Description
This Best Beef and Cheese Burrito recipe features a flavorful ground beef mixture seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, combined with refried beans and salsa for a rich, hearty filling. Wrapped in warm flour tortillas and toasted to a perfect golden brown, these burritos are topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 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
Burrito Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is browned all over. Drain any excess grease to keep the burritos from being too oily.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, blending their flavors with the beef.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly season the meat mixture.
- Simmer with salsa and beans: Mix in the salsa, refried beans, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Warm tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave just until they are flexible and easy to roll without tearing.
- Assemble burritos: Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then roll each tortilla tightly to encase the filling.
- Toast burritos: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and place each burrito seam side down. Toast for 1-2 minutes on each side until the tortillas are golden and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Serve the burritos warm, topped with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired for added freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding chopped jalapenos.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- The burritos can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then toasted just before serving for convenience.
- If you prefer a saucier filling, add a bit more salsa or water while simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
