Description
Cheesy Beef and Spinach Burritos
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
For Assembly:
4 large flour tortillas
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
Instructions:
Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Filling
Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef in the spices. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and combined.
Assemble the Burritos
Lay a flour tortilla flat and spread a small amount of sour cream (if using) in the center. Add a generous scoop of the beef and spinach mixture. Top with salsa or diced tomatoes. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly.
Toast the Burritos
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the burritos in half and serve with extra salsa or sour cream on the side.
These Cheesy Beef and Spinach Burritos are packed with flavor, loaded with gooey cheese, and perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying snack!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the spinach, and shred the cheese if not pre-shredded. This mise en place makes cooking seamless.
2. Cook Aromatics: In your skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat.
4. Season and Wilt: Add all spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper) and stir thoroughly. Fold in the chopped spinach and cook just until it wilts, 1-2 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy.
6. Assemble: On a warm tortilla, add your fillings in the lower third. Fold the sides inward, then tightly roll from the bottom up.
7. Toast: In a dry, hot skillet, toast the burrito seam-side down first to seal it, then toast all sides until golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burritos hot, sliced diagonally to show off the filling. Accompany with sides of:
– Extra salsa, pico de gallo, or a dollop of guacamole.
– A cooling lime crema (mix sour cream with lime zest and juice).
– A simple side salad of shredded lettuce, black beans, and corn with a cilantro-lime dressing.
– For a heartier meal, serve with Mexican rice or a bowl of tortilla soup.
How-to Summary
Quickly cook seasoned ground beef with onions, garlic, and spinach. Mix in cheese off the heat. Spoon the filling onto tortillas, add optional toppings, fold, and roll tightly. Toast in a skillet until the tortilla is crisp and golden. Slice and serve with your favorite dips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Toast just before serving to restore the crisp texture.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well. Adjust cooking times and seasoning as needed.
How do I prevent my burrito from falling apart? Avoid overfilling, ensure the tortilla is pliable (warm it briefly), and toast seam-side down first to create a natural seal.
Can I freeze these burritos? Perfectly. Wrap each cooled, assembled burrito in parchment paper, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer from frozen.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese properly? Always remove the beef mixture from the heat before adding the cheese. The residual heat will melt it smoothly without making it greasy or stringy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas crack. Warm them for 15-20 seconds in a microwave or dry skillet to make them pliable.
- Overfilling: This is the main cause of burst burritos. Use about 3/4 cup of filling per large tortilla.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: Failing to drain the beef after browning will make the filling greasy and the tortilla soggy.
- Adding Wet Toppings Inside: If using salsa inside, drain it first. Excess moisture will steam the tortilla from the inside, making it soft and prone to tearing.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef and Spinach Burritos are the ultimate customizable weeknight meal, perfectly balancing hearty protein, healthy greens, and melted cheese. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve a restaurant-quality, crispy result every time. They are ideal for busy schedules, easy to prepare in advance, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade creation!