A hearty and flavorful Best Beef and Cheese Burrito packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a zesty touch of salsa, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, whether for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night craving.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how easy and delicious these beef and cheese burritos are to make. The combination of well-seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese creates a satisfying bite every time. They are quick enough for a busy weeknight yet taste like something from my favorite Mexican restaurant. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different toppings and fillings!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup refried beans
1/4 cup water
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add salsa, refried beans, and water, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the center of each tortilla.
Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef.
Fold in the sides of the tortillas, then roll them up tightly to form burritos.
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and toast each burrito for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with sour cream and cilantro if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 430 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Different Cheese – Swap out the cheddar and Monterey Jack for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
Healthier Option – Use ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat tortillas.
Extra Fillings – Add rice, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
Creamy Addition – Mix in a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy filling.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate – Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze – Wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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FAQs
How can I make these burritos ahead of time?
I prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to eat, I just warm it up, assemble the burritos, and toast them for a fresh taste.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas don’t roll as easily, but if I prefer them, I warm them well and double-layer them to prevent breaking.
What can I serve with these burritos?
I love pairing them with Mexican rice, a simple salad, or chips and guacamole for a complete meal.
How do I keep my burritos from getting soggy?
I make sure to toast the burritos in a skillet after rolling them. This helps seal them and adds a crispy texture that keeps them from getting too soft.
Can I bake these burritos instead of toasting them?
Yes! I place them on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Conclusion
These beef and cheese burritos are a simple yet delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. They’re easy to customize, store well, and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether I’m keeping it classic or adding my own twist, this recipe always hits the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A hearty and flavorful beef and cheese burrito packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a zesty touch of salsa, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This easy, restaurant-quality meal is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night craving.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup salsa
½ cup refried beans
¼ cup water
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup sour cream (optional)
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season – Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Salsa & Beans – Mix in salsa, refried beans, and water. Let simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Warm Tortillas – Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for flexibility.
- Assemble Burritos – Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly.
- Toast Burritos – Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and toast each burrito for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve – Enjoy warm with sour cream and cilantro if desired.
Notes
For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Swap cheeses for pepper jack or a Mexican blend.
Add rice, black beans, or sautéed peppers for more texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 430 kcal
