Cheesy Beef Burritos

These Cheesy Beef Burritos are a delicious combination of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful seasonings, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. They’re perfect for a satisfying meal and are easy to prepare, making them a hit for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Optional: sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro for serving

Instructions

Cook the Beef

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
4. Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Season the Beef

1. Drain Fat: Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Mix Salsa: Add the salsa and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened.

Assemble the Burritos

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Tortillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface.
3. Add Filling: Divide the beef mixture evenly among the tortillas.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef mixture.
5. Roll Burritos: Roll up each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.

Bake the Burritos

1. Arrange in Dish: Place the wrapped burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serve

1. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add some black beans or corn to the beef mixture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.
2. Can I freeze these burritos?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked burritos. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
3. What if I don’t have salsa?
   You can use a can of diced tomatoes or a bit of tomato sauce as a substitute.
4. How can I make these burritos spicier?
   Add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicier salsa.
5. Can I use flour tortillas for baking?
   Yes, flour tortillas work perfectly for baking and holding the filling.
6. What sides go well with these burritos?
   Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
7. How do I make these burritos vegetarian?
   Substitute the beef with beans or lentils and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack for a kick.
9. How can I make these burritos more filling?
   Add some cooked rice or black beans to the beef mixture.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftover burritos?
    Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Burritos offer a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to please. With a delicious combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and warm tortillas, they make for a perfect dinner option. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete meal!