next, top the beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. You can also add salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeño slices, depending on your preference.

4. Roll the Burritos

To roll the burritos, fold the sides of the tortilla in toward the center, then carefully roll the tortilla from one end to the other, making sure the filling is tightly wrapped inside. Be gentle while rolling, but make sure to secure the burrito so it doesn’t fall apart.

Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, and set the burritos seam-side down to help them stay closed.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once all of your burritos are rolled, serve them immediately with additional toppings on the side, such as extra salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. You can also add a few lime wedges for squeezing over the burritos, enhancing the freshness of the flavors.

Beef Burritos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet when you’re ready to eat.

Tips for Perfect Beef Burritos

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier burrito, opt for lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) to reduce the fat content. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
• Don’t Overfill the Burrito: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but be careful not to overstuff the burrito, as it will be harder to roll and might burst open. A generous scoop of beef, rice, beans, and toppings is enough for each burrito.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier burrito, feel free to add diced jalapeños to the beef filling, use spicy salsa, or drizzle your burrito with hot sauce before serving.
• Make it Healthier: To make your burritos a bit healthier, use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas, and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
• Add a Crunch: For added texture, try adding crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions inside the burrito.

Variations of Beef Burritos

• Vegetarian Burritos: Skip the beef and fill your burrito with seasoned beans, rice, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of cheese. This makes for a satisfying and hearty vegetarian option.
• Breakfast Burritos: For a breakfast twist, add scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, cheese, and bacon or sausage to your burrito filling.
• Cheesy Beef Burritos: For extra cheese lovers, you can layer the beef with a generous amount of melted cheese inside the burrito before rolling it up, or sprinkle more cheese on top after rolling it.
• Beef Burrito Bowls: If you prefer to skip the tortilla, create a burrito bowl by layering the beef filling, rice, beans, cheese, and toppings in a bowl for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the burrito for 1-2 minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

If you have leftover beef filling, store it separately in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it for another round of burritos or use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, or salads.

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled burritos. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, remove the wrapping and microwave or bake until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Burritos

Pair your Beef Burritos with these delicious sides to complete the meal:

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomato, garlic, and cumin complements the savory flavors of the beef.
• Guacamole and Chips: Fresh guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a tasty appetizer or side dish to accompany your burritos.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the burrito.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn with chili powder and lime juice makes for a flavorful and vibrant side to go with the burritos.

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Conclusion

Beef Burritos are a delicious, customizable, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big flavors in a convenient, easy-to-make package. With tender, flavorful beef and a variety of fresh toppings, Beef Burritos will quickly become a family favorite.

This simple yet versatile dish can be adapted to suit your preferences, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and filling meal. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings, toppings, and sides to make this recipe your own!