Quick Ground Beef Burritos

Finding quick and satisfying dinner options during busy weeknights can feel like an uphill battle. Between after-school activities, homework help, and general end-of-day exhaustion, putting together a meal that everyone will actually eat often seems impossible, especially when you’re trying to avoid another takeout night.

That’s where these ground beef burritos come to the rescue: they’re filling and flavorful, ready in under 30 minutes, and best of all, you can customize them with whatever toppings your family prefers.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For burritos, you’ll want to use lean ground beef with about 80-85% lean meat to 15-20% fat content. This ratio gives you enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful, but not so much that your burritos become greasy. While you can use extra-lean ground beef (93% lean), it tends to be a bit drier and less flavorful in the final dish. If you’re at the store, look for packages labeled “ground chuck” – this cut has the ideal fat content and great beef flavor that works perfectly in Mexican dishes. Just remember to drain off any excess fat after browning the meat to keep your burritos from becoming soggy.

Options for Substitutions

This burrito recipe is super adaptable and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Ground beef: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat. If using turkey or chicken, add an extra tablespoon of oil when cooking since these meats are leaner.
• Taco seasoning: Out of taco seasoning? Make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
• Flour tortillas: While flour tortillas are best for burritos since they’re more pliable, you can use corn tortillas for smaller tacos instead. Just warm them slightly to prevent breaking.
• Refried beans: You can substitute with whole black beans or pinto beans, or skip them altogether. If using whole beans, just drain and rinse them first.
• Mexican cheese blend: Any shredded cheese works here – try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination. If you’re dairy-free, there are several plant-based shredded cheese options available.
• Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro or don’t have any, try using fresh parsley or just skip it – it won’t make or break the recipe.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making ground beef burritos is overcrowding the pan while cooking the meat, which leads to steaming instead of browning – work in batches if needed and make sure to break up the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks. The second common error is not draining excess fat after cooking the beef, which can make your burritos greasy and cause the tortillas to become soggy. To prevent torn or cracked tortillas, warm them properly first – either wrap them in slightly damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or heat them briefly on each side in a dry skillet. When assembling, avoid overfilling your burritos (less is more!) and make sure to fold in the sides first before rolling from the bottom up, keeping the filling tucked in tightly to prevent spillage.

What to Serve With Burritos?

Mexican rice and beans are classic sides that go perfectly with these hearty burritos, but there are lots of other tasty options too! A simple corn salad with lime juice and cilantro adds a fresh crunch that balances out the rich filling. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes and a lime-based dressing, or whip up some quick Mexican-style coleslaw with jalapeños for extra kick. You can also put out bowls of tortilla chips with fresh pico de gallo or corn salsa for people to munch on while they eat their burritos.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These burritos are perfect for meal prep! Once assembled, wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re storing the components separately, the cooked beef mixture will stay good in the fridge for 4 days, while the other prepped ingredients can last 3-5 days.

Freeze: Want to make a big batch? Wrap each burrito in foil, then place them in a freezer bag – they’ll keep for up to 3 months! Just skip the fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa until you’re ready to eat. Pro tip: write the date on the bag so you know when you made them.

Reheat: To warm up your burrito, keep it wrapped in foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes if thawed, or 30-35 minutes if frozen. For a quicker option, unwrap the burrito and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, though the tortilla might not be as crispy. Add your fresh toppings after reheating!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2400
• Protein: 120-140 g
• Fat: 100-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 250-270 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean minced beef
• 1/2 chopped yellow onion
• 1 ounce taco seasoning mix (about 1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 6 large flour tortillas for burritos
• 16 ounces of warmed refried beans (from 1 can)
• 1½ cups shredded cheese blend (mexican style)
• 2 cups prepared rice
• 1 cup favorite salsa
• Sour cream (optional, to serve)
• Hot sauce (optional, to serve)
• Guacamole (optional, to serve)

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.

This will ensure your burritos don’t stick and are easy to remove once baked.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a large skillet set over medium-high heat.

Cook the mixture, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.

Add in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute to incorporate the flavors.

Stir in the cilantro to add a fresh herbaceous note to the beef mixture.

Once combined, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface.

Begin by spreading a layer of refried beans onto the tortilla.

Add a portion of cooked rice, followed by the beef mixture you just prepared.

Sprinkle cheese over the filling, and top with a spoonful of salsa.

Carefully wrap the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a burrito.

Place each assembled burrito seam side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.

Step 4: Bake the Burritos

Place the baking sheet with the assembled burritos in the preheated oven.

Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese inside has melted and the tortillas have become slightly crispy on the outside.

This short cooking time will ensure a warm and gooey center.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the burritos are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pair them with your favorite condiments such as guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa.

Enjoy your delicious homemade burritos fresh from the oven!