Cheesy Beefy Burritos
Introduction
Cheesy Beefy Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—warm flour tortillas packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and rice, all rolled into a delicious, handheld meal. Hearty, satisfying, and easy to customize, they’re a favorite for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game-day feasts.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Burritos have their roots in Mexican cuisine, where they are traditionally made with a flour tortilla wrapped around various fillings. The American-style burrito, particularly the “cheesy beefy” variation, evolved with Tex-Mex influences, blending Mexican culinary traditions with American ingredients like cheddar cheese, seasoned ground beef, and sour cream. This fusion has made burritos a staple in fast food and home kitchens alike, especially popularized by chains like Taco Bell and Chipotle.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Burritos (Makes 6 large burritos):
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or Mexican-style)
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce or Velveeta (melted)
- 6 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa or hot sauce (optional)
Optional Additions
- Vegetables: Diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Lettuce and tomato for a fresh crunch
- Black beans or corn for added texture and fiber
- Hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese as a finishing touch
Tips for Success
- Warm tortillas before filling to make them easier to roll without tearing.
- Drain any excess grease from the cooked beef to avoid soggy burritos.
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the tortilla first—it helps hold the filling together.
- Don’t overfill the burrito; it will be hard to wrap and may burst when cooking.
- Toasting the burritos in a skillet after assembling adds great texture and flavor.
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain grease, then stir in taco seasoning and 1/3 cup of water.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
2. Warm the Fillings:
- Heat refried beans in a saucepan or microwave until hot.
- Warm the rice if it’s pre-cooked.
- Melt the nacho cheese sauce or Velveeta.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a tortilla flat.
- Spread a layer of refried beans down the center.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of beef, 2 tablespoons of rice, a spoonful of cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Add sour cream or salsa if desired.
4. Roll the Burritos:
- Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom.
- Place seam side down.
5. Toast (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Place burritos seam-side down and toast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
Description
These Cheesy Beefy Burritos are loaded with layers of flavor and texture—juicy seasoned beef, creamy cheese, fluffy rice, and savory beans, all wrapped in a soft (or toasted) tortilla. Whether you’re grabbing one on the go or serving them with chips and guac, they’re a filling and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fiber: 4g
Conclusion
Cheesy Beefy Burritos are an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. With endless ways to customize and simple ingredients, they’ve earned their place as a favorite in many kitchens—perfect for quick dinners or indulgent weekend treats.
Recommendation
Serve with tortilla chips and salsa, a fresh green salad, or a dollop of guacamole. These burritos also freeze well, making them ideal for meal prepping. For a party platter, slice them in halves and serve with dipping sauces.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While Cheesy Beefy Burritos are rich and satisfying, you can make smart swaps to enjoy them more often: opt for lean ground turkey, use low-fat cheese and sour cream, or choose whole wheat tortillas and brown rice. Moderation and balance allow you to indulge in cheesy, beefy goodness without sacrificing your wellness goals.