If you’re craving a hearty, satisfyingly flavorful meal that brings a fiesta right to your kitchen, look no further than Beef and Bean Burritos: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and optional rice, all wrapped snugly in warm flour tortillas. The result is a comforting and delicious dish that’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with bold Mexican-American flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, these burritos will quickly become a beloved favorite that’s as versatile as it is tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make these burritos stand out. With everyday pantry staples and fresh touches, you’ll find the balance between smoky, savory, and creamy perfectly achieved.
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15): The hearty protein base that provides rich flavor without too much fat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing; adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and depth, essential for that classic filling flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a warm aromatic punch that elevates the beef.
- 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning: Spices the mixture with that familiar zesty Mexican flair.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps blend and simmer the seasoning into the meat for juicyness.
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans: Creamy texture and hearty fiber-rich component that complements the beef.
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies (optional): Adds subtle smoky heat and brightness, but feel free to skip or adjust.
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional): Makes these burritos extra filling and adds a pleasing bite.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, flavorful goodness.
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size): Soft and pliable, ideal for wrapping all that delicious filling.
- Sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for serving: Fresh and creamy accompaniments that bring every bite together.
How to Make Beef and Bean Burritos: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it softens and turns translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more to release its fragrance without burning. This simple step lays a wonderfully savory foundation for your burrito filling.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly so every bite bursts with meaty richness—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a cleaner taste. Proper browning is key to flavor that truly shines in your burritos.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Now sprinkle in your taco seasoning and pour in 1/4 cup water. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows the spices to fully infuse the beef, making every bite perfectly spiced and juicy.
Step 4: Add Beans and Chilies
Stir in the refried beans along with the diced green chilies if you’re using them. This combo makes the filling wonderfully creamy with just the right kick of mild heat. Heat through until everything is piping hot, ensuring your burrito packing is flavorful and cohesive.
Step 5: Prep the Tortillas and Assemble
Warm your flour tortillas slightly in the microwave or a dry skillet; this makes them soft and flexible for rolling. Spoon a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla. If you like, add a scoop of cooked rice, then sprinkle with shredded cheese for that irresistible melty texture.
Step 6: Roll and Crisp
Fold the sides over and roll the tortillas tightly into burritos. For a golden, crispy finish, place the burritos seam-side down in a hot, dry skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully toasted. This simple extra step adds a lovely crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling inside.
How to Serve Beef and Bean Burritos: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joy-filled parts of serving these burritos is the chance to add fresh, bright garnishes. A dollop of sour cream brings cool creaminess, salsa offers juicy zing, and chopped cilantro adds an herbaceous lift. These touches brighten the richness inside and make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Complement your burritos with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. For a casual meal, simple tortilla chips with guacamole or pico de gallo add crunch and freshness. These sides round out the plate beautifully, balancing fullness with variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or just mix things up at home? Try cutting the burritos in half diagonally and arrange them on a platter with colorful bowls of extra salsa and toppings. Alternatively, serve them open-faced with melted cheese broiled on top, creating a burrito casserole vibe that’s utterly cozy. Presentation is your playground!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef and bean filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble fresh burritos when you’re ready to enjoy again. This makes for quick weeknight meals or tasty work lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared filling alone for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. For fully assembled burritos, wrap each tightly in foil and freeze individually. When frozen this way, they’re perfect for a grab-and-go meal that only needs reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy outside. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until steaming hot, finishing with a quick crisp in the skillet to revive that toasted texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans instead of refried?
Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans work well if you prefer a chunkier texture. Just drain and mash them slightly to help bind the filling if needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the beans. Add extra spices or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for satisfying flavor and texture.
How spicy are these burritos?
They’re mildly spiced thanks to the taco seasoning and optional green chilies. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or using a spicier seasoning blend.
Can I make these burritos ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the burritos just before serving. You can also make fully assembled burritos, wrap them, and reheat as needed during the event.
What’s the best cheese for these burritos?
Cheddar and Mexican cheese blends are both excellent choices. They melt well and have a flavor profile that complements the beef and beans beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about wrapping up a warm and cheesy burrito that’s bursting with seasoned beef and creamy beans. Beef and Bean Burritos: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Give this recipe a try and you’ll have a new go-to meal for any occasion that’s sure to get everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Beef and Bean Burritos: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Beef and Bean Burritos recipe features a flavorful combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these burritos can be customized with rice, salsa, and fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness. They offer a satisfying and hearty meal inspired by Mexican-American cuisine that is kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
Beef and Bean Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
Burritos and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Salsa, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season beef mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add beans and chilies: Mix in the refried beans and diced green chilies if using. Stir everything together and heat through evenly.
- Prepare tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas slightly in the microwave or a dry skillet to make rolling easier.
- Assemble burritos: Spoon a portion of the beef and bean filling onto the center of each tortilla. Add shredded cheese and cooked rice if desired on top of the filling. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly to form a burrito.
- Crisp the burritos: Place the burritos seam-side down in a hot dry skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the tortillas are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the burritos warm topped with sour cream, salsa, and freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can prepare the beef and bean filling ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
- For a different texture, swap refried beans with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer whole beans.
- Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier burrito.
