Easy Beef and Cheese Burritos (Ready in Minutes!)

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, cheesy burrito loaded with savory beef and melted cheese. Our Easy Beef and Cheese Burritos are perfect for busy weeknights, game nights, or any time you crave a quick, satisfying meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also flexible—you can customize with your favorite toppings and spices. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a delicious meal that feels indulgent without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked rice (optional)
• ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salsa or hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop the onion and bell pepper, shred the cheese, and rinse black beans if using. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add Ground Beef: Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up chunks.
4. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook another 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
5. Optional Add-Ins: If using rice and black beans, stir them in now. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.
6. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20–30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds to make them pliable.
7. Assemble Burritos: Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Fold and Roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly from bottom to top. Ensure the filling is sealed inside.
9. Melt Cheese (Optional): For extra gooey burritos, place assembled burritos in a lightly oiled skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
10. Serve: Slice burritos in half if desired, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with salsa or hot sauce.

Tips for Perfect Burritos

• Cheese Choice: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice kick.
• Tortilla Hack: Slightly warm tortillas prevent cracking when rolling.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and reheat when ready to eat.
• Meal Prep: These burritos freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, freeze, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Custom Heat: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.

Variations to Try

• Tex-Mex Burritos: Add corn, black beans, and salsa verde.
• Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs with beef mixture and add breakfast sausage.
• Veggie Lovers: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• BBQ Beef Burritos: Toss beef with BBQ sauce and smoked gouda cheese for smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of Mexican rice or tortilla chips.
• A simple salad of fresh greens, avocado, and tomatoes complements the richness of the burritos.
• Pair with guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess.

Fun Facts About Burritos

• Burritos originated in Northern Mexico and were popularized in the U.S. by Mexican-American communities in the 20th century.
• The name “burrito” literally means “little donkey” in Spanish, possibly because the rolled tortilla resembles a packed donkey load.
• While beef and cheese are classic, burritos can be endlessly customized, making them a global favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a time-saver for busy families or anyone craving comfort food. The beef is perfectly seasoned, the cheese melts into every bite, and the tortillas stay soft yet sturdy. Even novice cooks can master this recipe in minutes, making it a reliable weeknight meal.

Easy Beef and Cheese Burritos

Quick and delicious beef and cheese burritos ready in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 burritos

Course: Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup cooked rice optional
• 0.5 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained, optional
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
• salsa or hot sauce for serving

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Chop the onion and bell pepper, shred cheese, and rinse black beans if using.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up chunks, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook 2 more minutes.
5. Optional: Add cooked rice and black beans, stir to combine and heat through.
6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
7. Assemble burritos: spoon beef mixture into center, top with cheese, fold sides and roll tightly.
8. Optional: Place burritos in skillet 1–2 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
9. Garnish with cilantro and serve with salsa or hot sauce.

Notes

Adjust spice levels based on preference. Burritos can be frozen for up to 1 month.