Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, green chilies (if using), and 1/4 cup water. Mix everything together and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas more pliable, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This will make them easier to fold without breaking.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Layer the Filling: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a spoonful of refried beans (if using) in the center. Add a generous scoop of the cooked beef mixture, followed by a layer of shredded cheese, a spoonful of rice (if using), sour cream, salsa or diced tomatoes, and any other toppings like cilantro or jalapeños.
- Fold the Burrito: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom up and roll it tightly into a burrito shape. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Heat the Burritos
- Grill or Bake the Burritos: For a crispier texture, you can grill the burritos in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese melts. Alternatively, you can place the burritos on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the burritos hot with extra sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side. You can also add toppings like shredded lettuce, more cheese, or chopped onions.
Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Burritos: Feel free to add or swap ingredients like black beans, corn, avocado, or even cooked peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Meal Prep: These burritos are great for meal prepping! You can wrap them individually in foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Use Leftovers: Leftover beef or taco meat from another meal works great for this recipe. You can also use shredded chicken or ground turkey as an alternative protein.
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Beef Burritos are a simple and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one satisfying meal. With juicy, seasoned beef and melted cheese wrapped up in a soft tortilla, every bite is packed with flavor. Serve these burritos for a quick dinner, a hearty lunch, or make a big batch for easy meal prep.
Enjoy your homemade burritos, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and fillings!