When you think of a satisfying, quick, and flavorful meal, beef burritos are hard to beat. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or craving something hearty and handheld, this beef burrito recipe is the kind of dish that delivers comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy taste. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and bold ingredients all wrapped in a warm tortilla, you get a full, satisfying bite every time. Burritos have grown far beyond their Mexican origins and become a go-to favorite across many households, thanks to their flexibility and how fast they come together.
Why We Love This Beef Burrito Recipe
You’ll love how approachable this beef burrito recipe is. Everything comes together in one pan, and it’s incredibly forgiving—even if you’re not an experienced cook. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find. Plus, the result is anything but basic.
These burritos are loaded without being overwhelming. You get that classic balance—savory beef, rich beans, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of spice. The melted cheese ties it all together and turns every bite into a comfort-filled experience. They’re great for meal prep, lunches, or dinners when you just want something hot and filling. You can even freeze them for later, making them a smart option for busy days.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or feeding a small crowd, this is one of those recipes that fits the moment. It’s customizable, satisfying, and always a hit.
Ingredients for Beef Burritos
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best beef burritos. This combination of ingredients strikes the right balance between hearty, flavorful, and comforting.
- 1 lb ground beef, lean (85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 10 oz can Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilis (with juice)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp chili powder (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (adjust as needed)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans (with juice; tri-bean blend also works)
- 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend (or half mozzarella, half cheddar)
How to Make Beef Burrito Directions
To get started, you’ll need a skillet, a spoon for stirring, and a little space to assemble your burritos. Follow these steps to bring the flavors together and make burritos you’ll look forward to every time.
Start by placing a large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it, breaking it apart as it browns. After about 5 minutes, it should be fully cooked. Use a spoon to remove most of the excess fat, but leave just a bit—around 2 to 3 tablespoons. This helps keep the filling rich and flavorful.
Now it’s time to season. Add the finely chopped onion along with cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the meat turns a deeper brown. The spices should be aromatic at this point.
Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes (with the juice) and the can of black beans (also with juice). Stir it all together and lower the heat to medium-low. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. The liquid will slowly evaporate, and the tomatoes will break down to create a rich, saucy base. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the filling has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to match your preference.
Now, lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese in the center of each tortilla, leaving about a 1-inch border. Add about 2/3 cup of the warm beef mixture on top of the cheese. Then sprinkle a bit more cheese on top of the meat. This layering ensures the cheese melts perfectly through the burrito.
To fold, first bring the short sides of the tortilla inward, over the filling. Then, fold the bottom edge over the filling and start rolling tightly. Tuck in the sides as you go until the burrito is fully sealed. Repeat for all six.
When ready to heat, add a bit of oil to a skillet and place the burrito seam-side down. Cook on medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides—about 3 to 5 minutes total. This toasting step adds texture and helps seal in the ingredients.
Once finished, your burritos are ready to serve with toppings of your choice.
How to Serve Beef Burritos
You’ve got warm, toasty beef burritos—now it’s time to make them shine. Serving them is as simple or as creative as you want it to be. You can cut them in half for a fun presentation that shows off the filling, or keep them whole for easy eating.
Plate them with a side of fresh lettuce, or set out a spread of toppings so everyone can customize. A spoonful of sour cream on top, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a side of guacamole adds richness and freshness. You can also pair them with Mexican-style rice, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
If you’re hosting, lay out the burritos on a tray with small bowls of toppings around. It feels festive and allows everyone to dress theirs up just the way they like it. You could even serve them deconstructed for picky eaters—letting each person build their own burrito with the fillings and extras they love.
Expert Tips: Beef Burritos
- Use the right tortillas: Large, 10-inch flour tortillas are best. They hold everything without breaking and allow for a tight fold.
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling makes it hard to roll, and it may burst open while cooking. Stick to around 2/3 cup of filling per burrito.
- Warm your tortillas: A few seconds in the microwave or a dry skillet helps make the tortillas pliable, reducing the chance of tears.
- Toast to perfection: That last step of browning them in the pan makes a big difference. It adds crunch and seals the burrito shut.
- Customize your spice: The chili powder is adjustable. For a milder version, use less. If you enjoy heat, try adding a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the meat.
- Prep ahead: You can make the beef and bean filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, then reheat and assemble when ready.
How to Store Beef Burritos
If you’ve got leftovers—or want to meal prep—these burritos store very well. Let the cooked burritos cool completely before storing. Wrap each one tightly in foil or parchment paper, then place in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
In the fridge: Store for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet until warmed through.
In the freezer: Burritos can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, unwrap and microwave from frozen or thaw overnight and warm in a skillet.
For best results, reheat burritos in a covered skillet on low heat to crisp the tortilla while gently warming the filling.
Variation of Beef Burritos
One of the great things about beef burritos is how flexible they are. You can swap ingredients or add extras depending on what you have at home or what flavors you’re craving.
- Veggie-packed: Add sautéed peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
- Spicy version: Mix chopped jalapeños into the beef or add hot sauce directly to the filling.
- Rice-filled: Add a scoop of cooked rice to each burrito to make them even more filling.
- Cheesy twist: Try using pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Different protein: Ground turkey or shredded chicken can be used instead of beef.
- Breakfast-style: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns for a breakfast burrito take on this recipe.
The core filling works well as a base, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
FAQ – Beef Burrito
What is the best meat for burritos?
Ground beef is one of the best options because it cooks quickly, holds seasoning well, and blends perfectly with other ingredients.
Can I make beef burritos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and roll the burritos in advance, then store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when ready to eat.
How do I keep burritos from falling apart?
Don’t overfill them, and make sure to fold the sides in tightly. Browning them in a skillet also helps seal the edges.
What cheese works best in beef burritos?
A shredded Mexican cheese blend melts smoothly and adds great flavor. Mozzarella and cheddar work well too.
Are beef burritos spicy?
Not necessarily. The recipe uses chili powder, but the amount is adjustable. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
Beef Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85/15 recommended)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 10 oz can Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilis (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans (with juice; tri-bean blend also works)
- 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or half mozzarella, half cheddar)
Instructions
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns, for about 5 minutes. Remove excess fat, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons.
- Add the chopped onion, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (with juice) and black beans (with juice). Stir and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Lay out tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle cheese in the center of each tortilla, add about 2/3 cup of the beef mixture, and top with more cheese.
- Fold the short sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to seal. Repeat for all tortillas.
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and place burritos seam-side down. Cook on medium heat, turning until golden brown on all sides (about 3-5 minutes).
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