When summer rolls around and the sun shines bright, nothing beats gathering friends and family for a backyard cookout, right? Picture this: The grill sizzling away, laughter filling the air, and everyone diving into a spread that includes these mouthwatering burritos.
They can be easily customized, and they work like a charm for both adults and kids. In my house, we believe sharing food is the best part of any gathering, and this burrito beef recipe has become a staple of our culinary repertoire.
Burritos are more than just food; they’re a celebration – an edible party wrapped in a tortilla. This burrito beef recipe is everything you want in a wrap: flavorful beef seasoned perfectly, an assortment of fresh veggies, and top it all off with plenty of melted cheese.
Make it as spicy or mild as you like, throw in your favorite toppings, and you have a winning dish that you can prepare quickly.
Greek Green Beans Fasolakia Recipe
This dish features ground beef cooked with a blend of spices and mixed with a medley of vegetables, all packed into a soft flour tortilla. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prep. You can eat it right away or save it for later, adding a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners.
The flavor profile is a beautiful balance of spicy, savory, and slightly smoky notes. The spices bring warmth, while fresh vegetables add a crunchy texture and bright flavors. The melted cheese provides that ninja-like creaminess that holds everything together, making each bite a delightful experience.
You’re going to love this recipe because it checks all the boxes: it’s simple to prepare, customizable, and equally satisfying for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly! You prepare the filling in advance, and when it’s time to eat, all you do is roll those burritos and heat them. What’s not to love?
Here’s what you need for this burrito beef recipe:
Burrito Seasoning:
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Beef:
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for an extra kick)
Burritos:
- 6 – 8 large flour tortillas (around 25cm / 10”)
- 3 cups cooked rice (I prefer white long grain)
- 3 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce or cabbage (cabbage works great for freezing)
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained
- 3 fresh tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- A handful of cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheese of your choice (I recommend a melting kind)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for extra creaminess)
Ingredients From : recipetineats.com
Making burrito beef is quick and straightforward. You’ll start by cooking the beef and spices, and then get everything assembled into delicious burritos. Let's dive into the steps!
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting the onions soften and turn a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial because it builds a flavor foundation that enhances your beef.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep it on the heat until it turns from pink to brown – about 5-7 minutes. Cooking it just right means your burrito filling will be tender and juicy.
Next, sprinkle in the burrito seasoning you prepared. Mix it well and let it cook for another minute so the spices can bloom and mingle with the beef. Then stir in the tomato paste and water. Continue to cook for about 3 minutes. The water should mostly evaporate, leaving the beef filling juicy but not runny. Take it off the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. This step ensures you don’t end up with soggy tortillas when rolling them.
If you’re using uncooked tortillas, warm them according to the package directions before rolling. If they're already soft, skip this step! You can keep the rolled burritos cold, or you can prepare them for later by wrapping them in foil.
Grab a tortilla and lay it on a clean surface. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of warm cooked rice just below the center of the tortilla, followed by a generous 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the beef filling. Add the shredded lettuce, canned corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of red onion, and fresh cilantro on top. Finally, pile on the shredded cheese.
Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling, then tuck in the sides. Roll it tightly, ensuring everything stays snug inside. It helps to tuck the edges in as you roll to avoid any spillage. Wrap each burrito in foil or place them snugly in a baking dish.
If you're ready to enjoy, you can pan-fry the burritos in the foil on medium-high heat for a few minutes per side to crisp up the outside. Alternatively, bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes in foil if you want a slightly crunchier tortilla. Serve warm with sour cream or yogurt and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a delightful kick.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef filling a day in advance for a quicker assembly at mealtime.
- Adjust Spice: If you're serving children or anyone sensitive to heat, keep the cayenne pepper to a minimum.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies not only enhance flavor but also add those vital nutrients!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with Tortillas: Try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a different twist!
You can store burrito beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the filling in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Just make sure to label them with the date!
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option.
- Tortillas: If you can’t find large flour tortillas, corn tortillas work too, though they are smaller and may require more assembly.
- Beans: Pinto beans can easily replace black beans if that’s what you have.
- Rice: If you don’t have rice, use quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Tomato Paste: You could use crushed tomatoes as a substitute but reduce the water amount slightly.
- Sour Cream: A classic topping that adds creaminess.
- Guacamole: Enhance the richness with some homemade or store-bought avocado dip.
- Salsa: Fresh or chunky salsas pair wonderfully.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of heat from your favorite hot sauce can wake things up!
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime brightens up the flavors immensely.
- Cheese: Feta cheese can replace the regular cheese for a tangier flavor.
- Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes are a great alternative.
- Herbs: Instead of coriander, you can go for fresh parsley for a milder flavor.
- Onions: If you run out of red onion, green onions can provide a wonderful crunch.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil instead, which offers a high smoke point and nice flavor.
This burrito beef recipe is a versatile and delightful meal perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. With just some simple, fresh ingredients and a bit of time, you'll have a dish that pleases everyone at the table. So roll up those burritos, invite your friends over, and enjoy the joy that good food brings – you’ll definitely want to make this one again!
Burritos are more than just food; they’re a celebration – an edible party wrapped in a tortilla. This burrito beef recipe is everything you want in a wrap: flavorful beef seasoned perfectly, an assortment of fresh veggies, and top it all off with plenty of melted cheese.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef filling a day in advance for a quicker assembly at mealtime.
- Adjust Spice: If you're serving children or anyone sensitive to heat, keep the cayenne pepper to a minimum.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies not only enhance flavor but also add those vital nutrients!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with Tortillas: Try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a different twist!
Mary Siegel is a registered dietitian from Texas and the heart behind Easy Meal Recipe, a blog dedicated to making healthy cooking simple and enjoyable. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Houston, she shares easy, flavorful recipes designed for busy lives. Growing up surrounded by family and food, she now blends her love of comfort food with a focus on balanced nutrition. Outside the kitchen, Mary loves exploring farmers' markets and spending time with her family in the Texas outdoors.