Sink your teeth into the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito, where savory, well-seasoned ground beef meets creamy refried beans, fluffy rice, zingy salsa, and gooey melted cheese—all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. This flavor-packed burrito is everything you crave in comfort food: hearty, cheesy, customizable, and wonderfully easy to make at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or satisfying lunches, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long list of ingredients to make a truly satisfying burrito! Each element in this recipe is chosen for a delicious reason, from the bold flavor of seasoned beef to fluffy rice and punchy salsa, all playing their part in the texture, taste, and look of the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty star of the show, cooked until perfectly browned for rich, savory flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onion and gives your beef a golden, flavorful finish.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and texture, transforming as it cooks for aromatic depth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings a subtle, irresistible punch that makes every bite pop.
- Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade): Infuses the beef with smoky, spicy, bold flavor—homemade lets you control the heat!
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps the seasoning coat every bit of beef while keeping the filling moist.
- Refried Beans (1 can, 15 oz): Creates a creamy base and adds extra protein and fiber.
- Cooked Rice (1 cup): Makes each burrito satisfying, fluffy, and perfectly balanced.
- Salsa (1 cup): A burst of freshness and acidity that keeps the flavors lively and bright.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melts to perfection, binding everything with cheesy goodness. Swap for Mexican blend or pepper jack for a twist!
- Large Flour Tortillas (6): The soft, sturdy wrap that holds all the deliciousness together.
- Sour Cream (for serving): A cooling, creamy topping to contrast the warm, spicy filling.
- Chopped Cilantro (optional): Fresh and herby, perfect for finishing with a pop of color.
- Lime Wedges (optional): A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it softens up and turns translucent. When you catch that first irresistible whiff, you’re at the starting line for the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef directly into the skillet with the softened onion. Break it up with your spoon as it sizzles and cooks, ensuring every cranny gets nice and browned. Take your time here, because a golden crust equals deeper flavor. Drain any excess fat if you need to—it keeps things from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and taco seasoning (use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous). Pour in the water, and stir it all together so the beef becomes coated in that magical, seasoned sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, soaking up every ounce of flavor until the mixture has thickened and looks saucy and inviting.
Step 4: Warm the Refried Beans and Tortillas
While your beef mixture simmers, warm up the refried beans in a saucepan or microwave until they’re spreadable. Heat the tortillas slightly—either in the microwave, wrapped in a damp towel, or on a dry skillet—so they’re soft and ready to roll without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Time for the fun part: assembly! Lay out a warm tortilla and spread a generous layer of refried beans down the center. Add a spoonful of fluffy rice, followed by your saucy beef, a spoonful of salsa, and a good sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold in the sides then roll tightly from the bottom. If you want to take things up a notch, toast each burrito seam-side down in a dry skillet until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the burritos warm and gooey, topped with drizzles of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if you like. The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito is ready to be devoured—get ready for smiles around the table!
How to Serve Best Beef and Cheese Burrito
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of toppings for these burritos! Sour cream cools things down, chopped cilantro adds a pop of freshness, and a quick squeeze of lime wakes up all those savory flavors. If you’re feeling daring, toss on a few slices of jalapeño or scatter some crumbled queso fresco for an extra flourish.
Side Dishes
The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, or a tangy corn and black bean salad. If you’re going for comfort, a bowl of tortilla soup or simple guacamole on the side amps up the “fiesta” factor. Don’t forget a cool drink to round out the meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a burrito bar and let everyone customize their own! Set out bowls of extra cheese, various salsas, hot sauce, and crisp veggies so guests can build their dream burrito. You can also slice the burritos into halves or thirds for fun party bites—perfect for game day spreads or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover burritos securely in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat well, making them a lifesaver on extra-busy days. Just make sure to let them cool before wrapping, so the tortillas stay tender and not soggy.
Freezing
These burritos are perfect for batch cooking! Wrap each cooled burrito tightly in foil and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito holds up well in the freezer for up to 2 months—just label and date for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Reheating
For the best results, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Reheat in the microwave until piping hot, or crisp them up in a dry skillet or oven for irresistible golden edges. Always check the center to ensure everything is heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ground beef and double up on refried beans, or add sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and extra rice for a hearty, plant-based version of the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito that everyone will love.
What type Main Course
Cheddar cheese is classic and melts beautifully, but the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito welcomes variety! Try a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for more flavor or a little kick of spice.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Corn tortillas can work for smaller, taco-sized burritos, but flour tortillas are soft, flexible, and sturdy enough to wrap up all the fillings without breaking. For the full burrito experience, stick with large flour tortillas.
How do I keep my burritos from getting soggy?
The key is to let your fillings cool slightly before assembling and not to overfill with salsa or wet ingredients. Toasting the burritos seam-side down in a skillet also helps seal everything in and adds a delicious crunch!
Can I make these burritos ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! The Best Beef and Cheese Burrito is meal prep perfection. Assemble, wrap in foil, and refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and enjoy a satisfying homemade meal in minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort, flavor, and a little fun in your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with the Best Beef and Cheese Burrito. It’s a family favorite for a reason: hearty, quick, and totally customizable. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—happy cooking and even happier eating!
