All it takes is a few simple ingredients to make the perfect Beef And Bean Burrito.
Did you know that burrito means “little donkey” in Spanish? It’s true, and the name may allude to the nebulous origin of this iconic food. Though historians can’t quite land on a definitive answer, one story credits the burrito to a Chihuahuan street vendor named Juan Méndez in the early 1910s. During the Mexican Revolution, these little parcels were a great way to transport food while traveling on a donkey; hence the name.
No matter the actual origin, burritos are an absolutely beloved food that’s rooted in practicality and everyday life. They are great on the go, as an indulgence, and can be modified to suit whatever meal time you need, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This simple beef and bean burrito falls in the sweet spot between hearty and straightforward. They’re easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to feed a crowd. The beef gets seasoned with cumin, oregano, chili powder, and garlic, and once it’s folded together with warm refried beans and cheddar, you’ll be hit with familiar, nostalgic flavors that never disappoint.
This recipe also gives you plenty of room to experiment. Keep it classic, or add in some chipotle peppers, onions, corn, pico de gallo, or extra sauce. Get creative and take it up as many notches as you’d like.
On chili powder
Chili powder has become a staple in our spice cabinets, and many companies offer pre-packaged versions of varying quality. It’s not uncommon to find sugars, silicon dioxide, flavor enhancers, and colors in commercial chili powders. If this is a concern for you, read the ingredient list carefully the next time you grab a jar.
Chili powder is a spice blend, which means it’s easy to DIY out of a few simple ingredients—with the added benefit that you can make it as mild or spicy as you wish. Just mix equal parts oregano, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, and then add cayenne, crushed chiles, or more paprika (for the mildest version) to taste. Using smoked paprika imparts a unique smoky flavor to your chili powder. If you eat a lot of Mexican or Tex-Mex food, you might enjoy creating your own “house blend” that can become your signature seasoning.
How do I store leftovers?
Tightly wrap your leftover burritos in foil or cling wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each one in plastic or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until the center is hot.
Serving suggestions
These burritos are delicious on their own or as part of a Tex-Mex spread. Serve them with tortilla chips and ramekins of sour cream (or Avocado Crema), Salsa, guacamole, and Pico De Gallo for dipping. Corn sautéed in butter, cilantro, and chili powder is also a wonderful side. On colder days, I love to serve them with a bowl of Taco Soup.
Beef And Bean Burritos
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 7 ounces tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can refried beans
- 12 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese grated
- Extra cheddar cheese for sprinkling
- Extra tomato sauce for drizzling
- Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and minced garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Warm the refried beans in a microwave or a separate pot until heated through.
- Lay out the flour tortillas and spread a layer of refried beans on each.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll up from the bottom to enclose the filling, creating a burrito.
- Place the burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet, sprinkle with extra cheese, and drizzle with extra tomato sauce if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cilantro leaves if using, and serve hot.
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