Beef and Bean Burritos: A Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Occasion

Beef and bean burritos are a versatile and satisfying dish that combines bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a lunch on-the-go, or a meal to freeze for later, these burritos are sure to please. Here’s how to make delicious beef and bean burritos from scratch.

The Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)

• ½ cup water

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (or black beans, drained and mashed)

• ½ cup salsa or diced tomatoes

• 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup chopped lettuce (optional)

• ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)

• Hot sauce or jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

• Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Add the Aromatics

• Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

3. Season the Filling

• Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Add the water and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.

4. Incorporate Beans and Salsa

• Stir in the refried beans and salsa (or diced tomatoes). If using cooked rice, fold it in as well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Warm the Tortillas

• Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven to make them pliable for wrapping.

6. Assemble the Burritos

• Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about ½ cup of the beef and bean filling into the center.

• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, or any additional toppings of your choice.

• Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.

7. Optional: Toast the Burritos

• For added flavor and texture, heat the assembled burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your beef and bean burritos with a side of guacamole, pico de gallo, or tortilla chips. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavor even more. Pair them with a fresh salad or Mexican-style corn for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Customize the Filling: Add cooked bell peppers, corn, or chopped cilantro to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

2. Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans.

3. Freeze for Later: Wrap the burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick, satisfying meal.

4. Keep it Neat: Avoid overfilling the tortillas to make rolling easier and prevent leaks.

A Meal Everyone Will Love

Beef and bean burritos are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for casual dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry group. With their customizable nature and bold, satisfying flavors, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion.