Cheesy Beef Burritos Recipe

Sizzling Cheesy Beef Burritos Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Crafting delectable cheesy beef burritos can turn an ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed adventure.

Spices dance through tender meat, creating a mouthwatering symphony of taste.

Comfort arrives swiftly with these handheld delights that promise satisfaction in every bite.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a quick and delicious meal solution.

Layers of rich beef and melted cheese promise pure culinary excitement.

Each burrito becomes a personal celebration of bold, zesty flavors.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple and guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why Cheesy Beef Burritos Are a Family Favorite

  • Craft a Family Feast: Perfect for bringing everyone together with a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adaptable recipe allows you to swap ingredients, add extra spices, or include favorite toppings for a personalized dining experience.
  • Minimal Kitchen Effort: Simple cooking steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward preparation techniques.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single skillet for cooking beef and a baking dish for finishing, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious cooking time.

Ingredients to Create Cheesy Beef Burritos

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the main filling of the burritos.
Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and add rich flavor to the burritos.
Produce and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the beef mixture.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic taste to the filling.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Taco Seasoning, Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: A blend of spices that creates a zesty and warm Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Liquid and Sauce:
  • Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy tomato flavor to the beef mixture.
Wrapping and Base:
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrappers that hold the burrito filling together.
Cooking Fats:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté the onions and cook the ground beef.
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Guacamole, Cilantro: Fresh and creamy accompaniments that enhance the burrito's flavor and presentation.

Instructions for Cheesy Beef Burritos Preparation

Step 1: Sizzle Savory Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Start by heating vegetable oil, then add:
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and beef turns a rich golden brown. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Boost the Flavor

Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Elevate the beef’s taste by mixing in:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salsa

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing the spices to meld together for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Wrap and Roll

Warm your tortillas to make them more pliable. Spread the spiced beef mixture evenly across each tortilla. Sprinkle generously with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese

Carefully roll each burrito, tucking in the sides to create a tight package.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the rolled burritos seam-side down in a baking dish. Slide into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the tortillas turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Carefully remove the burritos from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Dress up your creation with:
  • Fresh sour cream
  • Creamy guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro

Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Beef Burritos

  • Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option and better texture in your burritos. Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy results and maintain a clean, appetizing flavor profile. Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or queso fresco for unique taste variations. Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable during rolling. Wrap burritos tightly and seal edges to keep delicious filling inside and ensure even baking for a perfect golden-brown exterior.

Variations to Try with Cheesy Beef Burritos

  • Spicy Southwest Burritos: Replace standard salsa with hot pepper salsa and add diced jalapeños to beef mixture for extra heat.
  • Veggie Protein Burritos: Substitute ground beef with black beans, quinoa, and diced bell peppers for a plant-based version.
  • Green Chile Chicken Burritos: Use shredded chicken instead of beef, mix with green chile sauce, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Burritos: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and ground lamb with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Pairing Recommendations for Cheesy Beef Burritos

  • Pair with Mexican-Inspired Beverages: Enhance the spicy, cheesy beef burrito experience with a classic margarita or a refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial. The citrusy, crisp drink cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
  • Complement with Zesty Side Salsa: Create a bright, tangy fresh pico de gallo or chunky salsa verde to serve alongside the burritos. The fresh, acidic flavors will balance the hearty, warm burrito and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Cooling Dips: Prepare homemade guacamole or a creamy cilantro-lime sour cream to dollop on top. These cool, creamy additions will temper the spice and add an extra layer of flavor complexity to each bite.

Storage Guidelines for Cheesy Beef Burritos

  • Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Place burritos in freezer-safe bags or wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. They'll stay good for 2-3 months. Label the package with the date for easy tracking.
  • Unwrap frozen or refrigerated burritos, place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Remove foil, place burritos on a baking sheet.

FAQs Regarding Cheesy Beef Burritos

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

  • How can I make the burritos spicier?

Add extra chili powder, use a hot salsa, or include diced jalapeños in the beef mixture to increase heat.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, reduce cheese amount, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

  • Can I prepare these burritos in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos ahead of time, wrap them individually in foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

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Cheesy Beef Burritos Recipe

Cheesy Beef Burritos Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 33-38 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory cheesy beef burritos bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to kitchen tables. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty salsa, these hearty rolls promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Liquid and Oil:

  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, adding vegetable oil to sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly.
  4. Eliminate excess fat from the meat mixture using a drainage technique.
  5. Enrich the beef with taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, and chili powder, creating a robust flavor profile.
  6. Pour salsa into the skillet, stirring to integrate ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for the baking phase.
  8. Arrange flour tortillas on a clean work surface, preparing for assembly.
  9. Distribute the seasoned beef evenly across each tortilla, maintaining consistent portion sizes.
  10. Generously sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef mixture.
  11. Carefully roll each tortilla, folding sides inward to secure the filling and create a compact burrito.
  12. Position rolled burritos seam-side down in a baking dish, ensuring stability.
  13. Bake for 15-20 minutes until tortillas transform into a golden-brown exterior and cheese melts completely.
  14. Allow burritos to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.
  15. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy burritos and reduce excess grease for a cleaner, more appetizing meal.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and taco seasoning intensity to suit personal heat preferences.
  • Prep tortillas briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
  • Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option without compromising rich, savory flavor.
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 693 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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