Beef burritos are a popular Mexican dish consisting of a large flour tortilla wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, beans, rice, and cheese. The beauty of burritos lies in their versatility—you can customize them with a variety of fillings and toppings to suit your taste. This recipe will guide you through making flavorful beef burritos, complete with seasoned ground beef, homemade rice, and all the delicious toppings that make these burritos irresistibly tasty.
In this recipe, we’ll cover how to prepare both the beef filling and the accompaniments to create the perfect burrito experience. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy version, with or without beans, this recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean works best for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Burritos:
- 6 large flour tortillas (10-12 inches)
- 1 cup refried beans or black beans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Drain any excess fat if necessary, but leave a small amount in the pan for flavor.
- Season the beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix the seasonings into the beef, allowing them to coat the meat evenly.
- Add tomato sauce and beef broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Set aside: Once the beef mixture is done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. This will be your filling for the burritos.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Add the water or broth: Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff the rice: Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the cumin, garlic powder, and salt to taste. For extra flavor, you can also fold in some chopped fresh cilantro at this point.
- Set aside: Once the rice is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat the tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, heat each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side, just until they’re warm and slightly toasted. If you prefer, you can microwave the tortillas in a stack, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for about 30 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
- Prepare for assembling: Lay the warm tortillas flat on a clean surface or cutting board, ready to be filled.
Step 4: Assemble the Beef Burritos
- Add the beef filling: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture into the center of each warm tortilla, leaving a little space around the edges so you can fold the tortilla over the filling.
- Add the rice: Top the beef with a few spoonfuls of the seasoned rice. This gives the burrito a hearty base and complements the flavor of the beef.
- Add optional beans: If you like, you can add a layer of refried beans or black beans on top of the rice for extra flavor and texture.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese on top of the filling. The cheese will melt and hold everything together when the burrito is rolled.
- Roll the burritos: To roll the burrito, fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, making sure the filling is securely enclosed.
Step 5: Serve the Beef Burritos
- Top with toppings: Place the rolled burritos on a serving plate and top with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately: Serve the burritos immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy the savory flavors of the seasoned beef, rice, and all the delicious toppings.
Step 6: Optional Variations
- Spicy Beef Burritos: Add extra heat by incorporating chopped fresh jalapeños into the beef mixture or topping the burritos with a spicy salsa or hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Burritos: To make these burritos vegetarian, skip the beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables, beans, or tofu. You can also add some grilled peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Add More Protein: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of the ground beef. You can also add shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled steak slices for variation.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick, cotija for a crumbly texture, or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.
Tips for Perfect Beef Burritos:
- Don’t Overfill: When assembling the burritos, don’t overfill them with too much of each ingredient. If the burrito is packed too tightly, it will be difficult to fold and roll, and the filling may spill out.
- Warm Tortillas: Ensure that the tortillas are warmed properly, as cold tortillas can break or crack when rolled. Softening them in a hot skillet or microwave ensures they’re pliable.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to customize the burrito filling with whatever you have on hand—try adding sautéed vegetables, black olives, or even corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Make-ahead Burritos: These burritos can be made ahead and wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for easy storage. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave or heat them in the oven until they’re warm throughout.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side dishes: Serve the beef burritos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad. You can also add a side of crispy tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa.
- Drinks: Pair your burritos with a refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, try a tangy agua fresca made from fruit like watermelon, pineapple, or lime.
- Extra toppings: For a bit of crunch, try adding shredded lettuce or sliced radishes on top of your burritos. You can also drizzle some chipotle sauce or hot sauce for an added kick.
Conclusion:
Beef burritos are a flavorful and customizable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory rice, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings wrapped in a soft flour tortilla creates a satisfying and delicious dish. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a special occasion, these beef burritos will be a hit. With endless variations and toppings, you can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of these homemade beef burritos for a meal everyone will love!