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Crispy cheesy beef burritos cut in half showing melted cheese and seasoned ground beef filling on a rustic wooden board

Cheesy Beef Burritos

Golden, crispy cheesy beef burritos packed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and salsa — easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 burritos
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the beef filling:
  • 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup water or beef broth
For assembly:
  • 4 –6 large flour tortillas 10-inch
  • 1 can 16 oz refried beans
  • 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack + sharp cheddar cheese blend
  • ½ cup cooked rice optional
  • ¼ cup salsa
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes until onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, water, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
  3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet (20 sec per side) or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel (30 seconds).
  4. Lay each tortilla flat. Spread 2–3 tbsp refried beans down the center. Add a portion of beef, rice (if using), cheese, and salsa. Leave 2 inches on sides and 3 inches at bottom.
  5. Fold in sides, then fold bottom flap up over filling and roll forward tightly. Place seam-side down.
  6. Heat a drizzle of oil in skillet over medium heat. Sear burritos seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. OR bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  7. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Notes

  • For freezing: cool completely, wrap in foil, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (wrapped in foil) for 25 minutes or air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Add diced bell peppers, black beans, or corn to the filling for extra nutrition and texture.
  • Always warm tortillas before rolling — cold tortillas crack.
Nutrition Information (per burrito, estimated):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~520 kcal
Protein 28g
Carbohydrates 42g
Fat 24g
Saturated Fat 10g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 820mg
Calcium 280mg