Description
Cheesy Beef Burritos with Rice and Sour Cream
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1/4 cup water
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
For the Burritos:
4 large flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, cumin, and salt.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare the Beef Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the beef mixture thickens.
Assemble the Burritos:
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them easier to roll.
Spread a layer of cooked rice in the center of each tortilla. Add a generous amount of beef filling on top of the rice.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, add a spoonful of sour cream, and drizzle with salsa.
Roll and Serve:
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll up the burrito tightly.
Slice in half and serve warm!
These cheesy beef burritos are bursting with flavor and perfect for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect burritos. First, prep all ingredients: dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the cheese, and measure your seasonings. Begin by cooking the rice; using broth instead of water is key for flavor. While it simmers, start the beef filling. Ensure the beef is fully browned and drained before adding seasoning. When assembling, warm the tortillas just until pliable—overheating makes them gummy. Place fillings in the lower third of the tortilla, leaving a 2-inch border at the sides. Roll tightly by folding the sides inward, then rolling from the bottom up, applying gentle pressure to keep it secure.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burritos hot, sliced diagonally to show the layers. Accompany with extra sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette, black beans, or roasted corn. They also pack well for lunch—wrap tightly in foil to keep their shape.
How-to Summary
To make Cheesy Beef Burritos: 1) Cook rice in seasoned chicken broth. 2) Brown ground beef with onion and garlic, then mix with taco seasoning. 3) Warm tortillas. 4) Layer rice, beef, cheese, sour cream, and salsa on each tortilla. 5) Fold sides in and roll tightly. 6) Serve immediately or wrap in foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
What’s a good substitute for ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy? Ensure the beef filling is not too watery after simmering. Let the rice cool slightly, and avoid overloading with wet ingredients like salsa inside; serve it on the side instead.
Can I freeze these burritos? Absolutely. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
What if my tortillas tear while rolling? Tortillas may be over-warmed or too thin. Use sturdy, large burrito-size tortillas, and don’t overfill them. A little practice makes perfect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold tortillas directly from the package; they will crack. Always warm them first.
- Overfilling the tortilla, which makes rolling impossible and leads to breakage.
- Adding the sour cream and salsa inside if meal prepping, as this makes the tortilla soggy. Add these fresh at serving time.
- Not draining excess fat from the cooked beef, resulting in a greasy filling.
- Rolling the burrito loosely, which causes it to fall apart. Roll it snugly.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Burritos are a reliably delicious and customizable weeknight dinner. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly rolled, flavorful meal every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings and toppings to make it your own. Enjoy the satisfying process and the even more satisfying result!