Why Make This Beef Burrito
Making your own beef burritos allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. It’s an excellent way to use up leftovers, and you can easily adjust the level of spiciness. The combination of protein from the beef and beans, carbohydrates from the rice and tortillas, and the burst of flavors from spices makes this dish well-balanced and filling. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a fun family project, beef burritos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 480
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
There’s something innately satisfying about a homemade beef burrito. It brings together savory flavors, hearty ingredients, and a comforting, wrap-it-up-and-go style that makes it perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying lunch. The warmth of the seasoned ground beef, the creamy black beans, and the melted cheese all encased in a soft tortilla create a delightful experience for your taste buds. Plus, this beef burrito recipe is quick and easy, allowing you to whip up a fast meal that still feels special.
How to Make Beef Burrito
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. As the beef sizzles, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen. Make sure to break up the meat with a spatula for even cooking. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the burrito filling light and flavorful.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the drained black beans, cooked rice, cumin, chili powder, salsa, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Mix everything together thoroughly as the spices infuse the mixture with warmth and depth. Continue cooking until everything is heated through, creating a hearty and cohesive filling.
Step 3: Warming Tortillas
To warm the tortillas, you can either place them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat them on a skillet for a minute on each side. Warming the tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
Step 4: Finishing
Now it’s time to assemble your burritos! Place a generous portion of the beef mixture on each tortilla, sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheese, and then roll them up tightly like a gift. Make sure the edges are tucked in to keep all the delicious goodness inside. Serve with additional salsa on the side for those who like an extra kick of flavor.
How to Serve Beef Burrito
Beef burritos make a fantastic meal on their own, but you can elevate your dining experience by serving them with a side of guacamole, fresh salsa, or sour cream. Adding a crisp green salad or some tortilla chips can turn your meal into a full feast. These burritos are perfect for gatherings or casual dinners, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun of wrapping their own meal.
How to Store Beef Burrito
Leftover beef burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beef Burrito
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- If you can’t find flour tortillas, corn tortillas work well too but may be a bit trickier to roll.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for varied flavors.
Delicious Variations
- Chicken Burrito: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Vegetarian Burrito: Use sautéed vegetables, chickpeas, or lentils in place of beef for a hearty veg version.
- Spicy Burrito: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a great way to add extra fiber and nutrients to your beef burrito. - What can I use instead of black beans?
Refried beans, pinto beans, or even lentils are excellent substitutes. - How do I make burritos ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and store it separately in the fridge. Then, warm the filling and assemble burritos just before serving. - Can I make these burritos gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free. - Is it possible to meal prep with these burritos?
Definitely! Just prepare and assemble burritos, then freeze them. They can be reheated as needed for quick meals.
Conclusion
This beef burrito recipe brings together convenience, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. It’s not only a fantastic dish for busy weeknights, but it also provides a canvas for creativity with variations that fit any dietary preference. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade burritos. Trust us; once you make these, they will become a go-to favorite in your household! So, roll up your sleeves and give this delightful dish a try!
Print
Homemade Beef Burrito
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Satisfying homemade beef burritos filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
- Add drained black beans, cooked rice, cumin, chili powder, salsa, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until heated through.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
- Assemble burritos by placing a portion of the beef mixture on each tortilla, adding cheese, and rolling tightly. Serve with extra salsa on the side.
Notes
Enjoy with guacamole, fresh salsa, or sour cream. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
