Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal, look no further than this Best Beef and Cheese Burrito. It’s packed with tender ground beef cooked in robust spices, creamy beans, velvety melted cheese, and wrapped up in a soft, slightly crisped tortilla. Whether you’re trying to excite the family for dinner or feeding a pack of hungry friends, this irresistible burrito hits every note. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll agree it truly deserves the title of Best Beef and Cheese Burrito!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create unforgettable flavor. Every element adds something unique, from savory beef to gooey cheese to aromatic spices, creating that craveable combination inside every bite.

• Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle richness to the filling.
• Ground beef: The heart of the burrito, juicy and savory with every bite.
• Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and essential depth to the mixture.
• Garlic: Adds sharp fragrance and elevates all the flavors.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato boosts the umami and gives richness.
• Ground cumin: Delivers that quintessential earthy, smoky note you expect in a burrito.
• Chili powder: Infuses mild heat and authentic tex-mex taste without overwhelming spice.
• Paprika: Enhances color and rounds out the spice profile with gentle warmth.
• Salt: Unlocks the flavors and balances each ingredient.
• Black pepper: A hint of pepper for just the right touch of bite.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Juicy, tangy accent that keeps the meat filling moist and bright.
• Beef broth or water: Helps marry flavors together and creates a luscious consistency.
• Cooked rice: Soaks up the saucy filling and makes the burrito satisfyingly substantial.
• Black beans: Creamy, hearty, and full of fiber to make each burrito deliciously filling.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy pleasure.
• Large flour tortillas: The perfect soft-yet-sturdy wrapper for all those tasty fillings.
• Sour cream, salsa, cilantro: Optional, but these toppings add coolness, zest, and fresh color.

How to Make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and let it brown, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. In about 5 to 7 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with that mouthwatering sizzle and aroma. Once browned, make sure to drain off any excess fat—this keeps your filling robust but not greasy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

When your beef is perfectly browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pan. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until everything is soft and fragrant. It’s amazing how just a little onion and garlic can transform the flavor foundation of your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito!

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Next, turn up the flavor: mix in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir them until they’re coating the beef and onions. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth (or water), then let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken, and the spices meld into something deeply savory.

Step 4: Get Filling Ready

While your beef mixture simmers, warm the tortillas so they’re pliable and easy to fold—just a quick toast in a dry skillet or microwave will do. Lay them out and you’ll see how much easier it is to build a neat, generous burrito with a warm wrap. Now line up your rice, black beans (already cooked), and shredded cheese so you’re ready to assemble.

Step 5: Assemble and Roll

Spoon a portion of rice and beans onto the bottom third of each tortilla, layer on a big helping of the hot beef mixture, then finish with a generous handful of cheese. Carefully fold tightly into a burrito, tucking in the sides before rolling up so you don’t lose any precious filling. For the perfect finish, pop each burrito seam-side down into a hot skillet for a minute or two per side. This gives your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito a golden, slightly crisped exterior that’s just irresistible.

How to Serve Best Beef and Cheese Burrito

Garnishes

The right garnish can elevate your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito from tasty to truly memorable. I love a dollop of cool sour cream, a big spoonful of fresh salsa, and a sprinkle of bright green cilantro. Each one brings contrast and freshness that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy filling inside.

Side Dishes

Round out your burrito night with festive sides! Classic tortilla chips and guacamole are always a hit, or try Mexican street corn for a sweet, smoky counterpoint. Even a simple leafy green salad with lime vinaigrette adds nice crunch and keeps your meal lively and well-balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to shake things up, slice the burritos in half so the colorful filling shows. Arrange them on a platter lined with shredded lettuce, drizzle with crema or chipotle mayo, and scatter extra cheese and cilantro over the top. Suddenly, your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito is party-ready and just begging to be devoured!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by wrapping burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days, which makes for a spectacular grab-and-go lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.

Freezing

The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito freezes like a dream! Cool the assembled (but unsauced) burritos completely, then wrap each one in foil. Place them all in a freezer-safe zip-top bag so you can pull out just what you need. When cravings hit, you’ll have a homemade burrito within minutes—no drive-thru required.

Reheating

For a quick reheat, microwave burritos straight from the fridge or freezer (just remove any foil first) until hot throughout. To get that irresistible crispy exterior, finish them in a hot skillet for a couple minutes per side. If you’re feeding a crowd, bake several at once, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until heated through, then uncover to crisp them up for the last few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. You might want to add a splash of olive oil during browning since these meats are leaner, but all the bold flavors will still shine through.

What’s the best cheese to use in this burrito?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses both melt beautifully, creating that classic gooey filling. Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack are delicious extras if you enjoy a little more zing in your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito.

How do I keep my burritos from getting soggy?

The secret is to drain any excess liquid from the beef mixture and be sure your diced tomatoes are well drained. Also, don’t overfill the burrito, and a quick pan-sear after rolling will keep the outside crisp and the inside just right.

Can I add extra veggies to my burrito?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños are fantastic add-ins. Not only will they boost nutrition, but they’ll also give your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito new pops of flavor and color every time you make it.

Are these burritos spicy?

The recipe has a mild warmth thanks to chili powder and paprika, but it isn’t overly spicy. If you like it hot, just add some chopped chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the filling before you roll up your burrito.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring this Best Beef and Cheese Burrito into your weekly rotation! It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and always hits the spot when you want something hearty and cheerful. Gather your ingredients, roll up a batch, and prepare to fall in love—this really could become your new comfort food classic.

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