Burritos are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason—they’re delicious, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to pack for lunch, homemade ground beef burritos are a fantastic choice. This recipe offers a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, all wrapped up in a soft, warm tortilla. It’s the perfect comfort food that you can easily customize to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Burrito Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a flavorful, filling meal that can be made quickly. It’s also great for families, as everyone can customize their burrito with their favorite toppings and fillings. Plus, these burritos are freezer-friendly, making them an excellent option for meal prep. Whether you enjoy them fresh or pull one out of the freezer for a quick meal later, these burritos are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Burritos
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious ground beef burritos:
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
For Assembly:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Hot sauce (optional)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make these burritos, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large skillet: For cooking the ground beef filling.
- Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing other ingredients like rice and toppings.
- Knife and cutting board: For dicing vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For measuring out ingredients.
- Foil or parchment paper: For wrapping the burritos, especially if you’re making them for meal prep or freezing.
How to Make Ground Beef Burritos
Follow these simple steps to create your homemade ground beef burritos:
1. Cook the Ground Beef Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the seasoning is well absorbed.
- Add the black beans to the skillet and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Other Fillings:
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked.
- Shred the cheese, chop the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, and prepare any other toppings you like.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Place a large spoonful of the ground beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Top with a scoop of cooked rice, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and any other desired toppings like sour cream, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. If you’re making burritos for meal prep, wrap each one in foil or parchment paper.
4. Serve or Store:
- Serve the burritos immediately, or if you’re saving them for later, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Burritos
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your burrito fillings. You can add sautéed peppers and onions, corn, or even some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Meal Prep and Freezing: If you plan to freeze the burritos, make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing them. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Cheese Selection: For a meltier burrito, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack. You can also add a little cream cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Burritos
If you have any leftover burritos, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap and place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Burritos
Ground beef burritos are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, a simple green salad, or some Mexican-style street corn (elote). For drinks, consider serving with a cold beer, a margarita, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
Q: Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make vegetarian burritos by substituting the ground beef with more beans, or using a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat.”
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
A: Definitely! You can add ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, onions, corn, or even some cooked potatoes to bulk up the filling and add more flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade ground beef burritos are a versatile, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and customize. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, these burritos are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Enjoy!