Beef Burritos
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Tortillas
6 pieces (360)
Ground Beef
1 pound (454)
Refried Beans
1 can (400)
Shredded Cheese
1 cup (240)
Salsa
1 cup (240)
Sour Cream
1 cup (240)
Lettuce
1 cup (50)
Tomatoes
2 pieces (240)
Onions
1 piece (100)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (8)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (30)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Totals
85 oz
(2,406 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Tortillas
80
Ground Beef
250
Refried Beans
120
Cheddar Cheese
110
Sour Cream
60
Lettuce
5
Tomatoes
20
Onions
40
Jalapenos
5
Cilantro
0
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Cumin
0
Garlic Powder
0
Paprika
0
Olive Oil
120
Totals
810 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add oil to the skillet and sauté diced onions until they become translucent.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
Step 5: Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 6: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
Step 7: Pour in a can of diced tomatoes with their juice and stir to combine.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and let the beef mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Warm up flour tortillas in a separate skillet or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven.
Step 10: Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto each tortilla.
Step 11: Add desired toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream.
Step 12: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it tightly to form a burrito.
Step 13: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 14: Serve the beef burritos immediately while warm.
Note: You can also garnish the burritos with fresh cilantro, guacamole, or salsa, according to your preference. Enjoy your homemade beef burritos!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Beef Burritos:
1. Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu. Adjust cooking time as needed for alternative protein.
2. Tortillas: Replace with large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative.
3. Refried Beans: Use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans instead. Mash them slightly for a similar texture.
4. Rice: Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Cook according to the alternative ingredient's instructions.
5. Cheese: If unavailable, try using shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
6. Salsa: Make your own salsa using diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and spices. Adjust the quantities to taste.
7. Sour Cream: Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Use the same amount as mentioned in the recipe.
8. Guacamole: If avocados are not available, use mashed peas or a store-bought avocado dip as a substitute.
9. Lettuce: Replace with shredded cabbage, spinach, or arugula for added crunch and nutrition.
10. Seasonings: If specific seasonings are missing, use a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to add flavor.
Note: Adjust cooking times and quantities as needed based on the specific substitute ingredients chosen.
Pairings
- Spanish rice and refried beans
- Guacamole and salsa
- Sour cream and shredded cheese
- Lettuce and tomatoes
- Cilantro and lime
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Tortilla chips and queso dip
- Mexican-style hot sauce or salsa verde
- Mexican rice and black beans
- Grilled peppers and onions
- Mexican-style street corn
- Margaritas or Mexican beer
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a tangy lime crema or chipotle sauce over the burritos in an artistic pattern.
- Slice avocado and fan it out on the side of the plate for an elegant touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Sear the beef with a dry rub of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder for a smoky flavor.
- Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for a crunchy and flavorful addition.
- Mix in a small amount of diced jalapenos or green chilies for a subtle heat.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, well-marbled cuts of beef like ribeye or tenderloin for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Substitute regular tortillas with homemade corn tortillas for a more authentic and luxurious touch.
- Add a dollop of truffle-infused sour cream or sprinkle truffle salt over the beef for a touch of luxury.
Diet Restrictions
1. Use lean cuts of beef: Opt for lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin to reduce the overall fat content of the burritos.
2. Increase vegetable content: Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach to boost the nutritional value and fiber content.
3. Choose whole wheat tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas instead of refined flour tortillas to increase fiber intake and promote better digestion.
4. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt: Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt to reduce saturated fat and increase protein content.
5. Reduce cheese quantity: Use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for reduced-fat versions to lower the calorie and fat content.
6. Control portion sizes: Keep the burrito size moderate to manage calorie intake, especially for those watching their weight.
7. Limit sodium: Minimize the use of high-sodium seasonings like salt and instead rely on herbs, spices, and lime juice for flavor.
8. Offer gluten-free options: Provide gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
9. Provide vegetarian alternatives: Offer a vegetarian version using plant-based protein sources like black beans or tofu for those who avoid or limit meat consumption.
10. Customize spice levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder or hot sauce to accommodate individuals with sensitivity to spicy foods.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Increase the ratio of vegetables to meat by adding more colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of refined flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier and protein-rich alternative.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrients and fiber.
- Reduce the amount of cheese or choose a lower-fat cheese option.
- Season with herbs and spices instead of relying on excessive salt or high-sodium seasoning mixes.
- Add a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo for added flavor and nutrients without extra calories.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cooked beef: Opt for pre-cooked shredded beef or ground beef to save time on cooking and reduce preparation steps.
2. Buy pre-made tortillas: Purchase ready-made tortillas instead of making them from scratch to save time and effort.
3. Utilize canned beans: Substitute canned beans instead of cooking dried beans, as they are already cooked and can be easily incorporated into the burritos.
4. Prepare a large batch: Make a larger quantity of beef filling and freeze the leftovers for future use, saving time on multiple cooking sessions.
5. Skip marinating: Instead of marinating the beef, use flavorful spices and seasonings to enhance the taste quickly.
6. Opt for store-bought salsa: Purchase pre-made salsa or sauce instead of making it from scratch to save time and reduce ingredient costs.
7. Use frozen vegetables: Incorporate frozen vegetables like peppers and onions instead of fresh ones, as they are pre-cut and require no additional preparation.
8. Choose affordable cuts of beef: Select economical cuts like chuck or round, which can be equally delicious when cooked properly.
9. Incorporate rice leftovers: Utilize leftover cooked rice as a filling to add bulk and reduce the need for additional ingredients.
10. Minimize garnishes: Limit the number of garnishes or toppings to save time and reduce expenses, focusing on key flavors instead.