Cheesy Ground Beef Burritos: Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe for Beginners
If you're short on time but craving something hearty and satisfying, these Cheesy Ground Beef Burritos are exactly what you need. Loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and colorful vegetables, this recipe is simple enough for beginner home cooks and flavorful enough to please the whole family.
Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for meals ahead, these burritos deliver on taste, convenience, and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses basic, everyday ingredients
- Easy to customize to your taste
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners
Ingredients
To make 4 generous burritos, you'll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: chopped green onions, salsa, sour cream for serving
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Burritos
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, green pepper, red pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and fully combined with the beef mixture.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for easy rolling.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto each tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.
- Optional Toasting: For a golden finish, place the burritos seam-side down in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly crisped.
- Serve Immediately: Slice in half if desired and serve with your choice of salsa, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Tips for Success
- Do not overfill the tortillas to avoid tearing or difficult rolling.
- Warm tortillas briefly for easier folding and better texture.
- To add more flavor, mix in a few spoonfuls of your favorite salsa or hot sauce into the beef mixture.
- For crispy burritos, always toast them in a dry skillet before serving.
Variations to Try
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, and a drizzle of taco sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or wrap the filling in large lettuce leaves.
- Breakfast Burritos: Swap beef for scrambled eggs and cooked sausage.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated through.
What type of cheese is best?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or pepper jack for more kick.
How can I prevent soggy burritos?
Avoid adding wet ingredients like salsa inside the burrito. Serve sauces on the side instead. Toasting the burrito also helps seal in moisture.
Can I substitute the beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives with similar results.
What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef Burritos
- Spanish or Mexican-style rice
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Refried or black beans
- Fresh garden salad
- Corn on the cob
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Ground Beef Burritos are an easy and delicious solution for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual get-togethers. With only a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking process, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a restaurant-quality burrito from the comfort of your home.