If you are craving something hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy, this Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. Packed with savory ground beef, a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and wrapped in tender flour tortillas, every bite bursts with comforting Tex-Mex goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a satisfying dish to indulge in, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness that makes burritos a timeless favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component is simple yet essential, working together to create a perfect marriage of flavor, texture, and color that’s both inviting and delicious.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to cook the beef and onions evenly while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and aromatic complexity to the savory filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives that unmistakable earthy, smoky taste that’s iconic in Tex-Mex cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds the perfect hint of heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Enhances color and lends a subtle smokiness to the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to blend the spices and keep the meat juicy during cooking.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy melt that deepens flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy, gooey texture that melts beautifully.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping all those delicious fillings.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy beef.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Injects fresh acidity and zest for a flavor boost.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Provides a bright, herbaceous garnish that completes the dish.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step unlocks sweetness and layers of flavor essential for a balanced filling.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds, gently coaxing out its fragrant aroma without burning. Then, bring in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook it until it’s fully browned, about 6-8 minutes, ensuring every morsel gets that savory sear.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Drain any extra fat if needed, then mix in your cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir everything thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes so the spices can infuse the meat and the excess liquid gently evaporates, resulting in a juicy yet well-seasoned filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Burritos
Remove the skillet from heat and place your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the beef mixture to the center of each tortilla. Then, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top to guarantee every bite is cheesy perfection.
Step 5: Roll and Grill
Fold the sides of the tortillas toward the center, then roll tightly to encase the filling completely. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat, and place the burritos seam-side down. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted into pure indulgence.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once grilled, transfer the burritos to plates and top each one with a generous dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the tops to brighten and freshen up every bite.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic sour cream, salsa, and cilantro, consider adding slices of avocado or a squeeze of lime juice for a creamy and tangy twist. A sprinkle of chopped jalapeños can elevate the heat level if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp, refreshing salad with lime vinaigrette. These accompaniments balance the richness of the burritos and complete your meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want a fun presentation, cut burritos in half diagonally and stack them in a bowl or on a platter with dipping sauces on the side. You could also transform leftovers into a burrito bowl by layering all components over rice or greens for a low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This ensures they stay fresh and ready for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Freezing
Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. This double protection keeps freezer burn at bay, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Perfect for meal prepping busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated burritos in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness or microwave them covered for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Frozen burritos should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are crowd-pleasers for their melt and flavor, you can swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a Mexican cheese blend to customize the taste.
How spicy is the burrito filling?
The filling has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and cumin. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños if you prefer things spicier.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, these burritos freeze wonderfully. Just be sure to wrap them well before freezing, and allow proper thawing before reheating to keep the flavors and textures spot on.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative. Keep the same spices and cheeses to maintain that comforting burrito vibe.
What’s the best way to make the tortillas crispy?
Cooking the rolled burritos seam-side down first in a hot skillet helps seal them and creates a golden brown crust. Flip carefully and cook the other side until similarly crisp and the cheese inside has melted completely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that brings joy with every bite, this Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe is a treasure. It strikes the perfect balance between easy preparation and incredible flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves bold, hearty meals. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share and enjoy again and again!
Print
Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Beef and Cheese Burritos are hearty and flavorful, combining seasoned ground beef with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Finished with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro, they make a perfect quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Cheese and Tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Brown beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook beef through: Cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Season beef: Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add water: Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid.
- Remove skillet from heat: Set aside the beef mixture.
- Prepare tortillas: Lay flour tortillas flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble burritos: Divide beef mixture among tortillas in the center.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over beef on each tortilla.
- Roll burritos: Fold in sides and roll tightly to enclose filling.
- Heat skillet: Warm a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook burritos: Place burritos seam-side down and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from skillet, top with sour cream, salsa, and sprinkle cilantro.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious beef and cheese burritos.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and diced onions for best flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the beef mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble burritos but skip cooking them; cook just before serving.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
