Cheesy Beefy Burritos

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Cheesy Beefy Burritos: Your Ultimate Easy Meal!

Get ready to whip up some seriously satisfying Cheesy Beefy Burritos! These aren’t just any burritos; they’re packed with richly seasoned ground beef, fragrant onion and garlic, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla. They’re incredibly customizable, making them a fantastic, no-fuss meal for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or feeding a hungry crowd. Forget the takeout – these homemade burritos are bursting with flavor and made just the way you like them!

This recipe delivers big on classic Tex-Mex taste with minimal effort. The savory beef filling is the star, perfectly complemented by your favorite toppings, and the promise of cheesy goodness in every bite makes them an instant family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • ½ cup chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz) (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
  • ½ cup water
  • 8-10 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
  • 1 (15 oz) can refried beans (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning beef)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings and Fillings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced fresh tomatoes
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Cooked rice (Mexican rice or plain white rice)

Equipment:

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl (for mixing taco seasoning, if homemade)
  • Cutting board and knife (for chopping)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef:

    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your ground beef isn’t very lean, you might need a tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Add the 1 lb ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until thoroughly browned.
    • Add the ½ cup chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Once the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This is important to prevent greasy burritos.

  2. Season the Taco Meat:

    • Return the drained beef mixture to the skillet.
    • Stir in the 1 packet taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
    • Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef is well coated in the seasoning. This creates a flavorful, moist filling. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

  3. Warm the Tortillas (Optional, but Recommended):

    • While the meat simmers, you can warm your flour tortillas. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolled.
    • You can warm them individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, in the microwave (stack 3-4, cover with a damp paper towel, microwave for 20-30 seconds), or wrap the whole stack in foil and heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

  4. Assemble the Burritos:

    • Lay a warm flour tortilla flat on your work surface.
    • If using, spread 2-3 tablespoons of refried beans down the center of the tortilla.
    • Spoon about ½ cup of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the beans (or directly onto the tortilla if not using beans).
    • Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese over the beef.
    • Add any other desired toppings like rice, salsa, or jalapeños at this stage.

  5. Roll the Burritos:

    • Fold the short sides of the tortilla in towards the center, over the filling.
    • Then, starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the burrito up, tucking in the filling as you go, until you have a neat, cylindrical shape.

  6. Serve and Enjoy!

    • Serve your Cheesy Beefy Burritos immediately with additional optional toppings on the side like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Enjoy your easy, delicious meal!

Tips & Variations:

  • Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot taco seasoning, or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Cheese Meltdown: For extra melty cheese, you can lightly microwave the assembled burritos for 20-30 seconds, or place them in a hot, dry skillet seam-side down for a minute or two until the cheese oozes.
  • Make Ahead: The seasoned ground beef can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling burritos.
  • Freezer Friendly: Assemble the burritos (without fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato), wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven (remove foil, rewrap in parchment or new foil) at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or microwave for 2-4 minutes until heated through.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in finely diced bell peppers, corn, or black olives to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
  • Sour Cream Swirl: Stir a tablespoon or two of sour cream directly into the finished beef mixture for an extra creamy filling.

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