There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a Beef and Cheese Burrito—a warm, hearty, and flavor-packed meal wrapped in a soft tortilla. This burrito is loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful fillings, making it an irresistible go-to meal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Whether you’re craving a Tex-Mex classic or need a quick, protein-packed dish, this burrito has you covered. The secret to the best burrito? Perfectly seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a balance of textures and flavors. You get a little heat from the spices, creaminess from the cheese, and a soft-yet-toasty tortilla that holds it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cheese Burrito
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this burrito recipe. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite meal:
First, it’s fast and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can have restaurant-quality burritos on your plate. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling and delicious without a ton of effort.
Second, the flavor is incredible. The seasoned ground beef is cooked with garlic, onion, and bold spices that give it a deep, rich taste. The melted cheese takes it to the next level, creating a gooey, satisfying bite every time.
Lastly, this burrito is meal-prep friendly. You can make a big batch, wrap them individually, and store them for quick meals throughout the week. They’re also freezer-friendly, meaning you can always have a delicious burrito on hand when hunger strikes!
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Burrito
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
- 2 tbsp water
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- ½ cup refried beans (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier burrito)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Extra sour cream
- Hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef and Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Mix well to coat the beef in the spices.
- Pour in tomato sauce and water, stirring until combined. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each flour tortilla for 30 seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from breaking when rolling.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of refried beans (if using) in the center.
- Add about ¼ cup of cooked rice for extra heartiness.
- Spoon a generous amount of seasoned beef on top.
- Sprinkle with ⅓ cup of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the beef.
- Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro (optional).
Step 4: Roll the Burritos
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla.
- Roll it up tightly from the bottom, tucking as you go, to create a firm burrito.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 5: Toast the Burritos (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the burritos seam-side down.
- Toast for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut the burrito in half and serve with guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce.
- Enjoy while warm and melty!
Ingredient Background
Each ingredient in this burrito plays a key role in creating bold, satisfying flavors with the perfect balance of textures. Let’s break down the essential components that make this dish so irresistible.
Ground Beef
For the best flavor and juiciness, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat enhances the richness, preventing the filling from being dry. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use 90/10 ground beef, but adding a splash of oil or beef broth can help maintain moisture.
Cheese
Cheese is what makes this burrito ultra-satisfying and gooey. A blend of cheeses works best for flavor and texture. The most popular choices include:
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp and slightly tangy, melts well.
- Monterey Jack – Mild and creamy with a great melt.
- Mexican blend – A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero cheeses for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, try using pepper jack cheese!
Spices & Seasonings
The secret to flavorful ground beef is the right spice mix. Classic Mexican-inspired seasonings like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano give the meat its signature depth. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that mimics the flavor of grilled meats.
Flour Tortillas
Large burrito-sized flour tortillas work best because they’re soft, flexible, and hold everything together. If you want a healthier version, opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas. Warm them up before assembling to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
Extra Fillings (Optional)
- Refried Beans – Adds creaminess and helps hold the filling together.
- Rice – Absorbs flavors and makes the burrito more filling.
- Sour Cream – Balances the spices with a cool, tangy contrast.
- Cilantro & Lime Juice – Adds freshness and brightness to the rich ingredients.
Technique Tips for the Perfect Beef and Cheese Burrito
1. Drain Excess Fat from the Beef
Too much grease can make the burrito soggy. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat before adding seasonings.
2. Layer Ingredients Strategically
Place wetter ingredients (like sour cream and salsa) in the center of the tortilla, away from the edges, to prevent leaks. Cheese should be close to the hot beef so it melts properly.
3. Don’t Overfill the Burrito
It’s tempting to stuff as much as possible, but too much filling makes rolling difficult. Stick to about ½ cup of filling per burrito for a perfect balance of size and structure.
4. Use the “Tuck and Roll” Method
- Fold in both sides of the tortilla.
- Roll the burrito from the bottom up, tucking the filling tightly as you go.
- Ensure the seam-side is down before toasting.
5. Toast for Extra Crispiness
A lightly toasted burrito is more flavorful and less likely to fall apart. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun and creative ways to serve your beef and cheese burrito!
1. Smothered Beef and Cheese Burrito (Wet Burrito)
- Instead of serving the burrito plain, smother it in enchilada sauce or salsa verde.
- Sprinkle with more cheese and broil until bubbly.
- Garnish with sour cream, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
2. Burrito Bowl
Skip the tortilla and serve all the burrito ingredients in a bowl! Layer:
- Rice or lettuce as the base
- Seasoned beef and beans
- Shredded cheese, guacamole, and salsa
- A dollop of sour cream and fresh lime wedges on top
3. Mini Burrito Bites (Party Appetizers)
- Use small street taco-sized tortillas and roll them into mini burritos.
- Slice them into bite-sized pieces and secure with toothpicks.
- Serve with dipping sauces like queso or salsa.
4. Quesadilla-Style Burrito
- Instead of rolling, fold the tortilla in half and cook it like a quesadilla.
- Slice into wedges and serve with dipping sauces.
Freezing and Storing Beef and Cheese Burritos
Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)
- Store wrapped burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Freezing (Long-Term Storage)
Beef and Cheese Burritos are freezer-friendly! Here’s how to store them for meal prep:
- Wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap.
- Place in a zip-top freezer bag and label with the date.
- Store for up to 3 months.
Reheating from Frozen:
- Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, wrapped in foil.
- Skillet: Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Want to make a lighter version of this burrito? Try these simple swaps!
1. Use Leaner Protein
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option.
- For a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils instead of meat.
2. Choose Whole Grain or Low-Carb Tortillas
Flour tortillas are delicious but high in refined carbs. Try:
- Whole wheat tortillas for added fiber
- Low-carb or high-protein wraps
- Lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly version
3. Reduce the Cheese (or Use Dairy-Free Options)
- Use less cheese or swap for dairy-free cheese if needed.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for more protein.
Serving Suggestions for Events
This burrito is perfect for any occasion! Here’s how to serve it based on the event:
1. Family Dinner Night
- Serve burritos with Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole.
- Let everyone customize their burritos with extra toppings!
2. Game Night or Party Food
- Cut burritos into halves and serve with queso dip and salsa.
- Make a burrito bar with various fillings so guests can build their own.
3. Lunchbox or Meal Prep Idea
- Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit or salad for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this burrito ahead of time?
Yes! These burritos are perfect for meal prep. Wrap them individually and store in the fridge or freezer.
2. What type of cheese melts best in a burrito?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blends all melt beautifully.
3. How do I prevent my burrito from falling apart?
Don’t overfill it! Also, toasting the burrito in a pan helps seal the edges.
4. Can I make this burrito spicy?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Conclusion
The Beef and Cheese Burrito is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the skillet, smothered in sauce, or wrapped up for later, this burrito is a must-try!
So grab your tortillas, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a homemade burrito that beats takeout any day!