Cheesy Beef Burritos 🌯 Ingredients: 1 pound (450 g) ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil Full Recipe: in First comment 👇👇

 

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Ground beef is the heart of any beef burrito. The right fat content makes a difference:

• 80–85% lean – Juicy and flavorful; ideal for burritos.

• 90% lean – Leaner option; may need a little extra oil for moisture.

• 70% lean – Very juicy, but grease may require draining.

Tip:

For a balance of flavor and tenderness, 85% lean is perfect. It produces a juicy, savory filling without being too greasy.

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🧂 Essential Seasonings for Burrito Beef

A well-seasoned beef mixture is critical. Classic burrito flavors include:

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

These spices give the beef a deep, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with melted cheese.

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🌯 Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Burritos (Serves 4–6)

For the beef filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)

• 2 tbsp water or beef broth

Cheese:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend

• Optional: Pepper jack for a spicy kick

Additional filling options:

• ½ cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)

• ½ cup black beans or pinto beans

• ¼ cup corn kernels

• Chopped fresh cilantro

For assembly:

• 4–6 large flour tortillas (10–12 inches)

• Olive oil or melted butter for brushing (optional)

Optional toppings:

• Sour cream

• Salsa

• Guacamole

• Hot sauce

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🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula.

3. When beef is no longer pink, drain excess fat if necessary.

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2️⃣ Sauté aromatics

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

3. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

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3️⃣ Season the beef

1. Add all spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Stir to coat the beef evenly.

3. Optional: Stir in tomato paste and 2 tbsp water or broth to keep beef moist.

4. Simmer 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld.

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4️⃣ Add beans, rice, or corn (optional)

• Stir in cooked rice, beans, or corn if using.

• Adjust seasoning as needed.

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5️⃣ Prepare tortillas

1. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.

2. Place a generous portion of beef filling in the center of each tortilla.

3. Top with shredded cheese.

4. Optional: Add cilantro, avocado slices, or extra veggies.

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6️⃣ Roll the burritos

1. Fold in the sides of the tortilla.

2. Roll tightly from one end to the other.

3. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.

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7️⃣ Bake or crisp the burritos

Option 1: Oven-baked (healthier)

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly brush burritos with olive oil or melted butter.

• Bake 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas are lightly golden.

Option 2: Skillet-crisped

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

• Cook burritos seam-side down 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Tip:

Baking is ideal for multiple burritos at once; skillet-cooking adds extra crunch.

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🧀 Cheese Tips

• Shred your own cheese for better melt and flavor.

• Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack for creamy texture and mild flavor.

• Pepper jack adds subtle heat if desired.

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🌯 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

• Add a side of Mexican rice or chips for a full meal.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

• Drizzle with hot sauce or creamy chipotle sauce for extra flavor.

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🥑 Flavor Variations

1. Southwestern Style

• Add corn, black beans, and chopped jalapeños.

• Top with avocado slices.

2. Tex-Mex Style

• Include cooked rice, beans, and taco seasoning.

• Serve with cheddar cheese and salsa.

3. Loaded Beef & Cheese

• Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

• Mix cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.

4. Low-Carb/Keto Burritos

• Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps.

• Skip rice and beans; add extra cheese, avocado, and vegetables.

5. Spicy Chipotle Beef Burritos

• Stir 1–2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce into beef mixture.

• Top with pepper jack cheese.

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🛠️ Meal Prep and Freezing Tips

To Freeze Burritos

• Wrap individually in foil.

• Freeze up to 3 months.

To Reheat

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

• Microwave: 2–3 minutes per burrito.

Tip:

• For crispier tortillas after reheating, unwrap foil and place under broiler for 2–3 minutes.

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🧠 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Burritos fall apart

• Cause: Too much filling or loose rolling

• Fix: Roll tightly and tuck in sides before folding

❌ Beef is dry

• Cause: Overcooking or using very lean beef

• Fix: Add tomato paste or small amount of broth; avoid overcooking

❌ Cheese doesn’t melt

• Cause: Cheese too cold or burritos baked at low temp

• Fix: Pre-shred cheese; bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot

❌ Tortillas are soggy

• Cause: Excess liquid in filling

• Fix: Drain beans or corn, or use thicker tortillas; bake on rack for air circulation

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🌟 Why These Burritos Work

1. Balanced flavor: Spiced beef, melty cheese, and optional veggies complement each other.

2. Customizable: Rice, beans, or veggies can be added based on preference.

3. Versatile: Oven, skillet, or air fryer options.

4. Kid-friendly: Mild, cheesy, and easy to eat.

5. Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing.

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🍽 Creative Serving Ideas

• Burrito Bowls: Skip rolling; serve beef, rice, beans, and cheese in a bowl.

• Burrito Bake: Layer multiple burritos in a casserole dish; top with sauce and bake.

• Party Platter: Cut burritos in halves or thirds; serve with mini dipping bowls.

• Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns to the beef mixture.

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🏆 Final Thoughts

Cheesy beef burritos are more than just a quick dinner—they’re comfort food at its finest, flexible enough for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. With seasoned, juicy beef, melty cheese, and soft yet crispy tortillas, every bite hits the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

By mastering the filling, rolling, and cooking techniques, you’ll elevate homemade burritos to restaurant-quality, all while keeping the process simple and approachable.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, cheesy beef burritos are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

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