Beef Bean Burritos: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Beef Bean Burritos: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Forget those bland, store-bought burritos; we’re diving headfirst into a world of flavor with a homemade version that’s surprisingly easy to make. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft tortilla overflowing with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Sounds divine, right?

The humble burrito, a staple of Mexican-American cuisine, has a rich history rooted in the fields and mines of Mexico. It’s said that the burrito originated as a convenient and portable way for laborers to carry their meals. The name “burrito,” meaning “little donkey,” might refer to the rolled-up shape resembling the packs donkeys carried. Over time, the burrito evolved, incorporating diverse ingredients and regional variations, eventually becoming the beloved dish we know and adore today.

What makes Beef Bean Burritos so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes – the savory beef, the smooth beans, the gooey cheese, all wrapped in a warm, comforting tortilla. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can customize them with your favorite salsas, sour cream, guacamole, or any other toppings your heart desires. And let’s not forget the convenience factor. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a grab-and-go snack. So, are you ready to ditch the takeout and create your own amazing Beef Bean Burritos? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, hot sauce

Preparing the Beef and Bean Filling

Okay, let’s get started! The heart of any good burrito is the filling, and this beef and bean mixture is packed with flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the little bit of effort.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to be nice and crumbly. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy burrito!
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The onions should be translucent and the peppers slightly tender.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
4. Incorporate the Beans and Tomatoes: Add the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Season the Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!
6. Simmer the Filling: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for developing a rich, complex flavor. I sometimes let it simmer for up to an hour!
7. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This is your chance to make it perfect!

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

While the filling is simmering, let’s get the cheese mixture ready. This is a simple step, but it adds a lot of cheesy goodness to the burritos.

1. Combine the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of both cheeses.

Assembling the Burritos

Now for the fun part – assembling the burritos! This is where you get to put everything together and create your masterpiece.

1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until they are pliable. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them. A warm tortilla is a happy tortilla!
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of sour cream down the center of the tortilla. This helps to keep the tortilla from getting soggy.
3. Add the Filling: Spoon about 1 cup of the beef and bean filling onto the sour cream. Don’t overfill the tortilla, or it will be difficult to roll.
4. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of the cheese mixture over the filling.
5. Add Cilantro: Sprinkle a bit of chopped cilantro over the cheese.
6. Fold the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll the burrito from the bottom up. Tuck in the filling as you roll to create a tight, secure burrito.
7. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Optional: Grilling or Baking the Burritos

This step is optional, but it adds a nice crispy texture and melts the cheese even more. I highly recommend it!

Grilling Instructions:

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the Burritos: Place the burritos on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Burritos: Place the burritos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving the Burritos

Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious beef and bean burritos! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, or extra sour cream.
• Cut the burritos in half for easier eating.
• Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
• Enjoy!

These burritos are also great for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave, oven, or grill.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a family favorite and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own signature burrito.

Conclusion:

This Beef Bean Burritos recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory, seasoned ground beef to the creamy refried beans and the customizable toppings, every bite is a fiesta in your mouth. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and satisfying. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you’re short on time but craving something delicious and comforting.

But the best part? You can totally make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different types of beans – black beans or pinto beans would work beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a touch of heat with some diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a vegetarian option, simply swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or extra beans.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Burrito Bowl: Skip the tortilla altogether and layer the beef and bean mixture over rice with your favorite toppings.
* Quesadillas: Spread the beef and bean mixture between two tortillas and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* Nachos Supreme: Load tortilla chips with the beef and bean mixture, cheese, and all the fixings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
* Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and cheese to the beef and bean mixture for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
* Cool it down: Top your burrito with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
* Add some crunch: Include some shredded lettuce or cabbage for a refreshing crunch.
* Get cheesy: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cheddar.

I’ve made these Beef Bean Burritos countless times, and they’re always a hit. My family loves them, and I’m confident yours will too. They are so easy to customize, and you can really tailor them to your own preferences. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to create some seriously delicious burritos. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe is a keeper!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade burritos. Once you’ve given it a go, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of burrito lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps others discover this fantastic Beef Bean Burritos recipe.