Beef & Bean Burritos
Jump to RecipeThese Beef & Bean Burritos are a fast, flavor-packed weeknight winner built on simple pantry staples: ground beef, refried beans, tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Start by browning the beef in olive oil, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water to wake up the spices. Warm the refried beans separately to a silky consistency, then layer on the tortillas with beans, seasoned beef, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Roll them up tight; for extra texture, brown the seam-side burritos in a skillet. Serve with salsa on the side and customize with toppings like cilantro, avocado, or rice. This recipe yields four hearty burritos and adapts easily for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
ground beef
Brown the beef thoroughly for best flavor and crumbliness; drain excess fat after browning; stir in the taco seasoning and add a splash of water if the mix looks dry, then simmer briefly to meld flavors. For extra depth, sauté a small onion and minced garlic with the beef. Substitutions: use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if desired. Flavor boost: finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime after cooking.
refried beans
Warm until just simmering so they spread smoothly; if you like a creamier texture, mash in a splash of water or broth and stir in a spoonful of sour cream or shredded cheese. Add a pinch of cumin or garlic powder for extra aroma. Substitutions: mashed pinto or black beans (refried or not); vegan option: lard-free refried beans. To adjust thickness, add more liquid as needed.
tortillas
Heat tortillas until pliable: 20–30 seconds in a damp towel microwave or 15–20 seconds per side in a dry skillet. Keep them soft by wrapping in a towel until ready to fill. Substitutions: use large burrito-size corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas. For a crisper exterior, toast the seam side down in a hot skillet after filling.
shredded cheese
Choose a melty blend (e.g., cheddar + Monterey Jack or pepper jack). Shred fresh if possible for better melt; avoid overfilling with cheese to prevent leakage. Substitutions: vegan cheese shreds if dairy-free. You can mix some cheese into the filling and reserve a bit for topping.
sour cream
Provides creaminess and contrast to spicy beef. Substitutions: Greek yogurt or crema; vegan option: cashew or coconut-based sour cream. For lighter options, use half sour cream and half yogurt, or drizzle a small amount on top after assembly.
salsa
Adds brightness and moisture; if using jarred salsa, drain excess liquid if it’s very watery. Substitutions: salsa verde or pico de gallo for a different flavor. To control heat, choose milder or hotter varieties or add minced jalapeño/serrano. A spoonful inside the burrito helps keep fillings moist without becoming soggy.
olive oil
A small amount helps brown the beef and prevents sticking. Substitutions: any neutral oil (avocado, canola, etc.). If you prefer, you can render aromatics (onion, garlic) in oil first, then add the beef. You can also brush tortillas lightly with oil before toasting for extra crispness.
taco seasoning
Packet is convenient, but watch sodium. If making your own, try: 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, pinch cayenne. Adjust salt to taste and reduce if using a salted packet. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for future use.
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Step 1 - Gather and prep ingredients
Beef and Bean Burritos start with mise en place. Gather ground beef, refried beans, tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Measure quantities and set out bowls so you can work in order. This helps a smooth workflow and prevents last minute scrambling. Expert tip for beginners: line up ingredients in the order you will use them, keep your workspace clean, and wash hands before you start.Step 2: Step 2 - Heat olive oil and set up pan
Place a skillet on the stove and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Swirl to coat the bottom. Do not let the oil smoke as this may burn the beef. This step builds a flavorful base for the filling and makes browning easier.Step 3: Step 3 - Brown the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until evenly browned with no pink remaining. For beginners avoid overcrowding the pan and if needed cook in two batches. Drain excess fat if desired.Step 4: Step 4 - Season the beef
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef. Stir to coat evenly. Follow the package instructions for adding water if required. Simmer until the beef is coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.Step 5: Step 5 - Warm the refried beans
In a separate pot heat the refried beans until warm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the beans are very thick add a splash of water or broth to loosen them and make spreading easier.Step 6: Step 6 - Warm the tortillas
Warm the tortillas to make rolling easier. You can microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel or warm each side in a dry skillet for 10 to 15 seconds. Warming the tortillas helps them stay pliable and prevents tearing.Step 7: Step 7 - Assemble the burritos
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of refried beans, add a scoop of seasoned beef, then sprinkle shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Keep fillings moderate and even to avoid overstuffing. For beginners use a guideline across the center.Step 8: Step 8 - Roll the burritos
Fold the sides inward and roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Tuck in the filling as you go to keep it compact. If the tortilla tears, add a touch more cheese to seal.Step 9: Step 9 - Optional browning for extra texture
Place the seam side down in a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side to lightly brown the outside and help seal the burrito. Watch closely to avoid burning and adjust heat as needed.Step 10: Step 10 - Serve with salsa
Serve the beef and bean burritos immediately with salsa on the side. You can also offer extra toppings such as extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro. For a simple presentation, cut burritos in half and arrange on a plate while still warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I safely handle raw ground beef?
Keep it cold, thaw safely in the fridge if needed, and avoid cross‑contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat. Wash your hands, the board, and knives with soap and hot water after handling.
How long and to what temperature should ground beef be cooked?
Cook the beef about 5–7 minutes over medium‑high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Check that it reaches at least 160°F (71°C) with a meat thermometer.
How do I season the beef for burritos?
If using a taco seasoning packet, add it to the beef and follow the package guidance for any water to add. For a simple homemade mix, try 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder, then simmer a minute or two and adjust to taste.
How do I heat the refried beans without lumps?
Warm the beans in a pot over medium heat, stirring often until smooth. If they’re thick, stir in a splash of water or broth until you reach a creamy consistency.
How should I build a burrito so it doesn’t fall apart?
Keep the tortilla warm and pliable. Spread a thin layer of beans, add a scoop of seasoned beef, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Don’t overfill—roll tightly and tuck the sides as you go. If you like, toast seam‑side down in a skillet for extra texture.
How should I warm tortillas for rolling?
Warm the tortillas until pliable: a quick dry‑skillet heat (about 15–30 seconds per side) or microwave for 15–20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Can I customize this recipe if I don’t eat dairy or want to add more veggies?
Absolutely. Omit cheese or sour cream or use dairy‑free options. Add sautéed peppers and onions, extra beans, corn, or avocado to boost flavor and texture.
How long will leftovers keep, and how do I store/reheat them?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container. They’ll keep 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave (1–2 minutes) or in a skillet until hot all the way through.
Additional Information
Dietary Considerations
Dietary considerations and alternatives: gluten-free option use corn tortillas and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free; dairy-free option omit sour cream or replace with avocado or a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese if desired; vegetarian/vegan alternative swap beef for sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or plant-based crumbles while keeping beans and toppings; low-sodium version choose low-sodium taco seasoning and low-sodium salsa/beans, and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium; lighter option reduces cheese amount and relies more on avocado for creaminess; halal/kosher preparation should use compliant meats and utensils or opt for a vegetable-based filling; leftovers refrigerate 3-4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave, or freeze assembled burritos unbrowned for later use.
Pairings
Flavor pairings and serving companions for Beef & Bean Burritos: core flavors pair with creamy refried beans, seasoned beef, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream; brighten with salsa for tang and accessible freshness; complementary textures come from warm tortillas (lightly toasted for a touch of crunch). Beverage options include a cold Mexican lager or a fruity, refreshing agua fresca (lime, horchata, or jamaica); sides such as cilantro-lime rice or Mexican rice, pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans, and a side of salsa verde or roja work well. Cheese options like cotija, queso fresco, or extra shredded cheddar add savoriness; offer pickled jalapeños or a spicier salsa on the side for heat control. For variations, consider swapping beef for ground turkey or chicken, or adding sautéed peppers/onions to the filling for sweetness and aroma. Occasions range from quick weeknight dinners to a casual burrito bar at a gathering; for parties, set up a toppings station to customize flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serving suggestions: warm the tortillas and fillings, keeping toppings in separate warm bowls so guests can build their own burritos. Optional: lightly brown burritos seam-side down in a skillet for extra texture. Plate with a lime wedge, chopped cilantro, and extra salsa on the side; serve sour cream alongside. For crowds, set up a build-your-own burrito bar with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. Keep burritos hot by wrapping in foil or placing in a warm oven; offer smaller portions for kids and milder salsa or sauces for sensitive palates.
Beef & Bean Burritos
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Description
Savory beef and beans wrapped in a warm tortilla, perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- ground beef: 1 pound
- refried beans: 1 can
- tortillas: 4 pieces
- shredded cheese: 1 cup
- sour cream: 1 cup
- salsa: 1 cup
- olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- taco seasoning: 1 packet
Date Created:
11/29/2025