Beef Burrito Recipe

When the craving hits for something hearty, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavor, nothing beats a beef burrito. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping a freezer-friendly meal, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers the perfect combo of savory meat, fresh toppings, and just the right amount of spice—wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best homemade beef burrito, step-by-step, with easy ingredients and kitchen-friendly instructions. From seasoning the beef perfectly to wrapping your burrito like a pro and storing leftovers without soggy results, we cover it all.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
• Simple Ingredients – No fancy items; just pantry staples.
• Versatile & Customizable – Add your favorite fillings or toppings.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Freezer-ready and reheats like a dream.
• Ultimate Comfort Food – Melty, meaty, and wrapped in warmth.

This beef burrito stands out thanks to its perfectly balanced seasoning, juicy ground beef that doesn’t dry out, and a thoughtful layering method that keeps every bite flavorful—not soggy. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, hungry and happy.

Ingredients Needed

For the Burrito Seasoning

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

For the Beef Filling

• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp water

For Assembling the Burritos

• 6–8 large flour tortillas (~10-inch)
• 3 cups cooked long grain white rice (warm)
• 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce or finely sliced cabbage (great for freezing)
• 1 cup corn kernels (drained canned corn works well)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• Handful of chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded melting cheese (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

How to Make Beef Burrito

1. Cook the Beef Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion softens and starts to brown slightly—this builds your flavor foundation.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink.
4. Stir in the homemade burrito seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
5. Add the tomato paste and water, then simmer for about 3 minutes. The liquid should mostly evaporate but the meat should stay juicy. Let the filling cool for 10 minutes—this prevents the tortillas from getting soggy when assembling.

2. Prep the Tortillas

• If not serving immediately, warm the tortillas before filling them (follow package directions). This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.

3. Assemble the Burritos

1. Lay one tortilla flat on your work surface.
2. Layer the ingredients in the following order just below the center of the wrap:
   • 1/4 to 1/3 cup of rice
   • 1/4 to 1/3 cup beef mixture
   • Handful of lettuce or cabbage
   • Spoonful of corn and black beans
   • A sprinkle of tomato and red onion
   • Optional cilantro
   • Generous amount of shredded cheese

4. Wrap the Burrito

• Fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in both sides and roll tightly. Use foil to secure each burrito and help retain heat.

5. Heat & Serve

• To crisp & heat: Place the foil-wrapped burrito in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side.
• To melt the cheese: Heat in the foil over medium-low for about 10 minutes.
• To bake: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–30 minutes if coming from the fridge.

Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole—or all three. Don’t miss our Chicken Burrito Recipe to level up your dipping game.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve burritos with a side of tortilla chips, Mexican rice, or a fresh avocado salad.
• Offer hot sauce, sour cream, and lime wedges on the side for flavor variety.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store wrapped burritos in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Best eaten within 2 months.
• Reheat from fridge: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Reheat from frozen: Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or microwave on medium for 3–5 minutes (unwrap foil first).

Helpful Notes

• Rice Tip: Slightly undercooked rice holds up better and doesn’t turn mushy inside the burrito.
• Spice Level: Adjust cayenne to taste or skip entirely for a kid-friendly version.
• Vegan Option: Replace beef with lentils or tofu, and use plant-based cheese.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all components a day ahead and assemble just before serving.
• Soggy Tortillas?: Always let fillings cool slightly before rolling to prevent steam buildup inside.

Discover great ideas like our Breakfast Burrito for the perfect side.

Conclusion

This beef burrito recipe hits every note—bold, comforting, customizable, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up for a solo meal or sharing with the family, it’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Tried it? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to leave a star rating and share your version on Facebook or Pinterest. We’d love to know—what toppings or fillings did you add to make it your own?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What goes in a beef burrito?

A classic beef burrito includes seasoned ground beef, rice, lettuce or cabbage, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and sometimes onions or cilantro—all wrapped in a large flour tortilla.

What is traditionally in a burrito?

Traditionally, burritos feature beans, meat, and cheese, often accompanied by rice, vegetables, and salsa, depending on regional variations. The flour tortilla is a must.

Is a beef burrito good for you?

When made with lean beef, vegetables, and moderate cheese, a beef burrito can be a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. For a healthier version, opt for whole wheat tortillas and limit added sauces.

What do you put inside a burrito?

Beyond beef, you can fill a burrito with grilled chicken, beans, rice, lettuce, corn, cheese, avocado, sour cream, or salsa. It’s highly customizable depending on taste and dietary needs.