Best Beef And Cheese Burrito Recipe

Juicy Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe for Taco Tuesday Magic

Culinary magic happens when a delectable beef and cheese burrito transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Savory beef mingles with melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of rich, seasoned meat nestle perfectly between warm tortillas, promising a satisfying experience.

Kitchen adventures begin with this mouthwatering combination of classic ingredients.

Comfort meets excitement in every carefully crafted bite.

Spices whisper stories of bold flavors waiting to be discovered.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that will make your taste buds celebrate.

Burrito Recipe Questions You’ve Been Asking

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this burrito recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • How spicy are these burritos?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and optional hot sauce you use. If you prefer mild, choose a mild seasoning blend or reduce the amount of spices.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef, tortillas, and basic spices are relatively inexpensive, making this a cost-effective meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

  • Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the burritos when you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste and crispiest texture.

Why This Burrito Recipe Is a Cheesy, Beefy Favorite

  • Easily adapt the recipe with various toppings like guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce, making it a hit for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
  • Achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior and rich, flavorful filling that rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
  • Prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble burritos quickly, ideal for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal last-minute effort.

What Goes Into These Flavor-Filled Burritos

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base with deep flavor for the burrito filling, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances meat's savory taste, helps create a juicy filling.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Taco Seasoning, Paprika, Cumin: Provides authentic Mexican-style flavor profile, creates warm and complex taste.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sharpness to the meat mixture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces rich umami undertone, deepens overall meat flavor.
Tortilla and Accompaniments:
  • Tortillas: Soft flour wrap for holding the burrito, choose large size for easier rolling.
  • Refried Beans, Rice: Optional base layer that adds extra texture and substance.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that provides creamy richness, cheddar or Mexican blend works best.
  • Sour Cream, Salsa, Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and complementary flavors, helps bind ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, provides light cooking medium.
  • Onion: Provides sweet and savory base for meat mixture, adds aromatic foundation.

How to Roll the Best Beef and Cheese Burritos

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss chopped onions into the pan, allowing them to dance and soften until translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, deep brown color with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the flavor makers:
  • Minced garlic
  • Taco seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce

Stir thoroughly to coat every morsel with delicious seasoning.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the mixture bubble gently, allowing ingredients to meld and sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Prepare Tortilla Canvas

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

Step 6: Layer the Fillings

Create a delectable base layer:
  • Refried beans
  • Cooked rice (optional)

Spread evenly across the tortilla.

Step 7: Add Beef Filling

Spoon the spiced beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla.

Step 8: Cheese and Toppings Galore

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese. Add additional toppings:
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Chopped cilantro

Step 9: Wrap Like a Pro

Fold sides inward, then roll from bottom up, creating a tight burrito package.

Step 10: Crisp and Golden

For extra crunch, place burritos seam-side down in a hot skillet. Cook until each side turns golden and crispy.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately with favorite accompaniments like guacamole, extra salsa, or hot sauce.

Tips for Melty Cheese and Tender Beef

  • Drain Grease Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent soggy, greasy burritos and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
  • Choose Fresh Tortillas: Select soft, flexible tortillas and warm them slightly to prevent cracking and make rolling easier without breaking.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning or add extra spices like chili powder or red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference and flavor profile.
  • Layer Strategically: Spread beans or rice first, then beef, to create a solid base that prevents filling from falling out and ensures each bite has balanced ingredients.
  • Crisp Wisely: Use medium-low heat when browning burritos to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without burning the tortilla or overcooking the filling.

Reheating Burritos Without Getting Soggy

  • Store leftover burritos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Before storing, wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn.
  • Seal burritos in freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through for even heating.

Dishes to Match with These Loaded Burritos

  • Craft a tangy lime margarita with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors.
  • Whip up a crisp coleslaw with cilantro, lime, and jalapeño to add fresh, crunchy contrast to the hearty burrito.
  • Select a light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to balance the spicy and savory burrito filling and cleanse the palate.
  • Create a homemade roasted tomato salsa with charred peppers and fresh herbs to enhance the burrito's robust taste profile.

Fun Variations on the Classic Burrito Filling

Vegetarian Burrito Bliss: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free option.

Gluten-Free Wrap Wonder: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining delicious flavor.

Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Swap tortillas for large lettuce leaves, creating a light, crisp alternative for those reducing carbohydrate intake.

Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and pepper jack cheese to intensify the burrito’s heat and create a bolder flavor profile.

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Best Beef And Cheese Burrito Recipe

Best Beef And Cheese Burrito Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor authentic Mexican Beef and Cheese Burrito magic with layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla. Hearty flavors and simple preparation make this dish a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (or homemade, see notes)

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Base and Supplemental Ingredients:

  • 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
  • 1 cup refried beans or black beans (optional)
  • ½ cup cooked rice (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup beef broth (or water)

Seasonings and Garnishes:

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Jalapeno slices
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  3. Eliminate excess fat from the meat if necessary to maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
  4. Incorporate minced garlic, taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture.
  5. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring intermittently, until the sauce thickens and develops a robust consistency, approximately 5 minutes.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and let the beef mixture rest momentarily.
  7. Prepare tortillas by warming them in a dry skillet or microwave to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during assembly.
  8. Layer each tortilla with a smooth spread of refried beans or rice, creating a foundational barrier.
  9. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture centrally across the tortilla, leaving adequate space for folding.
  10. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef, creating a melty, indulgent layer.
  11. Embellish with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or preferred condiments.
  12. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom upward to secure the filling.
  13. For a crispy exterior, place burritos seam-side down in a heated skillet, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crunchy finish.
  14. Serve immediately, accompanied by additional salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy burritos and ensure a crispy, delicious texture.
  • Customize seasoning by adjusting spice levels with more or less taco seasoning for personalized heat.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by using corn tortillas and checking that taco seasoning is gluten-free certified.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly, storing cooked beef and chopped toppings separately in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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