Taco Seasoned Ground Beef Burrito

Elevate your dinner game with the irresistible flavors of Taco Seasoned Ground Beef Burritos, a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Bursting with savory goodness, these burritos are filled with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy black beans, zesty Pico de Gallo salsa, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

This recipe combines the convenience of pantry staples like taco seasoning, canned beans, and pre-cooked rice with fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and salsa, making it both easy and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a homemade comfort meal, these burritos are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Taco Seasoned Ground Beef Burrito

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

2 teaspoons taco seasoning

½ teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste

2 tablespoons tomato paste

⅓ cup water

2 cups cooked rice

2 cups canned or cooked black beans

1 cup Pico de Gallo salsa

1 ½ cups Mexican-style shredded cheese

½ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)

6 large (10 or 12-inch) flour tortillas

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2:

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3:

Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, tomato paste and water, mixing to combine.

Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the beef has absorbed most of the liquid.

Reserve for a few minutes so it can cool down slightly.

Step 4:

Before assembling the burritos, warm the tortillas on the microwave or stovetop.

Also, if using boil-in-bag rice and canned beans, season with salt.

Step 5:

To assemble the burritos, layer 1/4 cup of rice on the top center part of each tortilla, followed by 1/4 cup beans and 1/4 cup of the seasoned beef. (If using a 12-inch tortilla, you can increase amounts to 1/3 cup each).

Spoon some of the salsa, sprinkle some cheese and finish with a few small dollops of sour cream.

Step 6:

To roll, fold the top part down and over the filling, gently pulling the filling back towards the top of the tortilla.

Then, gently fold both sides inwards and start to tightly roll down the tortilla, tucking the sides in, making a cylindrical shape.

Be gentle and careful not to tear the tortilla.

Step 7:

Wrap each burrito in foil and serve immediately or warm in the oven, at 350ºF, for 25-30 minutes or until warmed through!

You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Notes:

Customize Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with homemade taco seasoning for a personalized flavor profile.

Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess grease in the filling. If using higher-fat beef, be sure to drain any excess grease after browning.

Enhance Flavor with Sautéed Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the onion and garlic mixture for added flavor and texture in the beef filling.

Add Variety with Different Beans: Mix things up by using different types of beans such as pinto beans or kidney beans, or a combination of beans, for added variety and nutrition.

Prep Ingredients in Advance: Save time by prepping ingredients like chopping onions and garlic ahead of time. You can also cook the rice and beans in advance to streamline the assembly process.

Double Up for Leftovers: Make a double batch of the beef filling and freeze it for later use. It’s perfect for quick and easy burrito bowls, tacos, or nachos on busy weeknights.

Layer Ingredients Strategically: Layer the ingredients evenly across the tortillas, starting with the rice as the base, followed by beans, beef, salsa, cheese, and sour cream. This ensures each bite is well-balanced in flavor.

Wrap Tightly: When rolling the burritos, tuck in the sides tightly to prevent filling from spilling out. Roll the tortillas as tightly as possible without tearing them.

Customize Fillings: Feel free to customize the fillings to suit your taste preferences. Add ingredients like sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Serve with Sides: Accompany the burritos with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides such as guacamole, salsa, chips, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to make a leaner version of the burritos.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can make your own taco seasoning blend using common spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to white rice, providing more fiber and nutrients.

How do I freeze the burritos for later use?

Wrap each burrito tightly in foil, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make the burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time, wrap them in foil, and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve.

What other toppings can I add to the burritos?

You can customize the burritos with additional toppings like diced avocado, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor and heat.

How do I reheat the burritos after refrigerating or freezing?

To reheat refrigerated burritos, unwrap them from the foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

For frozen burritos, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make vegetarian burritos using this recipe?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and increase the amount of black beans or add additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for a vegetarian version of the burritos.

How long will the assembled burritos keep in the refrigerator?

Assembled burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating and serving.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free alternative to flour tortillas.

Warm them slightly before assembling the burritos to prevent cracking.