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Spicy Beef and Bean Burritos

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These spicy beef and bean burritos are a hearty, comforting make-ahead dinner packed with bold flavors, creamy beans, and melty cheese. Perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (or black beans, mashed)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 6–8 large flour tortillas (10-inch, or gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: diced jalapeños, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion and garlic. Measure out all spices. Shred the cheese and set aside. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  4. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Add tomato paste and beef broth (or water), mix, and let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Finish with lime juice.
  5. Warm refried beans in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in shredded cheddar and hot sauce until creamy and spreadable.
  6. Lay a tortilla flat. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the bean mixture in the center, leaving a 1-inch border. Add 1/3 cup beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and top with salsa. Roll up tightly—fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom.
  7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings. Place burritos seam-side down. For crispy burritos, heat a clean skillet with a little oil and cook each burrito for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
  8. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños. Serve hot or cool completely before wrapping for meal prep.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. For meal prep, wrap cooled burritos tightly in foil or parchment and freeze. Reheat in oven for best texture. Easily customize with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian fillings. For extra spice, add more chili powder or jalapeños.

Nutrition

Keywords: burritos, spicy beef, bean burritos, meal prep, make ahead, Mexican, easy dinner, freezer friendly, comfort food

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/spicy-beef-and-bean-burritos-recipe-for-easy-meal-prep-best-make-ahead-dinner/