When life gets busy, having a freezer stocked with homemade burritos is a lifesaver! Today, I’m beyond excited to share with you a go-to recipe for super tasty beef burritos that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or prepping meals in advance, this beef burrito recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, these burritos are freezable, making them perfect for meal prepping!
Ingredients
Burrito Seasoning:
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Beef Filling:
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp water
For the Burritos:
- 6-8 large soft flour tortillas (around 25 cm / 10 inches)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white long grain or your choice)
- 3 cups shredded lettuce or finely sliced cabbage (use cabbage for freezer-friendly burritos)
- 1 cup canned corn kernels (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained)
- 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (any melting variety)
- Fresh cilantro/coriander (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Beef Burritos
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until the onion is softened and lightly browned (about 2 minutes). Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef turns from red to brown.
Add your burrito seasoning and cook for another minute to let the spices release their flavors. Then, add tomato paste and water, simmering for about 3 minutes until the liquid evaporates but the beef remains juicy. Set the filling aside to cool for 10 minutes – you don’t want to assemble burritos with piping hot filling as it may make the tortillas soggy.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Start by adding 1/4 to 1/3 cup of rice just below the center of the tortilla. Top with the beef filling, followed by lettuce (or cabbage), corn, black beans, diced tomato, a sprinkle of red onion, cilantro (if using), and shredded cheese.
To roll your burrito, fold up the bottom to cover the filling, then fold the edges inward. Roll tightly, securing the burrito into a firm wrap. If you prefer warm burritos, you can pan-fry them in a dry skillet or bake them wrapped in foil to crisp up the outside.
Step 3: Heat and Serve
If you’d like to warm your burritos, here are a few options:
- Pan Fry: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and fry the burritos in foil for a few minutes on each side.
- Bake: Bake the burritos at 180°C (350°F) in foil for about 20 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
- Melt the Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, bake or pan-fry the burritos long enough to melt the cheese inside – about 10 more minutes.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping!
Details and nutritional information
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 burritos
Nutrition:
- Serving Size: 1 burrito (approximately 308g)
- Calories: 511 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
Helpful Tips for Making the Best Beef Burritos
- Cool the Filling: Let the beef filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas.
- Warm Tortillas: If your tortillas are stiff, warm them slightly before filling so they don’t crack when rolling.
- Seal Well: Roll the burritos tightly to ensure they hold together during reheating or freezing.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for sautéed vegetables or beans.
- Lower Carb: Skip the rice and pack more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini into the filling.
- Spicy: If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these burritos?
Absolutely! These beef burritos are ideal for freezing. Make sure to use cabbage instead of lettuce, as it freezes better. Wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen burritos?
To reheat, thaw the burritos in the fridge overnight, then:
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes until the burrito is warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Microwave and Stove: Unwrap the burrito and microwave it for 2 minutes, then crisp it up in a dry pan over medium heat.
- Stovetop Only: Leave the burrito wrapped in foil and heat it in a dry skillet over medium heat for 10+ minutes, flipping occasionally until fully warmed.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover burritos wrapped in foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Now you’ve got everything you need to whip up these delicious burritos – they’re anything but boring! From the juicy beef to the customizable fillings, you’ll be enjoying these for days. Happy cooking! 😊
PrintSuper Tasty Beef Burritos – A Freezer-Friendly Favorite
- Author: Zakia
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 burritos 1x
Description
These super tasty Beef Burritos are made with seasoned ground beef, rice, and fresh veggies, all wrapped in soft tortillas. They’re easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite fillings, and perfect for meal prep. Best of all, they freeze beautifully for a quick meal any time! Whether you’re serving them fresh or reheating from frozen, these burritos are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- Burrito Seasoning:
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Beef Filling:
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 500g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp water
- Burrito Assembly:
- 6–8 large flour tortillas (about 25 cm / 10 inches)
- 3 cups cooked rice (warm)
- 3 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 cup canned corn kernels (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained)
- 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (melting variety)
- Fresh cilantro/coriander (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until the onion is softened and golden. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. - Season the Beef:
Stir in burrito seasoning and cook for another minute. Add tomato paste and water, simmering for 3 minutes until the liquid evaporates. Let the beef cool for about 10 minutes before assembling the burritos. - Assemble the Burritos:
Lay a tortilla flat and add 1/4 to 1/3 cup rice near the center. Top with beef filling, lettuce or cabbage, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cheese. Roll up the burrito tightly. - Serve or Heat:
Serve as is or warm the burritos in a dry skillet, baking at 180°C (350°F), or pan-fry in foil to crisp the outside. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- For freezer-friendly burritos, use cabbage instead of lettuce.
- These burritos freeze and reheat perfectly – just thaw and reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet.
- Add more veggies to the beef mixture to sneak in extra nutrition or reduce the carbs by omitting the rice.
- Customize your burrito with your favorite fillings like jalapeños, avocado, or hot sauce!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito (approximately 308g)
- Calories: 511 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg