Burritos are a beloved comfort food, offering a delicious combination of flavors wrapped up in a soft tortilla. These Cheesy Beef Burritos are the ultimate indulgence for anyone craving a hearty meal that’s quick to prepare yet packs a punch of flavor. The savory ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables combine to create the perfect filling burrito, with an optional cheesy sauce and crunchy tortilla chips to top it off. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving them at a party, these burritos are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and cheesy beef filling, along with toppings that take the burrito to the next level:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound (450 g) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Taco seasoning mix (or homemade: cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder) | 1 packet (or 1 tsp of each spice) |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Flour tortillas | 4 large |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salsa or chopped tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped lettuce | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped red onion | 1/4 cup |
| Sliced jalapeños (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Tortilla chips, crushed (for garnish) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) | 1/4 cup |
| Cheese sauce (for drizzling) | 1/4 cup |
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
To begin, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will create the base of the filling, infusing the oil with aromatic flavors.
Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly and crumbles into small bits. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink and fully browned. If there’s excess fat in the skillet after cooking, be sure to drain it off to prevent the burritos from becoming greasy.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning mix (or if you’re using homemade seasoning, add 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder). Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the spices to meld with the beef, creating a flavorful filling for your burritos. The water will help form a sauce, and as it simmers, the flavors will thicken.
After the mixture has simmered and thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. The cheese will add richness and creaminess to the beef filling, making each bite irresistible.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
Now that your beef filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the burritos. First, warm the 4 large flour tortillas to make them pliable and easy to work with. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side, or if you prefer, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
Once your tortillas are warm and flexible, spread a generous layer of 1/2 cup sour cream over the center of each tortilla. The sour cream adds a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the savory beef and makes the burritos even more delicious. Next, spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, ensuring that it is evenly spread out.
Top the beef with your choice of 1/2 cup salsa or chopped tomatoes. The fresh, zesty salsa or tomatoes add a burst of freshness to the burritos and pair perfectly with the savory beef. Add 1/2 cup of chopped lettuce for a crunchy, refreshing texture that will contrast nicely with the warm, cheesy filling.
For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped red onion over the burrito. The sharpness of the red onion adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add 1/4 cup of sliced jalapeños on top. These can be fresh or pickled, depending on your preference for spice.
Step 3: Roll the Burritos
Once the fillings are on the tortillas, it’s time to roll them up into burritos. Start by folding in the sides of the tortilla, covering the filling from both edges. Then, carefully roll the tortilla up from the bottom, ensuring the filling stays tightly packed inside. Keep the burrito snug as you roll to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking or serving.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
After you’ve rolled up the burritos, it’s time to serve them. Place the burritos on a serving platter and drizzle with cheese sauce for extra creaminess and a cheesy, decadent touch. The cheese sauce will melt beautifully over the warm tortillas, enhancing the flavor of the beef and cheese filling.
For an extra crunchy and flavorful touch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top of the burritos. The chips add a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, cheesy burrito. Garnish with fresh cilantro, adding a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that will balance the richness of the other ingredients.
You can also serve the burritos with additional salsa or sour cream on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their burrito experience.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for Cheesy Beef Burritos is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the burritos to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some tips and variations to try:
1. Add More Veggies: If you love vegetables, try adding some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture. These ingredients will add extra flavor and texture to the burritos, making them even more satisfying.
2. Spice it Up: For those who enjoy spicier foods, consider using a spicier salsa, adding extra jalapeños, or mixing in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the beef filling. You can also opt for hot taco seasoning or chili powder to amp up the heat.
3. Make it Healthier: If you’re looking to make a healthier version of these burritos, you can substitute the ground beef for lean ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or tofu. You can also swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, which will provide a similar creaminess with added protein and fewer calories.
4. Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for these burritos, you can mix things up by using different types of cheese. Monterrey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or Cotija would all make fantastic options, giving your burritos a different flavor profile.
5. Make-ahead Burritos: If you’re short on time, these burritos can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and the cheese is melted. This is an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
6. Freeze for Later: You can also freeze these burritos for a quick meal later. Once assembled, wrap each burrito tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake the frozen burritos at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Burritos are a perfect meal for any occasion. They’re filling, flavorful, and completely customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a party, these burritos are sure to satisfy. With their creamy beef filling, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, they’re the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a tortilla.
So grab your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a deliciously cheesy meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to get creative with the toppings and fillings, and let these burritos become your go-to dish for any day of the week. Enjoy!
