Welcome to the comforting world of burritos, the one-dish wonder perfect for any meal of the day. Our recipe today is the ever-popular Ground Beef Burrito. Hailing from the vibrant Mexican cuisine, this savory package of flavor is filled with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, fluffy rice, and melty cheese, all bundled up in a soft tortilla.
It's a delightful combination of textures and flavors that's both satisfying and nourishing. The best part? It's incredibly simple to put together, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen. You're just a few steps away from a meal that everyone will love.
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, this ground beef burrito recipe is the epitome of flexibility. You can easily customize it to your taste - prefer spicy food? Add more chili. Are you a cheese lover? Go wild with your favorite kinds. Do you follow a special diet? Substitute ingredients as per your preference. This makes it an ideal choice for families with varied tastes and dietary requirements. It's also a great way to repurpose leftovers, whether it's rice, beans, or veggies - simply throw them into the mix. It's convenience wrapped in a tortilla.
Secondly, it's the perfect balance between nutrition and comfort food. Ground beef is a great source of protein, providing the necessary fuel for your day. The beans add fiber and additional protein, while the rice offers satisfying carbs. Then, there's the cheese, providing creamy richness and calcium. Yet, despite its wholesome profile, this burrito does not compromise on taste. The seasoned beef paired with the other filling ingredients creates a burst of flavors with every bite. This ground beef burrito is, therefore, the ideal choice for a meal that's both nourishing and scrumptious.
Ingredients
Ground Beef: This is the star of our burrito recipe, bringing a rich and savory flavor. Aim for a lean-to-fat ratio of about 80:20 for the best flavor and texture. If you're looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken can also work well.
Refried Beans: This adds a creamy texture and hearty taste to the burrito. You can use canned refried beans or make your own at home. Black beans or pinto beans, mashed, can also be used as substitutes.
Long-grain White Rice: It provides a fluffy and mild base that complements the other robust flavors. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used for a healthier twist.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the burrito. Alternatives can be cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend.
Flour Tortillas: These hold all your ingredients together. Go for the large, burrito-size ones to fit everything in! Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, though they might be smaller and harder to wrap.
Tips
- Season your ground beef well while it's cooking to build flavor from the start.
- Warm your tortillas before assembling the burritos; this makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Don't overfill your burrito. It's tempting to add a lot, but too much stuffing can make it difficult to wrap.
- Layer your ingredients evenly to ensure every bite gets a bit of everything.
- Let your cooked ground beef cool a bit before assembling to prevent the cheese from melting prematurely.
How to serve
Burritos are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed as they are, straight from the hand, or accompanied by a range of sides and sauces for a more fulfilling meal.
- You could serve these burritos with a side of salsa and guacamole to add a fresh and creamy touch.
- consider pairing them with a vibrant Mexican-style salad for a lighter complement.
- Another idea would be to serve the burritos "wet-style", smothered in enchilada sauce and extra cheese, then broiled until bubbly - it's a decadent twist that transforms the humble burrito into a restaurant-worthy dish!
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ground Beef Burrito
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 can of refried beans
- 1 cup of cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tortilla.
- Top with cooked rice and ground beef evenly among the tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef.
- Roll up each tortilla, tucking in the ends as you go.
- Optional: grill the burritos for a couple of minutes on each side to crisp up the tortilla.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Season your ground beef well while it's cooking to build flavor from the start.
- Warm your tortillas before assembling the burritos; this makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Don't overfill your burrito. It's tempting to add a lot, but too much stuffing can make it difficult to wrap.
- Layer your ingredients evenly to ensure every bite gets a bit of everything.
- Let your cooked ground beef cool a bit before assembling to prevent the cheese from melting prematurely.