These Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Burritos are a delicious and filling meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors. Featuring seasoned ground beef, tender black beans, melted cheddar cheese, and sautéed vegetables, all wrapped up in a golden, toasted tortilla, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a grab-and-go lunch.
Serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a customizable Tex-Mex experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these burritos are ideal for busy days.
- Packed with Flavor: Taco seasoning, sautéed veggies, and melted cheese make every bite irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for a quick meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, hearty burritos.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef: The base of the filling, providing a hearty and savory flavor.
- 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained): Adds protein, texture, and a mild earthiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a rich, creamy layer.
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper and 1/4 cup diced onion: Add sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: A blend of spices that brings bold, Tex-Mex flavor.
For the Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they’re perfect for rolling up the filling.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and toast the burritos to golden perfection.
Optional Dips and Toppings:
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or hot sauce for dipping or drizzling on top.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef.
- Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Step 3: Season and Add Black Beans
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water, mixing well to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the black beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture down the center of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly into a burrito shape, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
Step 5: Toast the Burritos
- Heat a skillet over medium heat (you can use the same skillet from earlier).
- Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the burritos in half, if desired, and serve them warm.
- Pair with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce for dipping.
Chef Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the tortillas with filling to ensure they roll up tightly without tearing.
- Warm the Tortillas: Briefly warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet before assembling to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Toast for Extra Flavor: Toasting the burritos adds a satisfying crunch and helps seal them closed.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Wrap un-toasted burritos in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toast them fresh when ready to eat!
Customizations and Variations
These burritos are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to customize them:
Add Extra Veggies:
- Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be added to the filling for more nutrients.
- Add diced jalapeños or poblano peppers for extra heat and flavor.
Switch the Protein:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for extra black beans or refried beans.
Spice It Up:
- Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the filling before rolling.
Cheesy Upgrade:
- Add a layer of queso or cream cheese to the tortilla before adding the filling for extra creaminess.
Saucy Additions:
- Mix in salsa or enchilada sauce with the beef for a saucier filling.
What to Serve with Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Burritos
These burritos are filling on their own but pair beautifully with sides for a complete Tex-Mex meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements the bold flavors of the burritos.
- Corn Salad: A bright and fresh side with a tangy lime dressing.
- Chips and Guacamole: Perfect for dipping alongside your burritos.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Adds sweetness and creaminess to the meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an estimate for one burrito (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toast them in a skillet before serving for a fresh, crispy exterior.
2. Can I freeze the burritos?
Absolutely! Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until heated through.
3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but corn tortillas are smaller and less flexible, so you’ll need to adjust the amount of filling or use two tortillas per burrito to avoid tearing.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
To make the burritos gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Burritos are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and heartiness. With their savory beef and bean filling, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite ingredients, pair them with classic Tex-Mex sides, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s better than takeout. Happy cooking! 🌯🧀🌮
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Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Burritos: A Quick and Satisfying Meal
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup water
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Add black beans and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Lay a tortilla flat and spread the beef mixture down the center. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly into a burrito.
7. Place the burritos seam-side down in a skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown on both sides.
8. Slice in half and serve warm.