Beef and Bean Burrito
Hearty burritos packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. A satisfying and easy weeknight meal that's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for the whole family.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Beef Filling
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- d.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- e.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- f.Pour in the tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Warm Beans and Tortillas
- b.While the beef is simmering, warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl, until smooth and easily spreadable.
- c.Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Wrap the stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, heat them one by one in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Burritos
- b.Lay a warm tortilla on a clean, flat surface.
- c.Spread a quarter of the warm refried beans in a line down the center, leaving a 2-inch border on the sides.
- d.Top the beans with a quarter of the beef mixture.
- e.Sprinkle generously with about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fold and Roll
- b.To fold, bring the left and right sides of the tortilla in over the filling.
- c.Next, take the bottom edge of the tortilla (closest to you) and fold it up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly.
- d.Roll the burrito away from you to form a compact, sealed cylinder. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Sear and Serve
- b.Wipe out the skillet used for the beef or use a clean one. Heat it over medium heat.
- c.Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in the hot, dry skillet.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. This helps seal the burrito and melt the cheese.
- e.Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier filling, stir a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture after it has finished simmering.
- 2Don't overfill the tortillas. It's better to have slightly smaller, well-sealed burritos than large ones that fall apart.
- 3To ensure the cheese is perfectly melted, you can place the seared burritos on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- 4These burritos are excellent for meal prep. Assemble them but do not sear. Wrap individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- 5To reheat from frozen, unwrap, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or pulled pork for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and double the amount of beans, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also add sautéed bell peppers and corn for extra texture and nutrients.
Add RiceAdd Rice
For a more substantial burrito, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cooked Spanish or cilantro-lime rice to each burrito along with the other fillings.
Make it 'Wet'Make it 'Wet'
After assembling and searing, place the burritos in a baking dish, top with red enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef and beans provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
High in Dietary Fiber
Refried beans are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Rich in Iron
Ground beef is a rich source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
Frequently asked questions
A single burrito made according to this recipe contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the leanness of the beef, the type of tortilla, and the amount of cheese used.