If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito. It’s hearty, cheesy, just a little bit smoky, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite. This burrito is a total weeknight hero—fast to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to leave everyone at your table grinning from ear to ear. Whether you’re a seasoned burrito lover or cooking it up for the first time, you’ll find this beefy, cheesy masterpiece to be pure satisfaction rolled into one golden toasted tortilla.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe! Every component here plays a starring role, from the juicy ground beef to the melty cheese and the essential punch of fresh garlic. Trust me, the lineup is simple—yet it’s the magic combination that makes the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions and beef brown beautifully for that savory foundation.
- Ground beef: The heart of our burrito—choose 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a hint of texture to the filling.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings a punch of depth and aroma that can’t be skipped.
- Tomato paste: Adds tang and tomato richness, making the filling even more mouthwatering.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the beef with an earthy, warm flavor that’s signature Tex-Mex.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle spice and color without overwhelming heat.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness, giving the burritos a new layer of comfort.
- Salt and black pepper: These basics bring all the flavors together and make everything pop.
- Beef broth or water: Adds moisture and helps make the beef filling extra juicy.
- Refried beans (canned): Creamy, satisfying, and perfect for layering—that classic burrito feel.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, irresistible finish.
- Large flour tortillas (burrito size): Soft and flexible, making it easy to wrap up all that delicious filling.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro: Go wild with your favorites to really make it your own!
How to Make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in your diced yellow onion, and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Follow with your minced garlic, sautéing for one more aromatic minute. This initial step builds the savory backdrop for your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito and makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it sizzles, until there’s no more pink visible. Don’t rush this step—the browning adds tremendous flavor to the filling.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together so the beef is fully coated in those robust Tex-Mex spices. Pour in the beef broth or water next, and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened up. You’ll notice all the flavors melding into something even greater than the sum of its parts—this is the signature taste of the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito!
Step 4: Warm the Beans
While the beef is finishing up, gently heat your refried beans either on the stovetop in a small saucepan or in the microwave. They should be soft and spreadable, which makes assembling your burritos super easy (and deliciously creamy).
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Now comes the fun part! Lay your flour tortillas flat and spread a generous layer of refried beans down the center of each one. Top it with a hearty scoop of the beef mixture, then shower it all with plenty of shredded cheese. This is how every Best Beef and Cheese Burrito gets that layered, couldn’t-be-better texture in every bite.
Step 6: Roll and Toast
To assemble, fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. If you love your burritos golden and crisp, fire up a clean skillet and toast them seam-side down for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the exterior is gloriously golden. This simple toast transforms your burrito into something that’s pure handheld heaven.
How to Serve Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Garnishes
Top each burrito your way—think tangy sour cream, zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, and a flurry of chopped cilantro. Not only do these garnishes add color and flavor, they take your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito from great to over-the-top good.
Side Dishes
The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito plays wonderfully with classic sides like Mexican rice, seasoned black beans, or even a bright, crunchy slaw. If you’re feeling extra, a side of tortilla chips with salsa or queso turns this into a complete Tex-Mex feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-worthy platter, slice the burritos in half and arrange them in a spiral on a large dish, or smother them with a layer of extra cheese and pop under the broiler for a bubbly, cheesy finish. You can even set up a toppings bar so everyone can load up their Best Beef and Cheese Burrito just the way they like it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover burritos (lucky you!), just wrap them snugly in foil or plastic wrap and tuck them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for effortless future lunches or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each cooled burrito tightly in foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. Frozen Best Beef and Cheese Burritos hold up for up to 2 months. They’re a lifesaver when you want a home-cooked meal in a flash—no drive-thru required!
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap your burrito and microwave on a plate until piping hot; or, for the crispiest result, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. This helps the cheese melt through and the tortilla stay beautifully toasty.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground make delicious alternatives in the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito—just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed for your chosen protein.
What’s the best cheese for these burritos?
A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar melts perfectly and brings that iconic gooeyness. Monterey Jack or even pepper jack work great if you like a little kick!
How do I keep my burritos from falling apart?
Don’t overfill—the secret is to add your fillings in a neat pile at the center, fold the sides in first, then roll up tightly. Toasting them seam-side down in a skillet helps seal the deal.
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Assemble the burritos, skip the toasting, and refrigerate or freeze them. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and toast fresh for that perfect texture in your Best Beef and Cheese Burrito.
What other toppings or add-ins work well?
You can jazz up your burrito with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even a spoonful of rice for extra heartiness—customize to your heart’s content!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito earns its name every single time—the flavors, textures, and sheer comfort factor make it irresistibly good and perfect for sharing. If you haven’t treated yourself (or your loved ones) to this classic yet, now’s the moment. Dive in, experiment with your favorite toppings, and savor every cheesy, beefy, satisfying bite!
Print
Best Beef and Cheese Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Best Beef and Cheese Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Packed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, these burritos are easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm refried beans. Spread beans on tortillas, top with beef mixture and cheese. Roll up the burritos.
- Crisp the Burritos: In a skillet, cook burritos seam-side down until golden.
- Serve: Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add more cheese and broil the burritos briefly.
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor.
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