Craving a Homemade Mexican Feast
My Favorite is Simple Beef Burritos and I remember the first time I craved a good beef burrito but didn’t want to spend money at a restaurant. I was in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavors, just like the burritos you’d get at Chipotle. But instead of ordering out, I decided to make my own version right at home. That’s how these Simple Beef Burritos came to be. It was a weekday evening, and I wanted something that could be whipped up quickly but still tasted amazing. With a little bit of creativity and what I had in the kitchen, I managed to create a burrito that was just as satisfying as anything I could buy.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I used lean ground beef, seasoned it with a classic taco seasoning mix, and paired it with refried beans, cooked rice, and a sprinkle of corn for a bit of sweetness. The flour tortillas wrapped everything up nicely, and of course, I couldn’t forget the cheese! The shredded cheddar melted perfectly, adding that gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible. As I rolled up the burritos, I couldn’t help but think how easy it was to bring these ingredients together to create such a flavorful meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the things I love about these burritos is how well they freeze. As a busy parent, having meals ready to go in the freezer is a lifesaver. After assembling the burritos, I wrapped a few in foil and tucked them away in the freezer for those nights when I need a quick dinner solution. When you’re in a rush, just pop one in the oven, and you’ve got a warm, crispy burrito ready in no time. It’s like having a little piece of homemade comfort food waiting for you, even on the busiest days.
A Family Favorite
These Simple Beef Burritos quickly became a family favorite. My kids love how cheesy and hearty they are, and I appreciate how easy they are to make. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack, these burritos always hit the spot. I like to serve them with some fresh guacamole and salsa on the side, and maybe a few chips for crunch. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table, and the best part is knowing that I made it all from scratch.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Simple Beef Burritos
- Warm your tortillas briefly in a microwave or on a dry skillet before assembling the burritos. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Be mindful of the filling amount. Overstuffing the burritos can make them difficult to roll and could cause them to burst during baking.
- If you prefer a crispier burrito, bake them uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes. You can also lightly brush the tops with oil or melted butter before baking.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor. For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- When freezing burritos, make sure they cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil. This prevents condensation, which can cause freezer burn.
- For a quicker reheat, thaw the burrito overnight in the fridge and then bake it as instructed. This reduces cooking time and ensures even heating.
- For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some cheese on top of the burritos before baking. The cheese will melt and create a delicious crust.
Simple Beef Burritos
4
burritos20
minutes25
minutes659
kcal45
minutesCraving Chipotle but want to save some cash? These Simple Beef Burritos are your answer! Perfect for meal prep, these burritos are freezer-friendly and packed with flavor. With a crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy inside, they’re sure to satisfy your Mexican food cravings any night of the week. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe is a game-changer. Make a batch now and enjoy delicious burritos anytime!
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix (1 ounce)
1 ½ cups refried beans (or black beans if preferred)
¾ cup sweet corn kernels
3 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Finely diced red onion
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes or salsa
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro leaves
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Directions
- Prepare the Beef – In a nonstick pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the taco seasoning mix and follow the package instructions for seasoning. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Assemble Burritos – Lay out each tortilla and spread ¼ cup of refried beans down the center. Add ½ cup of cooked rice on top of the beans. Then layer with seasoned beef and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of corn and ¼ cup of shredded cheese.
- Roll Burritos – Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly to form a burrito. Place each burrito seam-side down in a prepared baking dish.
- Optional Freezing – To freeze for later use, wrap each assembled burrito in aluminum foil before baking. Store in the freezer.
- Reheat from Frozen – To bake frozen burritos, place the foil-wrapped burrito on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until thoroughly heated.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 659kcal
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11.4g
- Cholesterol: 76.7mg
- Sodium: 1269mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Sugar: 2.8g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ-Simple Beef Burritos
Can I make these burritos ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes, these burritos are perfect for meal prep! Assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge for quicker reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen burritos?
To reheat frozen burritos, place the foil-wrapped burrito on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until thoroughly heated. For a quicker option, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Can I use a different type of meat or make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for the beef. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely and add extra beans, rice, or veggies like sautéed peppers and onions.
How do I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, don’t overfill the burritos with wet ingredients like salsa or guacamole. Instead, serve those on the side. Also, make sure the rice and beef mixture are not too wet when assembling.
Can I cook these burritos in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! For a crispier finish, cook the burritos in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a golden, crispy exterior.
