Sink your teeth into the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito and discover why this classic is an absolute weeknight hero. Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef cozied up with melty cheese, creamy refried beans, and a bright kick of tomatoes and chiles—all wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla. Each bite is bold yet comforting, layered with flavors and textures that always satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a cozy dinner, this recipe brings the spirit of a bustling taqueria straight into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Best Beef and Cheese Burrito lies in its down-to-earth ingredients, each chosen for a reason. These staples are pantry-friendly but together, they create the ultimate all-in-one meal that never fails to impress with taste and vibrant color.
- Olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil brings a subtle richness to your filling and helps everything cook evenly.
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for juicy flavor without too much grease, making every bite delicious.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth, forming the fragrant backbone of your burrito filling.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic sharpens the flavor and brings a punchy aroma—don’t skip it!
- Taco seasoning (or homemade blend): The spice blend infuses the beef with instant Tex-Mex flair; homemade or store-bought both work.
- Water: Allows the taco spices to bloom and creates the perfect saucy texture for the filling.
- Refried beans: Creamy and hearty, these beans act like edible glue and add a luscious layer to each burrito.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained): Bring tang, moisture, and just a touch of gentle heat—one of the secrets to a lively flavor.
- Cooked rice: For body and substance—rice transforms this burrito into a stick-to-your-ribs meal.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is non-negotiable; pick your favorite or mix a few for extra flavor.
- Large flour tortillas: A generously sized, soft tortilla holds all your fillings snug and makes for mess-free eating.
- Sour cream, salsa, and cilantro (for serving): These cooling, zippy garnishes bring freshness and that final “wow” factor to your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito.
How to Make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the kitchen smells irresistible, about three minutes. This first step lays the flavor foundation for your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito, so let your onions get a little glassy and sweet.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef to your skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it loses all its pink color and starts to develop tasty little browned bits—this is what brings that craveable, savory punch! Drain any excess grease if your beef isn’t super lean, but don’t lose those flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning (or your homemade blend) and pour in the water. Stir well to coat every morsel, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it all simmer together for about five minutes, reducing into a thick, saucy mixture that’s bursting with zest and depth.
Step 4: Prepare the Beans and Tomato Mixture
In a small saucepan on low heat, warm your refried beans gently, then fold in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. This creamy, tangy mixture is packed with flavor and will help everything stay together inside the burrito.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burritos
Lay out a large flour tortilla and spread a generous layer of the warm bean-tomato mixture over the center. Top with a hearty scoop of the seasoned beef, a sprinkle of rice, and a generous handful of cheese. Don’t be shy—the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito should be loaded!
Step 6: Roll and Toast
Wrap each burrito tightly: fold in the sides, roll up from the bottom, and keep everything snug. Place each burrito seam-side down onto a hot, dry skillet or griddle. Toast for 1–2 minutes per side, just until golden and the cheese melts into a gooey delight. Toasting adds texture and helps seal in all those precious fillings.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito piping hot, topped with dollops of sour cream, zesty salsa, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Prepare for every bite to be an explosion of classic burrito goodness.
How to Serve Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Garnishes
Presentation matters, so don’t forget your finishing touches! A big, fluffy spoonful of sour cream, a swirl of salsa, and a dusting of chopped cilantro instantly brighten each plate. If you’re feeling bold, thinly sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime add extra vibrancy.
Side Dishes
The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito gets along with so many classic sides. Think crisp tortilla chips with guacamole, a tangy corn salad, or spicy pickled jalapeños. For something heartier, serve alongside a simple green salad or zesty Mexican street corn.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, set up a build-your-own burrito bar with all the fillings and toppings in separate bowls—kids and grown-ups alike get to customize their creation. Or, slice the burritos in half and arrange them on a platter for easy party sharing. Even cut them into bite-sized rounds for irresistible game day snacks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Best Beef and Cheese Burrito, wrap each cooled burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners that taste just as comforting the second time around.
Freezing
This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream! For a freezer-friendly option, wrap each un-toasted burrito tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When a burrito craving sneaks up (and it will), simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake or microwave until piping hot.
Reheating
To reheat, either microwave the wrapped burrito for 2–3 minutes or, for the best texture, bake at 350°F wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes. You can also heat in a skillet to re-crisp the tortilla. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed a melty, satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito is super flexible. Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—the spices and cheese will still pull everything together perfectly.
What’s the best way to prevent a soggy burrito?
Make sure to drain your tomatoes thoroughly before adding them to the beans, and don’t overstuff with wet fillings. Toasting the rolled burrito on a skillet also helps create a seal and keeps the tortilla crisp.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—you can easily use large gluten-free tortillas, and double-check that your refried beans and taco seasoning are gluten-free as well. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
Is it okay to add extra veggies?
Go for it! A handful of sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach works beautifully inside the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito. It’s a great way to sneak in more color and nutrients.
How spicy is the final burrito?
It’s mild to moderate spicy, thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chiles. If you love a kick, add hot sauce, extra chiles, or chopped jalapeños to the filling or as garnishes!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a foolproof, crowd-pleasing meal, the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito promises savory satisfaction in every bite. Gather your favorite people and let this delicious burrito bring the party to your kitchen table—you’ll be hooked after the first cheesy, beefy mouthful!
Print
Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these delicious Beef and Cheese Burritos. Packed with savory beef, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings, these burritos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade blend
- 1/2 cup water
For the Burritos:
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: Warm refried beans, mix in diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Assemble Burritos: Spread refried beans on tortillas, top with beef, rice, and cheese. Roll tightly.
- Toast Burritos: Toast burritos on a skillet until lightly golden and cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.
Notes
- For a freezer-friendly option, wrap un-toasted burritos in foil and freeze for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
