Beef Bean Burritos

Steaming beef and bean burritos, oozing melted cheese, ready to be served with fresh toppings. Save
Steaming beef and bean burritos, oozing melted cheese, ready to be served with fresh toppings. | recipesbyleticia.com

This dish combines browned ground beef with refried beans seasoned by cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, layered inside warm flour tortillas. Melted cheddar cheese adds richness, while optional toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and fresh cilantro brighten each bite. Quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings, these burritos offer a comforting balance of bold spices and creamy textures, ideal for a satisfying family dinner or casual party fare.

Discovering beef and bean burritos felt like uncovering a little fiesta in my kitchen. The blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese wraps up memories of bustling family dinners and last-minute gatherings that turned into special occasions.

I remember the first time unexpected friends dropped by; whipping up these burritos from pantry staples won over everyone with ease and flavor—instant fanclub material.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: I go for 85% lean because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor and fat for juicy filling
  • Onion and garlic: finely chopped so their aroma unfolds gently in the skillet
  • Refried beans: creamy and easy to warm through, binding everything together beautifully
  • Cheddar cheese: sharp and shredded fresh for melty goodness
  • Flour tortillas: large and pliable, gluten-free if needed to keep everyone happy

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Gather all ingredients and prep the onion, garlic, and optional tomato for a smooth cooking flow
Brown the Beef:
Heat the skillet medium-hot, add the ground beef, and break it up while cooking until that rich browned scent fills the air about 5 to 6 minutes
Sauté Aromatics:
Add onion and garlic, stirring gently until softened and fragrant to layer the flavors
Spice It Up:
Stir in tomato, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt; let the spices bloom for 2 minutes of irresistible aroma
Blend Beans:
Mix in the refried beans thoroughly, warming everything evenly for that creamy texture
Warm Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until nicely pliable and ready to wrap
Assemble Burritos:
Spoon filling onto tortillas center, sprinkle with cheddar, then fold sides and roll tight
Crisp (Optional):
Toast burritos seam-side down briefly if you want a slight crunch
Serve with Style:
Top with sour cream, lettuce, cilantro, salsa, and jalapeños for extra flair
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| recipesbyleticia.com

This dish became more than just food when my family gathered around, laughter spilling over with every bite—comfort wrapped in a tortilla that felt like home.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftover burritos store beautifully wrapped in foil and reheat well in the oven or skillet crisping up just like freshly made without losing moisture.

When You're Missing Something

Forgot fresh cilantro or jalapeños? No worries—salsa or even a squeeze of lime brightens the flavor and fills in the gaps seamlessly.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pair these burritos with a simple green salad or corn on the cob for a quick meal that feels complete and satisfying.

  • Remember to have extra sour cream or your favorite hot sauce handy—it’s the little finishing touch that brings smiles
  • Feeling fancy? A squeeze of lime or sprinkle of fresh chopped tomatoes adds a lovely freshness
  • Wrap and freeze leftovers individually to have ready-to-bake meals for busy days
Delicious, fully-loaded beef and bean burritos, with a beautifully charred exterior, awaiting a tasty bite. Save
Delicious, fully-loaded beef and bean burritos, with a beautifully charred exterior, awaiting a tasty bite. | recipesbyleticia.com

Thanks for sharing this kitchen moment with me—may your burritos bring as much joy and comfort as they do around my table.

Common Questions

Ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt create a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that complements the beef and beans.

Yes, simply substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Add diced jalapeños when cooking the onion and garlic to introduce a spicy kick that blends well with the other ingredients.

Yes, the burritos can be assembled in advance and reheated in the oven to maintain their texture and warmth.

Common toppings include sour cream, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, salsa or pico de gallo, and sliced jalapeños to add freshness and contrast.

Beef Bean Burritos

Flavorful burritos with seasoned beef, creamy beans, and melted cheddar cheese.

Prep 20m
Cook 20m
Total 40m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Meats

  • 14 oz ground beef (85% lean)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)

Beans

  • 14 oz can refried beans

Spices

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sour cream (for serving)

Tortillas

  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch; use gluten-free if needed)

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1
Brown ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
3
Incorporate tomato and spices: Stir in diced tomato (if using), ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook another 2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
4
Add refried beans: Mix refried beans thoroughly into the beef mixture and heat for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
5
Warm tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
6
Assemble burritos: Spoon beef and bean mixture evenly down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
7
Roll burritos: Fold in the sides and roll up each tortilla to enclose the filling.
8
Optional crisping: If desired, place burritos seam-side down in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp tortillas slightly.
9
Serve with toppings: Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, salsa, and jalapeños as preferred.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Microwave or skillet for warming tortillas

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 560
Protein 28g
Carbs 51g
Fat 26g

Allergy Information

  • Contains wheat (unless gluten-free tortillas are used) and dairy. Refried beans may contain lard or additional allergens—verify labels if vegetarian or allergic. Cheese and sour cream contain milk.
Leticia Fernández

Sharing easy, flavorful meals and practical cooking tips for home cooks and food lovers.