Beef and Bean Burritos (Printable Version)
Flavorful beef and bean filling paired with melted cheese and fresh toppings inside warm tortillas.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Beans & Add-Ins
11 - 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
12 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
13 - 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels (optional)
→ Assembly
14 - 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
18 - 1 medium tomato, diced
19 - 1/4 cup sour cream
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, approximately 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Incorporate cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the beef. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
04 - Add refried beans, tomato sauce, and optional corn to the skillet. Stir to blend ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
05 - Heat flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
06 - Place each tortilla flat and spoon one-quarter of the beef and bean mixture down the center. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
07 - Layer shredded lettuce, diced tomato, a dollop of sour cream, and optional cilantro atop the cheese.
08 - Fold the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
09 - Serve immediately or for a crisp texture, grill the burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- This recipe feels like sharing a secret family favorite that is both hearty and simple to make.
- The blend of spices and the melty cheeses always bring everyone back for seconds, making it my go-to for casual gatherings.
02 -
- Don’t rush browning the beef - letting it get a proper sear develops deep flavor you won’t get from just stirring constantly.
- Adding beans not only helps with texture but keeps the filling creamy and moist, even when reheated.
03 -
- Use medium heat when cooking to prevent burning spices while still browning meat properly.
- Rolling burritos while warm ensures they’re tight and hold their shape beautifully when served or grilled.