Hearty Beef and Bean Burritos

This hearty beef and bean burrito recipe transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality Mexican food in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something filling and flavorful without the takeout expense.

I first made these burritos when hosting an impromptu game night with friends. The ability to prepare everything ahead of time and simply warm them when everyone arrived made me look like a kitchen genius, and now they're requested at every gathering.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: creates a hearty protein base that holds all the seasonings beautifully
• Cumin: adds that authentic Mexican flavor profile that makes these taste like restaurant burritos
• Chili powder: provides mild heat and depth of flavor without overwhelming spiciness
• Tomato paste: concentrates rich umami flavor and helps bind the meat filling
• Large flour tortillas: choose the burrito size 10 inch tortillas for proper rolling and filling capacity
• Cilantro lime rice: adds texture and absorbs the juices from other ingredients
• Black beans: provides plant protein and fiber making these more filling
• Mexican cheese blend: creates that essential melty goodness that holds everything together
• Fresh vegetables: adds crisp texture contrasting with the warm filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it sizzles. Add ground beef and cook for 6 8 minutes until nicely browned. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and prevent large chunks. The smaller pieces will distribute better in your burrito.

Season the Filling:

Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste to the browned beef. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 3 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. This cooking time allows the spices to bloom and infuse into the meat.

Assemble the Burritos:

Lay out a large flour tortilla and layer 2 3 tablespoons of seasoned beef, ¼ cup cilantro lime rice, and portions of lettuce, corn, black beans, tomato, onion, cilantro and cheese in the center. The key is not overfilling which makes them difficult to roll. Drizzle with sour cream and lime juice if desired.

Roll the Burritos:

Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in both sides and roll up tightly to create a sealed package. Ensure all corners are tucked in to prevent filling from escaping. Wrap each completed burrito tightly in aluminum foil to help maintain its shape during heating.

Heat and Serve:

For stovetop method, place foil wrapped burritos in a skillet over medium high heat for 3 4 minutes per side. For oven method, bake foil wrapped burritos at 350°F for 20 25 minutes until heated through and the cheese inside has melted. The foil helps steam the tortilla slightly, making it soft rather than crispy.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the tomato paste transforms the seasoned beef. I discovered this trick years ago when trying to replicate my favorite taqueria's burritos, and it creates that authentic restaurant flavor that elevates homemade Mexican food.

Meal Prep Magic

These burritos are perfect for weekly meal preparation. Make a large batch on Sunday, wrap individually in foil, and refrigerate for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day or two in the refrigerator, making them taste even better as the week progresses. For longer storage, freeze them without lettuce and tomatoes which can become soggy when thawed.

Customization Options

The beauty of homemade burritos is their versatility. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and double the beans. Prefer spicier food? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling. For a lower carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef if preferred, though you might want to add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to maintain richness.

Serving Suggestions

While these burritos are satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with sides to create a complete Mexican feast. Serve alongside fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, or a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette. For an authentic restaurant experience, offer small bowls of red and green salsa for dipping. These burritos also complement Mexican rice or a simple bean soup for a hearty meal that satisfies even the biggest appetites.

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Storage Wisdom

The key to successfully storing these burritos is proper wrapping. Keep them tightly sealed in their aluminum foil wrappers to retain moisture and prevent freezer burn. If making a batch to freeze, consider writing the date on the foil with a marker to keep track of freshness. When reheating from frozen, allow extra time in the oven or thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for more even heating. For best results when freezing, assemble burritos with the rice still slightly warm which helps it retain moisture during freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes! These burritos are excellent for meal prep. Prepare them completely (except for heating), wrap tightly in foil, and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply heat them on the stovetop or in the oven.

→ How do I freeze beef and bean burritos?

To freeze these burritos, omit the tomatoes and lettuce as they don't freeze well. Assemble the burritos with the remaining ingredients, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What's the best way to reheat the burritos?

The best way to reheat is to keep the burritos in their foil wrapper and place in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side while still wrapped in foil.

→ Can I customize the fillings?

Absolutely! The basic recipe provides a foundation, but feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Popular additions include avocado, guacamole, hot sauce, different types of beans, or grilled vegetables.

→ How can I make these burritos spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more chili powder or incorporate fresh jalapeños, serrano peppers, or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You could also include hot sauce or pepper jack cheese when assembling the burritos.

→ What sides go well with beef and bean burritos?

These burritos pair wonderfully with Mexican-inspired sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, or a simple green salad. A side of tortilla chips with salsa or queso dip also complements them perfectly.