Beef Burrito
A hearty and flavorful burrito packed with seasoned ground beef, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. A perfect weeknight meal that's fully customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Cilantro-Lime Rice
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups of water, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- d.Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes to steam.
- e.Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Gently stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped coriander leaves until well combined. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Seasoned Beef Filling
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- d.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
- e.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- f.Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute until aromatic.
- g.Stir in the tomato paste until it coats the beef, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- h.Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and clings to the beef.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Warm Tortillas and Assemble
- b.Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Stack them, wrap in a slightly damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, warm them one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 seconds per side.
- c.Lay a warm tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about 3/4 cup of cilantro-lime rice down the center, leaving a 2-inch border at the top and bottom.
- d.Top the rice with 1/4 of the beef mixture, 1/4 of the black beans, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- e.To roll: Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla inward over the filling.
- f.Then, take the bottom edge of the tortilla and fold it up and over the filling, tucking it in tightly to create a compact cylinder.
- g.Continue rolling forward until the burrito is fully sealed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Optional: Sear the Burritos
- b.For a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a perfect seal, heat a clean, dry skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Place the assembled burrito seam-side down in the hot skillet.
- d.Sear for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
- e.Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, toast your spices (cumin, chili powder) in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the beef.
- 2Don't overfill the burritos. It's tempting, but it will make them impossible to roll and they may burst.
- 3Warming the tortillas is a crucial step. Cold tortillas are brittle and will crack when you try to fold them.
- 4Use freshly shredded cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- 5To make ahead, prepare the rice and beef filling and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and sear just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of plant-based ground 'meat' or use a hearty mixture of sautéed mushrooms and extra black beans.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1-2 minced jalapeños or a serrano pepper along with the onion. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
Different GrainsDifferent Grains
Substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a boost in fiber and nutrients. Adjust cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions and add them to the filling for extra flavor, color, and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef and black beans provides a high-quality protein punch, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Black beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to lowering cholesterol.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice and tortilla provide a readily available source of energy, while the protein and fiber help to slow down digestion, leading to more stable energy levels without a crash.
Frequently asked questions
A single beef burrito made with this recipe contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the exact size of the tortilla and the amount of cheese used.