Description
Cheesy Beef Burrito Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup water
For the Burrito Assembly:
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 medium tomato, diced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings: guacamole, jalapeños, or additional salsa
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Filling:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onion softens.
Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet to make them pliable.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Add a generous amount of the beef filling in the center.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.
Roll up the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides first and then rolling it up from the bottom.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in an oven-safe dish.
Sprinkle more cheddar cheese over the burritos.
Broil in the oven on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
5. Serve:
Top each burrito with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. Add any additional toppings of your choice.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect burritos every time. First, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to achieve a good sear. After draining the fat, add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant but not burnt. When you add the salsa and water, let the mixture simmer actively; this step is crucial for developing flavor and the right thick, not watery, consistency. For assembly, warm the tortillas just until soft—overheating makes them gummy. Place the filling just below the center line, fold the sides inward snugly, then roll from the bottom upward, applying gentle pressure to keep it tight.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy beef burritos are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them correctly elevates the experience. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier plate, add Mexican rice and seasoned black beans. A side of tortilla chips with fresh pico de gallo or a cooling corn and avocado salad also makes excellent accompaniments. For presentation, slice the burrito in half diagonally to showcase the layered filling.
How-to Summary
In short: Brown beef with onion and garlic, then simmer with taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Warm tortillas, fill with the beef and cheese, and roll tightly. Broil with extra cheese until melted, then top with fresh garnishes like sour cream, tomato, and cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the burritos (without broiling) and store them wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the tortilla from getting soggy. The microwave is faster but can soften the texture.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust cooking times as needed and ensure your seasoning is to taste.
How do I prevent my burritos from falling apart? The key is not to overfill them and to ensure the tortilla is pliable. Wrapping them tightly and placing them seam-side down in the dish before broiling helps seal them.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier? For more heat, use a hot salsa, add diced jalapeños to the beef filling, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning, or use a pepper jack cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: First, do not skip draining the excess fat from the cooked beef, as it will make the filling greasy. Second, using cold tortillas directly from the package will cause them to tear during rolling—always warm them first. Third, overfilling the tortilla is the main cause of messy, broken burritos. Fourth, do not add wet toppings like fresh salsa inside the burrito before baking, as this creates sogginess; keep them for serving on top. Finally, do not over-broil, as the cheese can burn quickly.
Conclusion
This cheesy beef burrito recipe is a reliable and satisfying meal that combines hearty flavors with customizable toppings. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common errors, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, these burritos are sure to become a favorite. Experiment with the fillings and sides to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the delicious results.