Cheesy Beef Burritos: A Flavorful Mexican Classic
Cheesy Beef Burritos are a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and warm tortillas in one delicious package. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a crowd, these burritos are quick to prepare and can be customized to suit different tastes. With a rich combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings, Cheesy Beef Burritos are a comfort food classic that never disappoints.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the basic recipe for Cheesy Beef Burritos, dive into advanced cooking techniques, share tips for storing and reheating, and discuss dietary adaptations to make the dish fit your needs.
For more Mexican-inspired recipes, check out Cheesy Beef Burritos on Allrecipes and Mexican Burrito Recipes on Taste of Home.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Burritos:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for added heat)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the beef and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning) along with the can of diced green chilies, if using. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Roll and Cook: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly. Place the burritos seam side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Serve the burritos hot with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.
Advanced Techniques for Cheesy Beef Burritos
1. Customize the Fillings:
While the classic Cheesy Beef Burrito features ground beef, feel free to customize the filling to suit your preferences. You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for a different texture and flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with black beans or refried beans.
2. Use Homemade Taco Seasoning:
Instead of using store-bought taco seasoning, make your own seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. This gives you full control over the flavor and allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
3. Add Extra Veggies:
To add more nutrition and flavor to your Cheesy Beef Burritos, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These vegetables can be cooked along with the onion and garlic to integrate seamlessly into the beef filling.
4. Make the Burritos Crispy:
For extra crunch and flavor, try pan-frying the rolled burritos in a bit of oil after they are assembled. This will give the tortillas a golden, crispy exterior and an extra layer of texture.
5. Add a Flavorful Sauce:
Top your burritos with a creamy chipotle sauce, guacamole, or enchilada sauce for added depth of flavor. You can also drizzle the burritos with a homemade salsa verde or spicy ranch dressing to make them even more irresistible.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
How to Store:
Leftover Cheesy Beef Burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, store the burritos without the sour cream or salsa, and add those toppings when serving.
Freezing Tips:
If you want to make these burritos ahead of time or have leftovers to store for later, freeze them for a convenient meal. Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. The burritos will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating Tips:
To reheat leftover burritos, you can use a microwave, but be sure to wrap them in a damp paper towel to prevent the tortillas from becoming too tough. For a crispier texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free:
To make Cheesy Beef Burritos gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains. Ensure that any sauces, seasonings, or additional ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:
For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, replace the flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps. These alternatives will provide the same satisfying filling but with fewer carbs. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lower-fat option.
Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese such as almond-based or soy-based cheeses. You can also skip the cheese altogether and opt for guacamole or a salsa verde as a topping. For the sour cream, substitute with vegan sour cream or cashew cream.
Vegetarian Option:
To make the burritos vegetarian, replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for additional flavor and texture. Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make the dish fully vegan if needed.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! You can use corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican taste, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Be sure to warm them slightly before assembling the burritos to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat the filling before assembling the burritos.
3. How can I make these burritos spicier?
If you love spice, you can increase the red pepper flakes, add jalapeños to the beef mixture, or drizzle the burritos with hot sauce or sriracha. Adjust the level of heat to your preference.
4. Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Burritos?
Yes, these burritos freeze very well. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
5. Can I add other fillings to these burritos?
Definitely! Feel free to add extras such as guacamole, cilantro, sautéed bell peppers, or even rice for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef Burritos are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas for a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe is easily customizable to suit different dietary needs and preferences, from gluten-free to vegetarian options. Whether you’re preparing these burritos for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or meal prep for the week, they are sure to be a hit.
The best part? These burritos are simple to make and packed with flavor, ensuring everyone at the table will leave satisfied. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and hearty flavors in every bite!