Beef and cheese stuffed burritos are a popular and satisfying meal. Here is a recipe to make them at home.

Beef and Cheese Stuffed Burritos

This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful beef filling, which is the heart of the burrito. You can easily adjust the spices and fillings to your liking.

Yields: 6-8 burritos

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For Assembly:

  • 6-8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend)

  • 1 (15 oz) can refried beans, warmed

  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot 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 fat.

  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Create the Filling: Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  4. Warm the Tortillas: While the filling simmers, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side, in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30-45 seconds, or in the oven wrapped in foil. Warming makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking.

  5. Assemble the Burritos: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans down the center. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling over the beans.

  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese over the beef filling.

  7. Fold and Wrap: To roll the burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla in towards the center, then tightly roll the bottom edge up and over the filling, tucking it in as you go. Continue rolling until you have a neat, tight burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

  8. Crisp the Burritos (Optional): For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the burritos. Heat a clean, dry skillet over medium heat and place the burritos seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the burritos immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole. For a complete meal, you can serve them alongside a simple salad or Mexican rice.

Tips and Variations

  • Make it Your Own: Feel free to add cooked rice, black beans, or corn to the beef filling for extra texture and heartiness.

  • Cheese Please: Use your favorite cheese. Pepper Jack is a great option if you want to add a little spice.

  • Make Ahead: The beef filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the burritos.