This Cheesy Beefy Burrito Delight is packed with flavorful ground beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist a burrito this cheesy? I love loading mine with extra salsa and sour cream for that perfect bite. It’s a feast that always hits the spot!
Making these burritos is a breeze! Just cook the beef, mix in the cheese, roll it up, and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty meal. You’ll want to add this to your dinner list!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, giving it that hearty flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want to lighten things up or even a plant-based alternative like lentils for a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: A mix of spices is essential for flavor. If you’re out of store-bought seasoning, you can easily mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to make your own. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor. If you want a twist, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for some heat. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds instead.
Flour Tortillas: While I prefer flour tortillas for their softness, you can choose corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative; just be gentle when rolling them. Whole wheat tortillas are also a healthy swap.
How Do I Properly Cook the Ground Beef?
Cooking the ground beef might seem simple, but there’s a key method for getting it just right. Start with a hot skillet and break it apart as it cooks to avoid clumps. You want it to be evenly browned.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes until browned. It’s important not to rush this step, as proper browning brings out great flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked beef base ready to mix with the other ingredients, making your burritos even more delicious!
How to Make Cheesy Beefy Burrito Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef mixture, and another 10-15 minutes assembling and optionally grilling the burritos. A quick and tasty dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper for more flavor.
2. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through. You want those flavors to blend nicely!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the refried beans and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. This will be the delicious filling for your burritos!
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
Now it’s time to warm your flour tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan or quickly in the microwave. Warming them makes them easier to roll and keeps them from tearing.
5. Assemble the Burritos:
Take a tortilla and spread a generous spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Top with a dollop of sour cream and some of the remaining cheddar cheese. Be careful not to overfill them!
6. Roll Them Up:
Gently roll the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides to keep all that yummy filling inside. Place the rolled burritos seam side down on a plate. This keeps them from unraveling.
7. Optional Grilling or Baking:
If you want a crispy outer layer, you can grill or bake your burritos. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the stuffed burritos on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
8. Serving:
Serve your Cheesy Beefy Burrito Delight warm, garnished with chopped green onions and a little extra drizzle of sour cream on top for that finishing touch!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef and will work just as well in this recipe. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring that the meat is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Refried Beans?
If you don’t have refried beans on hand, you can substitute black beans or pinto beans. Just mash them up a bit before adding to the beef mixture for similar consistency. Alternatively, you can use lentils for a lighter option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of water or a little extra sour cream while reheating.
Can I Freeze This Burrito Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked burritos! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if frozen.
