Tacos & Tex-Mex

Beef And Bean Burritos

Name: Beef And Bean Burritos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes, drained; 1/2 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantro; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1/2 tsp (2g) paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 8-10 corn tortillas; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Delia Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Tacos & Tex-Mex

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made Beef And Bean Burritos for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and we were all craving something warm, comforting, and satisfying. I had all the ingredients on hand, and in under an hour, we were sitting down to a delicious, homemade meal that quickly became a staple in our household.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can customize the fillings to your taste, adding your favorite toppings or spices. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep for the week.

As a home cook, I've learned that the key to making great Beef And Bean Burritos is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to get creative with the fillings. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, this recipe is easily adaptable to your taste.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect Beef And Bean Burritos, from browning the ground beef to assembling the burritos. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the most of this recipe and create a dish that's truly your own.

So, if you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal that's easy to make and customizable to your taste, look no further than Beef And Bean Burritos. Let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef and beans.
The burritos are customizable to your taste, so you can add your favorite toppings and fillings.
It's a hearty, comforting meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
You can make it in large quantities, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep for the week.
It's a budget-friendly recipe that won't break the bank.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Beef And Bean Burritos lies in the layering of flavors and textures. By browning the ground beef until it's nice and caramelized, you create a rich, depthful flavor that's the foundation of the dish. Then, by adding in the beans, cheese, and spices, you create a filling that's both satisfying and flavorful.

Another key aspect of this recipe is the importance of using high-quality ingredients. Whether it's the type of cheese you use or the brand of canned beans, the quality of the ingredients will shine through in the final dish. So, don't be afraid to splurge a bit and use the good stuff – it makes all the difference.

Finally, the cooking technique used in this recipe is also crucial. By cooking the ground beef over medium-high heat, you create a nice sear on the outside, which helps to lock in the juices and flavors. And by letting the burritos rest for a few minutes before serving, you allow the fillings to meld together and the flavors to harmonize.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Beef And Bean Burritos, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, canned beans, cheese, and spices. You can customize the fillings to your taste, adding your favorite toppings and spices. Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need:

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items, such as lean ground beef and low-sodium canned beans. You can also use leftover cooked ground beef or beans to make the recipe even quicker.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also use leftover cooked ground beef to make the recipe even quicker.
1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsedUse low-sodium canned beans to reduce the salt content of the dish. You can also use black beans or kidney beans as a substitute.
1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes, drainedChoose diced tomatoes that are low in sodium and without added sugar. You can also use fresh tomatoes, diced and cooked, as a substitute.
1/2 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheeseUse a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a richer flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, to suit your taste.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh cilantroUse fresh cilantro for the best flavor. You can also use dried cilantro as a substitute, but the flavor will be less intense.
2 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its natural oils and flavor. You can also use garlic powder as a substitute, but the flavor will be less intense.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminUse high-quality ground cumin for the best flavor. You can also use smoked paprika or chili powder to add a smoky flavor to the dish.
1/2 tsp (2g) paprikaUse sweet or smoked paprika to add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of paprika, such as hot or sweet Hungarian paprika, to suit your taste.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt and pepper, such as sea salt or white pepper, to suit your taste.
8-10 corn tortillasChoose high-quality corn tortillas that are pliable and fresh. You can also use flour tortillas as a substitute, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, to suit your taste.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef And Bean Burritos

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick and saucy.
4
Add the pinto beans and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the beans are heated through.
5
Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6
Assemble the burritos by spooning the beef and bean mixture onto a tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
7
Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the burrito up tightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
8
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the burritos, seam-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortillas are crispy and golden.
9
Flip the burritos and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also crispy and golden.
10
Serve the burritos hot, with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and avocado.
11
Let the burritos rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the fillings to meld together and the flavors to harmonize.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as lean ground beef and low-sodium canned beans, for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overfill the burritos, or they will be difficult to roll and may fall apart.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the filling.
Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique flavor and texture.
Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor, and add it to the dish just before serving, so it doesn't lose its potency.
Let the burritos rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the fillings to meld together and the flavors to harmonize.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the ground beef, which can make it dry and tough.
Not draining the canned beans, which can make the dish too watery.
Not using high-quality cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not warming the tortillas, which can make them brittle and difficult to roll.
Overfilling the burritos, which can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to fall apart.
Not letting the burritos rest before serving, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the filling.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, for a unique flavor.
Add some smokiness to the dish by incorporating chipotle peppers or smoked paprika into the filling.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some freshness to the dish by incorporating diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce into the filling.
Use different types of tortillas, such as flour or whole wheat, for a unique texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Beef And Bean Burritos

Serve the Beef And Bean Burritos hot, with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and avocado. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Some other ideas for serving the burritos include:

Serve with sour cream, salsa, and avocadoServe with Mexican rice and roasted vegetablesServe with a simple green saladServe with diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Beef And Bean Burritos, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the burritos, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. You can also reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping them occasionally, until they are crispy and golden.

Some tips for reheating the burritos include:

Using a low heat to prevent the tortillas from becoming crispy or burnt.

Adding a little water to the skillet to prevent the burritos from drying out.

Using a microwave-safe plate or container to reheat the burritos, to prevent them from becoming soggy or unevenly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best to use in Beef And Bean Burritos?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is best, as it provides a rich, creamy flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby, to suit your taste.

Can I use leftover cooked ground beef to make the recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked ground beef to make the recipe. Simply skip the step of cooking the ground beef and add it to the skillet with the diced tomatoes and spices.

How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming brittle or difficult to roll?

To prevent the tortillas from becoming brittle or difficult to roll, make sure to warm them by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. You can also use a tortilla warmer or a dry skillet to warm the tortillas.

Can I freeze the Beef And Bean Burritos for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the Beef And Bean Burritos for later use. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds.

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

Some variations you can make to the recipe include adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers for heat, using different types of cheese or beans, or adding some smokiness with chipotle peppers or smoked paprika. You can also use different types of tortillas, such as flour or whole wheat, for a unique texture and flavor.

How do I reheat the Beef And Bean Burritos without drying them out?

To reheat the Beef And Bean Burritos without drying them out, use a low heat and add a little water to the skillet to prevent them from becoming crispy or burnt. You can also use a microwave-safe plate or container to reheat the burritos, to prevent them from becoming soggy or unevenly heated.

Can I make the recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can make the recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator, then reheat them when you are ready to serve.

What are some tips for making the best Beef And Bean Burritos?

Some tips for making the best Beef And Bean Burritos include using high-quality ingredients, such as lean ground beef and low-sodium canned beans, and not overfilling the burritos. You should also use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a richer flavor, and add some freshness with diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce.

How do I prevent the burritos from falling apart when I roll them?

To prevent the burritos from falling apart when you roll them, make sure to not overfill them and to use a gentle touch when rolling them. You can also use a little bit of water to help the tortillas stick together and hold their shape.

The Full Recipe

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