Beef and Cheese Burritos – A Classic Comfort Food Favorite
There’s a reason beef and cheese burritos have earned a permanent place in home kitchens around the world. They’re hearty, satisfying, endlessly customizable, and wrapped in a warm tortilla that somehow makes everything feel more comforting. Whether you remember them from cozy family dinners, late-night cravings, or your favorite neighborhood taqueria, beef and cheese burritos are the kind of meal that never goes out of style.
This homemade version focuses on bold, well-seasoned ground beef and plenty of melty cheese, creating that perfect balance of savory richness and creamy comfort. Unlike fast-food burritos that can feel greasy or one-note, these burritos are layered with flavor from sautéed onions, garlic, warm spices, and a touch of tomato that brings everything together. They’re filling without being heavy and simple enough for busy weeknights.
One of the best things about beef and cheese burritos is how practical they are. You can make a batch for dinner, wrap up leftovers for lunch, or freeze them for future meals when cooking feels like too much effort. They’re kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. From casual dinners to game nights and meal prep Sundays, these burritos fit right in.
Ingredients:
- Large flour tortillas
- Ground beef
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, draining excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes deeply flavorful.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Spoon the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheeses and a little fresh cilantro.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom up to form a burrito.
- Optional but recommended: Place the burritos seam-side down in a hot skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and lightly crisp.
- Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Beef and Cheese Burritos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce and spices; simmer until thick.
- Fill tortillas with beef and cheese, roll tightly, and toast if desired.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas; it makes rolling much easier.
- Toasting the burritos adds flavor and helps seal them closed.
Variations
- Add cooked rice or refried beans for a more filling burrito.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Mix in jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Mexican rice, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad.
- Pair with salsa verde, pico de gallo, or queso dip.
- These burritos are perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate wrapped burritos for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped burritos for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through.
FAQ
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, they’re ideal for meal prep and freezing.
- What tortillas work best? Large flour tortillas are easiest to roll and hold fillings well.
- Can I bake them instead of pan-toasting? Absolutely—bake at 190°C for about 10 minutes.
History / Fun Facts
Burritos originated in northern Mexico and gained popularity in the United States throughout the 20th century. The combination of beef and cheese became especially popular for its simplicity and universal appeal. Today, beef and cheese burritos remain one of the most loved and recognizable burrito variations worldwide.
