Introduction

Beef burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal option that brings together savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, these burritos are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. They are also an excellent choice for meal prep, making them a convenient option for busy weeks.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Ground Beef: 1 pound
Onion: 1 medium, diced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons
Cumin: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Corn: 1 cup, frozen or canned
Tortillas: 4 large, flour or corn
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Sour Cream: for serving
Fresh Cilantro: for garnish, optional

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until softened and translucent. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Seasoning

Once the beef is cooked, drain excess fat if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juices, followed by black beans, and corn. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

Prepare the Burritos

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices, if desired.

Roll the Burritos

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then roll from the bottom up to enclose the filling completely. Ensure the burrito is tightly rolled to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Cook the Burritos

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Serve

Remove the cooked burritos from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice in half if desired, and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

Substitutions

Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative like lentils or black beans.

Storage

Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Customization

Customize your burritos with additional toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or different types of cheese according to your preference.

Cook techniques

Marinating the Beef

Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness. Use a mixture of spices, lime juice, and oil to create a savory marinade.

Cooking the Beef

Cook the marinated beef in a hot pan until it develops a nice sear. This locks in juices while achieving a desirable texture.

Sautéing Vegetables

Sauté onions and peppers in the same pan to absorb the flavors of the beef. Cook until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Assembly of Burritos

Layer the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables onto warmed tortillas. Add cheese, beans, and any other desired fillings.

Rolling Burritos

Roll the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides to secure the fillings. This ensures a neat and enjoyable eating experience.

Cooking Burritos

For an extra crispy texture, cook the rolled burritos in a hot skillet or grill them until golden brown on all sides.

Storing Burritos

Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge, effectively maintaining their freshness and flavor.

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even plant-based proteins for a variation in flavor.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?

Warm the tortillas before filling them to make them more pliable and reduce the risk of tearing when rolling.

Can I make burritos ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the filling and assemble the burritos ahead of time. Wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate.

What can I use as a filling?

You can use a variety of fillings like rice, beans, cheese, avocado, and salsa to customize your burritos.

How should I reheat the burritos?

Reheat burritos in a skillet over medium heat or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

The beef burrito recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors, hearty ingredients, and a customizable dining experience. With a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a party favorite, these burritos will surely please your taste buds.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Burritos

For a lighter alternative, try substituting beef with seasoned grilled chicken. Accompany it with fresh vegetables and a zesty sauce for added flavor.

Vegetarian Burritos

Use a mix of black beans, lentils, or grilled vegetables for a delicious and nutritious vegetarian version. Add avocado and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.

Breakfast Burritos

Transform your burritos into a breakfast staple by filling them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats or sautéed veggies.

Spicy Shrimp Burritos

For seafood lovers, fill your burrito with sautéed shrimp, spicy sauce, and fresh pico de gallo to create a vibrant and tasty meal.

BBQ Beef Burritos

Give your burritos a smoky twist by using BBQ beef. Combine with corn, shredded cheese, and coleslaw for a unique flavor combination.

Loaded Nacho Burritos

Take your burrito to the next level by adding nacho toppings like jalapeños, tortilla chips, and queso to the classic recipe for an irresistible crunch.