Beef and Cheese Burrito: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Beef and Cheese Burrito: the ultimate comfort food, ready in minutes! Are you craving a hearty, satisfying meal that's bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality burrito experience right in your own kitchen.

The burrito, a staple of Mexican-American cuisine, has a rich history rooted in the traditions of northern Mexico. While its exact origins are debated, it's believed that burritos evolved from simple flour tortillas used to wrap various fillings for easy transport and consumption. Over time, the burrito migrated north, adapting to American tastes and becoming the beloved dish we know today.

What makes the Beef and Cheese Burrito so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of savory, tender beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. People adore this dish because it's customizable, convenient, and utterly delicious. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – add your favorite salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or any other toppings to create your perfect burrito masterpiece. Get ready to experience burrito bliss!

Beef and Cheese Burrito

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend, see below)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, your preference)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch diameter)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Preparing the Beef Filling:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for flavor, so don't rush it! Make sure the beef is nicely browned.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy. The onions should be translucent.
  3. Add the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). The Rotel adds a nice kick, but if you're sensitive to spice, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead.
  4. Season the Mixture: If using a packet of taco seasoning, add it to the skillet. If making your own taco seasoning, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and then add it to the skillet. Also, add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer the Filling: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be! Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Preparing the Rice:

  1. Cook the Rice: If you haven't already, cook the rice according to package directions. You can use a rice cooker, stovetop method, or even instant rice for convenience. I prefer using a long-grain rice for this recipe, but any type will work.
  2. Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. This prevents it from clumping together in the burritos.

Assembling the Burritos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: This is a very important step! Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from tearing when you roll them. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. I usually use the skillet method because it's quick and easy.
  2. Assemble the First Burrito: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 1/2 cup of cooked rice in the center of the tortilla, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
  3. Add the Beef Filling: Top the rice with about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of the beef filling, spreading it evenly over the rice. Don't overfill the tortilla, or it will be difficult to roll.
  4. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the beef filling.
  5. Fold the Sides: Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, covering the filling.
  6. Roll the Burrito: Starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll the burrito up and over the filling, tucking it in as you go. Think of it like rolling a sleeping bag. The tighter you roll it, the better it will hold together.
  7. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining tortillas, rice, beef filling, and cheese.

Optional: Grilling or Baking the Burritos:

This step is optional, but it adds a nice crispy texture to the burritos and helps to melt the cheese even more.

Grilling:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Grill the Burritos: Lightly brush the outside of each burrito with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the burritos on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Baking:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the Burritos: Place the burritos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.

Serving:

  1. Serve Immediately: Serve the burritos immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted.
  2. Add Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, and chopped cilantro, for your guests to customize their burritos.
  3. Enjoy! Enjoy your delicious homemade beef and cheese burritos!

Tips and Variations:

  • Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, black beans, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute.
  • Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef filling for extra heat.
  • Make it Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to assemble the burritos, simply reheat the filling and proceed with the recipe.
  • Freeze for Later: Assembled burritos can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become a bit soggy.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier flavor or queso fresco for a milder, more authentic taste.
  • Rice Variations: Try using cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice for a different flavor profile.
  • Bean Variations: Pinto beans or refried beans can be used instead of, or in addition to, black and kidney beans.
  • Tortilla Options: Whole wheat tortillas or gluten-free tortillas can be used for a healthier or allergy-friendly option.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the burritos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

  • Calories: 600-800 per burrito

    Beef and Cheese Burrito

    Conclusion:

    This Beef and Cheese Burrito recipe isn't just another meal; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! From the savory, seasoned beef to the gooey, melted cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, comforting tortilla, it's the perfect combination of textures and tastes that will leave you completely satisfied. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for a casual weekend gathering, and customizable enough to suit everyone's preferences. I truly believe this will become a staple in your recipe rotation. But why is this particular burrito a must-try? It's all about the balance. We've carefully crafted the recipe to ensure that each ingredient complements the others, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The beef is seasoned just right, not too spicy, not too bland, but perfectly balanced to enhance its natural richness. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, decadent layer that binds everything together. And the tortilla, warmed to perfection, provides the perfect vessel for this culinary masterpiece. It's a simple recipe, yes, but the attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients make all the difference. Now, let's talk about serving suggestions and variations because the fun doesn't stop here! For a classic experience, serve your Beef and Cheese Burrito with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a side of your favorite salsa. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some guacamole or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Want to make it a complete meal? Serve it alongside some Mexican rice and refried beans. But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheddar and Oaxaca. You can also add other fillings, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños, to customize it to your liking. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the beef with black beans or seasoned tofu. And if you're looking for a lighter version, you can use whole wheat tortillas and lean ground beef. Another fantastic variation is to turn these burritos into enchiladas! Simply place the filled burritos in a baking dish, cover them with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. This is a great way to use up leftover burritos and create a completely new and delicious meal. You could also grill the burritos after assembling them for a crispy, smoky flavor. The possibilities are truly endless! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some culinary magic. Once you've made your own version of this amazing Beef and Cheese Burrito, I'd absolutely love to hear about it! Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking, and enjoy!


    Beef and Cheese Burrito: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

    Beef and Cheese Burrito: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide Recipe Thumbnail

    A hearty burrito filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time15 minutes
    Total Time25
    Category: Lunch
    Yield: 6 burritos

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 packet taco seasoning
    • 1 cup cooked rice
    • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 6 large flour tortillas
    • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

    Instructions

    1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
    2. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated.
    3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet.
    4. Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla.
    5. Top with shredded cheese.
    6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly.
    7. Serve immediately.

    Notes

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    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • For a spicier burrito, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or use a spicier salsa.
    • Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking. Some other great additions include guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
    ```
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