Description
Cheesy Beef Queso Burritos
These juicy, cheesy beef burritos are packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and smothered in a creamy queso sauce—perfect for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup chopped cilantro
For the Queso Cheese Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
1 tbsp diced jalapeños (optional for spice)
For the Burritos:
4 large flour tortillas
½ cup chopped lettuce (optional)
½ cup chopped onions
½ cup shredded cheese (extra for filling)
Instructions:
Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then mix in diced tomatoes and cilantro.
Make the Queso Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk, then add cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and jalapeños.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Burritos:
Warm flour tortillas in a pan for a few seconds.
Spread cooked beef onto each tortilla.
Add lettuce, onions, shredded cheese, and drizzle with queso sauce.
Roll up tightly into a burrito.
Grill & Serve:
Heat a pan and lightly toast each burrito for 1-2 minutes per side for a crispy exterior.
Cut in half and serve with extra queso sauce.
Enjoy these cheesy, juicy, and flavorful burritos—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Would you like to add rice or a spicier version?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect burritos every time. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured. For the beef, use a large skillet and cook until no pink remains, draining excess fat if necessary before adding tomatoes and cilantro. For the queso, constantly whisk the milk into the butter-flour roux to prevent lumps, then reduce heat to low before adding cheese to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce. When assembling, warm the tortillas just until pliable to prevent tearing. Place the beef filling slightly off-center, add your toppings, then fold the sides inward before rolling tightly away from you. For the final grill, use medium heat to achieve a golden, crispy seal without burning the tortilla.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burritos hot off the grill. Accompany them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad. For a restaurant-style presentation, plate the burrito halves with a generous extra drizzle of warm queso sauce, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. They pair perfectly with a light, crisp lager or a refreshing agua fresca.
How-to Summary
In summary: 1) Cook and season the ground beef with spices, tomatoes, and cilantro. 2) Create a creamy cheese sauce by making a roux, adding milk and cheese with spices. 3) Warm tortillas, fill with beef, veggies, extra cheese, and queso. 4) Roll tightly and grill for a crispy finish. 5) Serve immediately with extra sauce and sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble them (without grilling) and wrap tightly in foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Grill just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust cooking times as needed and ensure your seasoning is robust.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store wrapped burritos in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
My queso sauce is grainy. What went wrong? Graininess often occurs from overheating the cheese. Always add shredded cheese to the sauce base on low heat and stir until just melted. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can also cause a less smooth sauce.
Can I freeze these burritos? Absolutely. Wrap each fully cooled, ungrilled burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the tortillas, which leads to messy breaks. Do not skip warming the tortillas, as cold tortillas crack. When making the queso, add the milk gradually while whisking to prevent a lumpy roux. Finally, ensure the beef filling is not too wet; cook off any excess liquid from the tomatoes to prevent soggy burritos.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Queso Burritos are a crowd-pleasing meal that masterfully combines savory, spiced beef with a rich, creamy sauce. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly crispy, flavorful burrito at home. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with every cheesy bite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!