Ground beef burritos are the perfect meal when you’re craving something comforting and easy to make. Whether you’re in a rush for a quick dinner or hosting friends, these burritos are a great choice. Filled with flavorful ground beef, fresh veggies, and plenty of seasoning, this classic dish can be customized to fit your tastes, making it a meal everyone will enjoy.
Why We Love Ground Beef Burritos
Ground beef burritos are a crowd-pleasing meal for several reasons. They bring comfort and satisfaction with every bite, offering a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and convenience. Here’s why you’ll love them:
Quick and Easy to Make
When time is tight, ground beef burritos come to the rescue. From start to finish, you can have a hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The steps are simple, and with a few key ingredients, you’ll be able to assemble and enjoy them in no time.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about making your own burritos is the ability to personalize them. You can adjust the filling and toppings to suit your tastes, whether you like it mild or extra spicy. Add extra cheese, skip the sour cream, or load up on fresh veggies—the choice is yours.
Budget-Friendly
Ground beef is a cost-effective protein that goes a long way. You’ll find it’s an affordable option that still delivers big flavor, especially when paired with tortillas, cheese, and fresh toppings. Plus, it’s easy to make a large batch, making it perfect for families or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Ground Beef – The main filling for your burritos. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Flour Tortillas – Soft wraps for the filling. You can use whole wheat tortillas as a healthier alternative.
Onion – Adds flavor to the beef mixture. You can skip it or use shallots for a milder taste.
Garlic – Adds a savory aroma. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Shredded Cheese – Melty cheese for topping. Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Shredded Lettuce – Adds freshness. You can swap it with spinach or arugula.
Sour Cream – Adds creaminess. Use Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream as a substitute.
How to Make Ground Beef Burritos
Making ground beef burritos is simple, and the process comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s dive right in.
Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the beef. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers begin to soften. This step helps infuse the beef with extra flavor.
Season the Meat
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Add a little water (about ¼ cup) and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the seasoning fully coats the meat.
Warm the Tortillas
While the beef is simmering, heat the tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or microwave them for a few seconds. Warm tortillas are easier to fold and roll, preventing them from tearing.
Assemble the Burritos
Once the beef mixture is ready and the tortillas are warmed, it’s time to assemble. Lay each tortilla flat on a plate, and add a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture in the center. Then, top with shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add any optional toppings, such as avocado or cilantro.
Roll Up the Burritos
To wrap the burritos, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you go. Be careful not to overstuff the burrito, as it might be harder to wrap.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your burritos are wrapped, they’re ready to serve. You can serve them immediately or wrap them in foil to keep them warm.
Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Burritos
To make sure your ground beef burritos are perfectly flavorful and easy to assemble, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to stuff your burrito with a lot of filling, but doing so can make it hard to roll. Stick to a balanced amount of beef, cheese, and toppings to keep things neat.
Use Lean Ground Beef: For a lighter option, go for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. You’ll still get the same great flavor without as much fat.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: Cheese is essential for binding the filling and adding gooey goodness to your burrito. Shred it yourself for the best melt.
Let the Beef Mixture Rest: After seasoning the beef, give it a few minutes to rest before assembling. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
Customize Heat Levels: If you like things spicy, don’t hesitate to add jalapeños, hot salsa, or a sprinkle of chili powder.
Variations of Ground Beef Burritos
While the classic ground beef burrito is a hit on its own, there are several ways you can customize your burritos for different tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
Vegetarian Ground Beef Burritos
Swap out the ground beef for black beans, sautéed vegetables, or even seasoned tofu. These vegetarian alternatives are still hearty and full of flavor.
Cheesy Ground Beef Burritos
Add an extra layer of cheese inside the burrito for a cheesy, gooey center. You can even grill the burrito after rolling it up to get a crispy outer layer.
Spicy Ground Beef Burritos
Kick up the heat by using spicy taco seasoning, adding extra jalapeños, or using a fiery salsa. If you like spice, these spicy burritos will satisfy your cravings.
Serving Suggestions
Ground beef burritos are a filling meal on their own, but you can always serve them with a few sides to elevate the dish. Here are some great options:
Mexican Rice: Pair your burritos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Refried Beans: Smooth, creamy refried beans make a classic side dish for burritos.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Serve tortilla chips with your favorite salsa or guacamole for extra crunch and flavor.
Fresh Salad: A light side salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime complements the richness of the burrito.
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FAQ: Ground Beef Burritos
What makes ground beef burritos so delicious?
Ground beef burritos are delicious because of the combination of savory beef, melty cheese, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The taco seasoning gives the beef a burst of flavor, while the fresh toppings like lettuce and sour cream balance the richness of the meat.
Can I use other types of meat for burritos?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even seasoned vegetables if you prefer. Each variation brings its own unique flavor to the burrito.
How can I make ground beef burritos healthier?
To make your burritos healthier, use lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and load them up with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Skip or reduce the amount of cheese and sour cream to cut down on calories.
What sides go well with ground beef burritos?
Ground beef burritos pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, tortilla chips, salsa, and a fresh salad. These sides complement the hearty burritos and add variety to the meal.
Ground Beef Burritos
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 8-10 medium flour tortillas soft
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and peppers soften.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture, add ¼ cup of water, and stir well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave for about 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble the burritos by placing a portion of the beef mixture in each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. Optionally, add avocado or cilantro for extra flavor.
- Roll up the burritos, folding in the sides and rolling from the bottom. Serve immediately, or wrap in foil to keep warm.