Beef and Bean Burritos are a delicious, hearty dish filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping, these burritos are simple to make and freezer-friendly, making them a go-to comfort food for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These burritos are packed with flavor and texture, offering a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese. Not only are they quick to make and budget-friendly, but they’re also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite add-ins like spicy jalapeños or creamy avocado for a more personalized touch. Whether you’re serving them fresh or reheating from the freezer, Beef and Bean Burritos will always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred lean meat alternative)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese)
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Directions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add Refried Beans: Stir in the refried beans and mix thoroughly with the beef. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a dry skillet to make them pliable.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spoon the beef and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and roll up the burritos tightly.
- Optional – Crisp the Burritos: Lightly pan-sear or bake the burritos to achieve a crispy golden crust.
- Serve: Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Serves: 4–6 (makes about 6 burritos)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Burritos: Add chopped jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Veggie-Packed: Include sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added flavor and nutrients.
- Smothered Burritos: Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
- Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns for a morning treat.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or wrap the burrito filling in lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a skillet or oven for a crispy texture.
- Freezing: Freeze individual burritos wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven.
Beef and Bean Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- optional sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and a splash of water. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add refried beans to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the beef mixture. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet until pliable.
- Spoon the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese and roll tightly.
- Optional: Pan-sear or bake the burritos to crisp the outside.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned beans instead of refried beans? Yes, you can mash canned beans (such as pinto or black beans) for a quick alternative to refried beans.
How do I keep the burritos from getting soggy? Let the filling cool slightly before rolling the burritos, and avoid overfilling with moist ingredients.
Can I freeze these burritos? Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
What’s the best cheese for beef burritos? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt well and add great flavor.
Can I bake these burritos instead of pan-frying? Yes! Place the burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Can I add rice to the filling? Definitely! Adding rice to the filling makes the burritos even heartier and helps stretch the filling.
Conclusion
Beef and Bean Burritos are the ultimate comfort food. They’re quick, easy, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time for busy days. Whether you’re making them fresh or reheating from the freezer, these burritos are always a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 burrito
Calories: 410
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 60mg