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Hardly anything pulls things together on packed evenings like Simple Beef Burritos when you need to feed hungry mouths in no time. This trick is how I get a tasty, filling dinner going way before anyone even finds the cookies. You just need a handful of things and a few easy moves—everyone ends up full and happy, every single time.
My kids used to be super picky, so I started making these burritos just to keep dinner battles at bay. Now they’re what I make for last minute get-togethers or when the house gets taken over by friends after practices.
Hearty Ingredients
- Diced tomatoes: give pops of juicy flavor that brighten up the filling Use ripe tomatoes for that extra taste
- Chopped cilantro: tosses in color and a punch of fresh flavor Takes almost no time but makes a difference
- Sour cream: creamy, cool, tangy—just plop some on at the end if you want
- Grated cheddar cheese: melts into gooey bliss, but Colby or Monterey Jack are great too You’ll get better melt if you shred it yourself
- Flour tortillas: soft and flexible, they wrap things up just right Keep them warm in a towel so they don’t split
- Taco seasoning: loads your beef with flavor Homemade lets you tweak the spice, but packets do the job quick
- Ground beef: hearty and protein packed Pick beef that’s bright red and doesn’t sit in a puddle for the best results
- Canned refried beans: creamy, smooth, and helps keep everything staying together inside the wrap Look for the kind with as little oil as possible
Tasty Step-By-Step
- Add Toppings
- Top with your cilantro, a few spoonfuls of sour cream, and handfuls of tomatoes if you want Dig in right away while things are gooey
- Heat and Serve
- Move your burritos seam side down onto a plate and microwave for about a minute Everything should be super hot and cheese nice and melty
- Roll Up the Burritos
- Fold those tortilla sides over your filling and then roll tight without squishing everything out Place them seam side down so they don’t unravel
- Pile on the Cheese
- Shower grated cheese over that hot beef so it starts melting instantly Every roll gets that cheesy stretch in the center
- Add the Beef
- Ladle over enough seasoned beef to cover the beans on each tortilla Keep it even so nobody gets skimped
- Spread the Beans
- Scoop refried beans and make a line down the tortilla center This adds moisture and holds the rest together
- Warm the Tortillas
- Stack tortillas in a towel and give them a short zap in the microwave They’ll go nice and bendy, so they won’t snap when you wrap
- Prepare the Beef
- Break up ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until every bit is brown and crumbly Mix in your taco seasoning with a splash of water Let it cook through so the spices really get in there
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The best part for me is always the cheese. My favorite memories are watching my kids sneak handfuls from the bowl while I wrap, leaving trails of cheese everywhere and cracking up the whole time.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store any extra burritos in the fridge for up to three days, wrapped up snug in plastic or foil to help them from drying out. When hunger hits, just microwave till hot. Want to keep them longer? Freeze individually in zip-style bags for up to two months. To thaw, pop in the fridge overnight and reheat till steaming all the way through.
Swaps For Ingredients
No beef? Use ground chicken or turkey, they’re great stand-ins. Try mashed black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans for a chunkier bite. No cheddar? Toss in whatever melty cheese you like—Monterey Jack, Colby, even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick.
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What to Serve With
You can totally eat these burritos solo, but I love them with chips and salsa or a quick green salad. Avocado slices or a splash of hot sauce bring a party vibe. Want a hearty spread? Dish them up with corn salad or a pot of Mexican rice.
A Little History
Burritos started out as a quick, pack-and-carry meal blending Mexican and Tex-Mex flair. Over the years, folks have put all sorts of twists on them, but the idea’s simple—tuck a tasty mix inside a warm tortilla and you’ve got instant comfort. That’s why everyone still loves them.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! Try cheddar, Colby jack, Monterey jack, or even pepper jack for unique flavors and great melty texture.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the beef and beans in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Assemble fresh burritos as needed.
- → Can these burritos be prepped beforehand?
Yes, you can get the fillings ready ahead of time. Just assemble the burritos right before heating for the best results.
- → What other toppings work well?
Consider adding fresh salsa, chopped onions, guacamole, or spicy jalapeños for an extra flavorful twist.
- → Can I switch to corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are softer and wrap easier, but corn ones add a unique texture and are a great gluten-free choice.