Easy Beef Burrito Recipe: Homemade Mexican Favorite

Ever thought you could make burritos as good as those from a restaurant at home? This easy beef burrito recipe will help you create delicious homemade burritos. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. These tasty burritos will quickly become a family favorite.

This recipe mixes lean ground beef with spices for a juicy, flavorful filling. It’s wrapped in soft flour tortillas and topped with your favorite ingredients. These burritos are quick to make and loved by everyone.

Whether you’re new to Mexican food or a pro in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making six tasty burritos. For another great Mexican dish, check out our beef tacos recipe.

Key Takeaways

• Create restaurant-quality burritos at home in just 30 minutes
• Use lean ground beef for a healthier, less greasy burrito
• Customize with fresh toppings and homemade Pico de Gallo
• Make ahead and freeze for quick future meals
• Each serving provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats
• Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings
• Easily adaptable for various dietary needs

Introduction to Homemade Beef Burritos

Craving homemade Mexican food? Beef burritos are the perfect choice! These wraps are full of flavor and easy to make. They have seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh veggies in a warm tortilla. They’re sure to fill you up.

Our beef burrito recipe makes 6 large burritos, great for a family dinner or meal prep. Each burrito has 659 calories. It also has 74g carbs, 31g protein, and 26g fat. They’re tasty and healthy!

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

These burritos are ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy nights. The secret is the seasoned beef filling, cooked with spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. With black beans, rice, and fresh toppings, they’re a hit with everyone!

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Burrito

Creating a delicious beef burrito starts with picking the right ingredients. From the ground beef to the tortilla wraps, each part is key to the final taste and feel.

Ground Beef Selection

For the best ground beef, choose lean beef (93/7). One pound makes eight large burritos. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s no longer pink. This makes a flavorful and healthy base for your burrito.

Tortilla Options

Go for large flour tortillas, about 10-12 inches wide, for your burritos. Mission large soft wraps are a top pick because they’re big, soft, and affordable. They’re ideal for wrapping up all your tasty fillings.

Spices and Seasonings

A well-seasoned beef burrito is essential for its flavor. Mix 1 tsp each of onion powder, dried oregano, and salt; 2 tsp each of dried cumin powder and paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Or, use a 1 oz taco seasoning packet for ease.

Fresh Toppings and Fillings

Add freshness to your burrito with these ingredients. Use 3 cups each of cooked rice, shredded lettuce, corn kernels, and black beans. Add diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for more flavor. And don’t forget 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to hold it all together.

Preparing the Flavorful Beef Filling

The heart of any great beef burrito is its seasoned ground beef filling. Start by picking lean ground beef with 85-90% fat content. This mix ensures a rich flavor without too much grease. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your beef.

As the meat browns, break it apart with a wooden spoon. Once it’s almost cooked, drain any extra fat. Then, add flavor. Sprinkle in your favorite taco seasoning blend. For more flavor, add two minced garlic cloves and a bit of tomato paste.

Next, pour in a bit of water to spread the seasonings evenly. Simmer until the water disappears, leaving you with perfectly seasoned beef. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Remember, great burritos need well-seasoned meat!

If you’re short on time, think about using Success® Rice boil-in-bag. It cooks in just 10 minutes, making a tasty starch for your burrito filling. This gluten-free, non-GMO option goes great with your seasoned ground beef, making a complete meal in one dish.

• Use 85-90% lean ground beef
• Add taco seasoning for flavor
• Include garlic and tomato paste for depth
• Simmer until water evaporates
• Pair with quick-cooking rice for a complete meal

Beef Burrito Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Are you ready to make beef burritos? This recipe makes 4 and takes only 30 minutes. Let’s get started with the steps for a tasty Mexican meal at home.

Cooking the Seasoned Ground Beef

Begin by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a big skillet. Add taco seasoning for that real Mexican taste. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain the fat and set it aside.

Assembling Your Burritos

Warm your tortillas in the microwave or a skillet. Put 1/3 cup of refried beans in the middle of each tortilla. Then, add a big helping of seasoned beef. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings:

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped red onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend

For extra taste and health, add rice, corn, or black beans. Top with your favorite salsa or homemade pico de gallo for a zesty touch.

Wrapping Techniques for Perfect Burritos

To make your burrito, fold the bottom edge over the filling first. Then, fold in the sides and roll it up tightly from the bottom. For a crunchy outside, cook the rolled burrito seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side.

Enjoy your homemade beef burritos right away or keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 6-8 minutes when you’re ready to eat.

Customizing Your Beef Burritos

Beef burritos let you mix and match fillings for a unique meal every time. With many options, you can make your burrito just how you like it. Let’s look at some ways to make your burritos special.

Begin with seasoned ground beef, rice, and beans. Choose 85% lean beef for great flavor and moisture. Add salsa, garlic, onions, and green chiles for a tasty start. Then, pick from white, brown, or cilantro lime rice to go with it.

Beans make your burrito filling. You can choose black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans. For cheese fans, try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or spicy Habanero cheese. And don’t forget to add some creamy guacamole!

Boost your burrito with chipotle sauce or sour cream. For a healthier choice, use Greek yogurt. Add fresh touches like Pico de Gallo or pickled onions for extra flavor. Vegetarians can swap meat for tofu or more veggies.

The key to a great burrito is finding the right mix of flavors. Whether you like a traditional beef burrito or want to try something new like barbacoa beef, there are many options. Experiment and find your perfect burrito!

Homemade Pico de Gallo: The Perfect Accompaniment

Fresh pico de gallo is the best topping for beef burritos. It brings a burst of flavor and freshness. Let’s explore how to make this tasty Mexican classic.

Ingredients for Fresh Pico de Gallo

Here are the ingredients you need for fresh pico de gallo:

• 5 Roma tomatoes (or 2.5-3 cups grape tomatoes)
• 1 small onion (white or red)
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers
• Fresh cilantro
• 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps

Here’s how to make your homemade salsa:

1. Finely dice tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños
2. Chop cilantro
3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl
4. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture
5. Add salt to taste
6. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving

Balancing Flavors in Your Pico

You can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Use half a jalapeño for less heat. Grape tomatoes make it crisper. Authentic pico de gallo often uses white onion, but red works well too. The goal is to find the perfect balance for you.

Enjoy your fresh pico de gallo within 24 hours for the best flavor. It’s a great addition to your homemade beef burritos, adding a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your beef burrito even better with tasty mexican side dishes and burrito dipping sauces. These pairings make a complete meal that takes your taste buds on a trip south of the border.

Pair your burritos with classic sides like cilantro lime rice or refried beans. For something lighter, try zesty Mexican coleslaw or a fresh Mexican bean salad. These sides bring texture and balance to your meal.

No burrito is complete without dipping sauces. Offer a variety like creamy guacamole, tangy pico de gallo, or spicy salsa verde. For those who like milder flavors, sour cream or a cool avocado dip are great choices.

For a fun twist, serve homemade tortilla chips with your burritos. They’re great for picking up any filling that falls out. And don’t forget a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or horchata to drink. This will make your meal feel like a fiesta.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Beef burritos are great for freezer meals and make-ahead lunches. They’re perfect for families with lots of teenagers. Doubling or tripling the recipe saves time and keeps meals ready when you need them.

Preparing Burritos in Advance

Start with 1 lb of browned ground beef (90-93% lean) and a 15 oz can of refried beans. This recipe makes 8 burritos with 10-12 inch flour tortillas. Wrap each burrito with parchment paper and foil, then store them in freezer-safe bags for best results.

Proper Freezing Techniques

To avoid freezer burn, wrap burritos in parchment paper, then foil. Put them in a freezer-safe plastic bag. These lunches can be frozen for up to 3 months, making meal planning easy.

Reheating Frozen Burritos

There are many ways to reheat your burritos:

• Microwave: 2-4 minutes
• Oven: 375°F for 20 minutes
• Air fryer: 375°F (time may vary)

These methods make sure your meals are hot and tasty quickly.

Follow these tips to easily add beef burritos to your meal prep. They’re perfect for busy days, offering convenient freezer meals and make-ahead lunches.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations

Our beef burrito recipe is a great choice for those looking for healthy Mexican food. It’s packed with 283 calories, 21g of carbs, and a big 25g of protein. This makes it perfect for fitness lovers and anyone wanting a balanced meal.

It’s also good for those watching their fat intake, with 11g of fat per serving. Only 3.7g of that is saturated fat. Plus, it has 15g of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.

To make it even healthier, try using lean ground beef or ground turkey. Add more veggies like sauteed zucchini or chopped tomatoes. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Vegetarians can enjoy it by choosing plant-based meat or adding more beans and veggies.

Exploring Variations: Beyond Basic Beef Burritos

Get ready for a culinary adventure with exciting burrito variations! Mexican-inspired recipes let you create unique and tasty burritos. Let’s check out some tasty twists on the classic beef burrito.

Swap beef for chicken, pork, or turkey for new flavors. Try a zesty chicken burrito with cilantro-lime rice or a savory pulled pork burrito with tangy barbecue sauce. Vegetarians can enjoy bean and grilled vegetable burritos full of nutritious ingredients.

Breakfast burritos are a hit. Fill your tortilla with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a hearty morning meal. Add diced potatoes or hash browns for extra satisfaction.

• California-style burritos: Stuff with carne asada and crispy french fries
• Wet burritos: Smother in enchilada sauce and melted cheese
• Fish burritos: Use grilled or battered fish with cabbage slaw

Try different sauces and toppings to make your own signature burrito. Chipotle mayo, mango salsa, or avocado crema can add unique flavors. Remember, the best burrito variations come from your creativity and what you like!

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

Craving a delicious beef burrito but short on time? These quick meal prep tips will make your easy weeknight dinners a breeze. With just 30 minutes, you can make mouthwatering beef burritos for four people.

Begin by prepping your ingredients early. Mix ground beef with oregano, cumin, black pepper, and chili flakes. Chop garlic, scallions, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. This saves you minutes during cooking.

For quick assembly, set up a burrito station. Place tortillas, guacamole, mozzarella, and beef mixture out. This method makes cooking fast, ideal for busy nights.

• Cook beef mixture in batches
• Use pre-shredded cheese
• Opt for store-bought guacamole
• Prepare rice or beans ahead of time

Each serving is packed with 499 calories, 29g of protein, and veggies and spices. Leftovers? Store them in airtight containers for up to 5 days. This makes future meals quicker.

With these tips, you can enjoy homemade beef burritos without using up your evening. Quick meal prep makes easy weeknight dinners possible. Delicious meals don’t have to take a lot of time.

Why This Beef Burrito Recipe Beats Takeout

Craving a delicious beef burrito? Skip the takeout and make this homemade version. It tastes better, is healthier, and is easy to make. You’ll need 45 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, and it makes four servings.

Homemade burritos let you control what goes in. This recipe uses lean ground beef with 34.96g of protein per serving. You can switch to ground chicken, pork, or turkey if you like. Adding zucchini, corn, and black beans makes it healthier, with 9.38g of fiber per serving.

This homemade burrito is customizable. Add sour cream, shredded cheddar, or fresh cilantro as you like. Try cauliflower rice or different veggies to make your burrito bowl unique.

This recipe is tasty and won’t break the bank. Make a big batch and keep leftovers in the fridge for a week or freeze for 3 months. With a 4.93 out of 5 rating from 27 reviews, it’s clear this homemade beef burrito recipe is a winner.

Mastering the Art of Homemade Mexican Cuisine

Starting with homemade Mexican cooking opens a world of vibrant flavors and rich traditions. The beef burrito recipe is just the start of your culinary adventure. By learning mexican cooking techniques, you’ll easily make authentic tacos, enchiladas, and more.

Did you know burritos in Northern Mexico are smaller than those in the U.S.? Or that National Burrito Day is on the first Thursday of April every year? These fun facts make cooking more interesting. As you try authentic flavors, mix mild and hot salsas for a taste you like in your burritos.

Remember, getting better takes practice. Juan Mendez made the burrito in 1910 to keep his food warm while riding his donkey. Now, you can get better at making burritos by leaving a bit of room at the edges, folding the sides, and rolling it tight. With practice, you’ll make meals like a pro in your kitchen.