Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, let me introduce you to the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito. Imagine a warm flour tortilla stuffed with savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese—every bite is pure bliss! This recipe strikes the perfect balance of textures and southwest-inspired flavors, making it equally perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing feast. Once you try this at home, you’ll know why it earns its title as the very best!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Best Beef and Cheese Burrito is that you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a handful of familiar staples that come together in a deliciously satisfying way. Each one brings its own character, from the richness of the beef to the zing of the spices and the creaminess of the cheese.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the onions and beef cook evenly.
- Ground beef: The heart of the filling—juicy, meaty, and flavorful.
- Yellow onion: Gives gentle sweetness and depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Garlic: Boosts the savory base with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming heat.
- Cumin: Adds a layer of earthiness that ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Paprika: Gives a dash of smokiness and gorgeous color to the filling.
- Salt: Essential for bringing every flavor forward and making those spices pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of boldness and complements the other seasonings.
- Tomato paste: Lends concentrated umami and a beautiful, rich color.
- Water: Helps to blend the tomato paste into a saucy, luscious filling.
- Refried beans: Infuses delicious creaminess and helps hold everything together inside the burrito.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into irresistibly gooey layers with every bite.
- Flour tortillas (10-inch): Large enough to wrap and hold all that goodness without breaking.
- Sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro (optional): Give your burrito a zesty, fresh finish that pops!
How to Make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and just start turning golden. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, letting the aromas start to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet and break it apart with a sturdy spatula. Let it brown evenly—it usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes. You want to see those lovely crispy edges. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting oily.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat thoroughly. Next, add the tomato paste and pour in the water. Mix well, then reduce the heat and let the whole mixture simmer for around 5 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and the mixture thicken up.
Step 4: Prep the Beans
While your beef simmers, warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat (or give them a quick zap in the microwave if you’re in a hurry). Stir occasionally so they heat evenly and stay creamy, perfect for smearing across those tortillas.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Start by spreading a generous layer of warm refried beans across the center of each one. Next, spoon over plenty of the seasoned beef mixture, and then scatter a healthy handful of the shredded cheese over the top. This is where your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito really starts to take shape!
Step 6: Roll and Toast
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to encase all that filling. For the ultimate finish, place each burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet or on a grill pan for a couple of minutes until the tortilla is crisped and slightly toasted. This little step takes your burrito from really good to truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Garnishes
The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito shines all on its own, but a little garnish makes every bite extra special. A dollop of sour cream for creaminess, a spoonful of salsa for bright acidity, or a scattering of chopped cilantro add color and a lively burst of flavor right at the end.
Side Dishes
Pair your burrito with classic sides like Spanish rice, a tangy corn salad, or even a simple green salad. For a more festive spread, serve with chips and guacamole, roasted veggies, or street-style grilled corn—each one complements the bold flavors wrapped inside your burrito.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito in half and serve it upright in a basket lined with parchment paper. Or, smother it with extra salsa and cheese, then bake until bubbly for a restaurant-inspired wet burrito. You can also cut them into smaller sections for party-ready burrito bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), wrap your burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go lunch option.
Freezing
The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito freezes beautifully. Simply wrap each one tightly in foil and place them in an airtight bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you want a hearty meal in minutes, just pull one out and you’re halfway there.
Reheating
To reheat from the fridge, pop a burrito (unwrapped) in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. For frozen burritos, defrost overnight in the fridge, then microwave, or reheat gently in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F until hot throughout and the cheese is wonderfully melty again.
FAQs
How can I make the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito spicier?
If you love some serious heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy salsa for serving, or swap in pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to keep burritos from falling apart?
Make sure not to overfill your tortillas, and always start with a warm tortilla—the warmth makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Folding in the sides before rolling up tightly helps seal everything inside.
Can I substitute ground turkey or a meat alternative?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles both work well and still soak up all those delicious spices. The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito turns out just as satisfying with a lighter touch or if you’re cooking for vegetarians.
Do I need to toast the burritos at the end?
This is totally optional, but toasting them in a skillet or grill pan adds a lovely crispy texture to the outside and helps keep them sealed. It’s that little chef’s touch that makes your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito irresistibly good.
What cheeses melt best inside the burrito?
Cheddar and Mexican blend cheese are favorites because they’re flavorful and melt beautifully. Monterey Jack or Colby cheese are also great options if you want to try something a little different.
Final Thoughts
This Best Beef and Cheese Burrito recipe brings restaurant-worthy flavor right to your kitchen, with unbeatable coziness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family or simply craving a cheesy, meaty pick-me-up, I can’t recommend giving this a try enough. Gather your ingredients, roll up a burrito, and enjoy a true homemade classic!
Print
Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the best beef and cheese burrito at home with this easy and delicious recipe. These hearty and cheesy burritos are filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the beef filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
Additional ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- Sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, then stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble the burritos: Warm refried beans. Spread each tortilla with beans, top with beef and cheese. Roll up tightly.
- Crisp the burritos (optional): Cook seam-side down in a skillet for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy warm burritos with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro.
Notes
- You can prep these ahead and freeze for later.
- Customize with rice, peppers, or jalapeños.
- Try ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
