If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in tortilla form, this Beef Burrito Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Loaded with savory seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, fresh cilantro, and melty Mexican cheese, each bite bursts with vibrant textures and tastes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or casual weekend feast, these burritos come together quickly and deliver a satisfying punch of comfort and zest that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential for building layers of flavor and texture in your burritos. From the juicy ground beef to the fresh cilantro and gooey cheese, each plays its role perfectly to create a well-balanced dish full of color and taste.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that carries the rich flavors.
- ½ yellow onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch when sautéed.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet): Brings that classic Mexican spice blend for depth and zest.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh note to lighten the savory mix.
- 6 burrito-sized flour tortillas: The soft, pliable canvas that wraps all your delicious fillings.
- 16 ounces refried beans (warmed, 1 can): Creamy and rich, they add a smooth texture and earthy flavor.
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey finish to every bite.
- 2 cups cooked rice: Gives the burrito satisfying bulk and soaks up flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup salsa: Fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy, it keeps things lively.
- Sour cream (optional): For a cool, creamy contrast when serving.
- Hot sauce (optional): To add your favorite level of heat.
- Guacamole (optional): A rich, buttery topping that pairs wonderfully.
How to Make Beef Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First up, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your burritos bake evenly and the parchment prevents sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook while breaking up the beef into crumbles until it’s browned and no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute to let all those spices bloom beautifully. Finish by mixing in fresh cilantro, which adds a pop of brightness that instantly elevates the savory mix.
Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat on your workspace and start layering by spreading a generous spoonful of refried beans. Next, add a hearty scoop of rice, then the seasoned beef mixture. Top everything with shredded cheese and a spoonful of salsa for a touch of tang. Roll the tortilla tightly to keep all the flavors snug and place the burritos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Melt and Crisp
Pop the tray into the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, just long enough to let the cheese inside melt perfectly and to give the outside a slight crispness. This finishing touch adds a lovely texture contrast that makes this Beef Burrito Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Beef Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Bring your burritos to life with fresh garnishes that add flavor and flair. A dollop of sour cream adds cool creaminess, while sliced avocado or guacamole introduces a smooth, buttery richness. For those who like a bit of kick, a drizzle of hot sauce brightens every mouthful. Sprinkle some extra cilantro or chopped green onions for a fresh, herby finish.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider simple yet complementary sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, Mexican street corn, or a bowl of fresh tortilla chips and salsa. Each adds a contrasting texture and flavor that makes the whole dinner feel festive and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your friends or family? Slice the burritos diagonally and arrange on a platter with colorful bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Wrap each burrito in foil for an on-the-go lunch or dinner picnic style. Or, serve the burrito halves tucked into a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside a vibrant pico de gallo to brighten the plate visually and palate-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover burritos tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and juicy, ready for a quick reheat whenever hunger strikes again.
Freezing
If you want to save your burritos for longer, freeze them individually wrapped in foil and placed inside a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for meal prep or quick meals on hectic days.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and place your burrito on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the tortilla regains a little crispness. Alternatively, use a microwave for a faster option, but keep a damp paper towel over the burrito to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Beef Burrito Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like seasoned tofu or lentils can be substituted for the ground beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the alternative protein is cooked through and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or use large lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb wrap. The filling itself contains no gluten, so it’s easy to adapt for special dietary needs.
How spicy is this Beef Burrito Recipe?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning packet and salsa you choose. For a milder dish, use a mild seasoning and salsa. If you love heat, go for spicy versions and add hot sauce as desired to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?
Definitely! Cooking the beef and onion mixture a day ahead makes assembling burritos fast and stress-free. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat gently before assembly.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
A Mexican cheese blend is perfect because it melts well and combines flavors like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla. If unavailable, feel free to mix shredded mozzarella with a little sharp cheddar for a delicious substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Burrito Recipe truly brings together the best of comfort food with bold, satisfying flavors that you will want to make again and again. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and utterly delicious — perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a family favorite right in your kitchen.
Print
Beef Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Burrito Recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, rice, and cheese all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these burritos are flavorful, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and hot sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 6 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 16 ounces refried beans, warmed (1 can)
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup salsa
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Hot sauce (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook while breaking the beef apart with a spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute. Finally, mix in the minced fresh cilantro to infuse fresh flavor.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread a layer of warm refried beans, then add cooked rice, the seasoned beef mixture, shredded cheese, and a spoonful of salsa. Wrap the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all six tortillas.
- Bake Burritos: Bake the assembled burritos in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tortillas become slightly crispy for a perfect texture.
- Serve: Serve your hot beef burritos with optional toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, and guacamole to add creamy, spicy, or rich flavors as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- To cut down on sodium, use low-sodium taco seasoning and salsa.
- For a spicier burrito, add diced jalapeños or chipotle sauce.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days, then reheated in the oven for best results.
