This ground beef burrito recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal wrapped up in a soft tortilla and loaded with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and melty cheese. I love making them for a satisfying dinner or prepping them ahead for easy lunches.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how customizable and filling these burritos are. The ground beef cooks quickly with bold spices, and I can stuff them with all my favorite toppings. Whether I’m making a single serving or a freezer batch, they always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Onion (chopped)
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Garlic (minced)
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Chili powder
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Cumin
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Paprika
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Salt and black pepper
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Cooked rice
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Black beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
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Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
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Large flour tortillas
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Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños
Directions
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I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
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I add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for a few more minutes until softened.
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I stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes.
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I warm the tortillas and lay them flat on a clean surface.
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I layer on some rice, beans, beef mixture, and cheese, then add any extra toppings I like.
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I fold the sides in and roll the burrito tightly from the bottom up.
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I toast the burritos in a hot skillet or press them in a panini press for a crisp finish (optional).
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I serve them hot or wrap them in foil for later.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4–6 burritos. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cook time is about 15 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers and onions for more veggies.
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A drizzle of chipotle mayo or hot sauce adds a spicy kick.
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I swap the beef for ground turkey or a meatless crumble when I want a lighter option.
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For breakfast burritos, I add scrambled eggs and hash browns to the mix.
Storage/Reheating
I wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, I wrap them individually and keep them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I microwave or bake at 350°F until hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, I make and wrap them ahead—perfect for meal prep. I just reheat when ready to eat.
Do I have to use rice and beans?
Not at all. I’ve made them with quinoa, corn, or just extra beef and cheese for a simpler version.
How do I keep the burritos from getting soggy?
I let the beef cool slightly before wrapping and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients like salsa.
What’s the best tortilla to use?
I use large flour tortillas because they’re sturdy and easy to roll. Burrito-size works best.
Can I serve this as a burrito bowl instead?
Absolutely. I skip the tortilla and build a bowl with the same ingredients layered together.
Conclusion
Ground beef burritos are one of my favorite easy meals. They’re packed with flavor, endlessly flexible, and perfect for eating now or saving for later. Whether I’m making a quick dinner or prepping ahead, they never disappoint.
Print
Ground Beef Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
This ground beef burrito recipe features seasoned beef, rice, beans, and cheese all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. It’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 4–6 large flour tortillas
- Optional: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Warm tortillas and lay them on a clean surface.
- Layer rice, beans, beef mixture, and cheese onto each tortilla. Add any optional toppings.
- Fold in the sides, then roll up the burrito from the bottom.
- Optional: toast burritos in a hot skillet or panini press until golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately or wrap in foil for storage.
Notes
- Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra veggies.
- Swap beef for ground turkey or meatless crumbles for a lighter option.
- Use scrambled eggs and hash browns for breakfast burritos.
- Freeze wrapped burritos for up to 2 months.
- Serve ingredients in a bowl for a burrito bowl alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
