Easy Homemade Burrito Recipe

Finding the perfect burrito recipe doesn’t have to be complicated. After years of experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve discovered that the best homemade burritos combine simple ingredients with smart preparation techniques.

Burrito Recipe

Why Make Burritos at Home?

Making burritos at home offers several advantages:

  • Save Money. Homemade burritos cost much less than restaurant or takeout options
  • Control Ingredients. Choose fresh, quality ingredients and avoid preservatives
  • Customize Flavors. Adjust seasonings and fillings to your family’s preferences
  • Meal Prep Friendly. Make large batches and freeze for busy weeknights
  • Healthier Option. Skip excess sodium and unhealthy oils found in fast food
  • Family Activity. Get kids involved in the cooking process

My family loves these beef burritos because they’re filling, flavorful, and much healthier than fast food options. The secret lies in using the right ingredients and avoiding common mistakes that make burritos soggy.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Burritos

Protein Base:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix

Filling Components:

  • 1½ cups refried beans (or black beans)
  • ¾ cup corn kernels
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese

For Assembly:

  • 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced onions

Step-by-Step Burrito Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

Follow these steps to create the perfect burrito filling:

  1. Cook the beef. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat
  2. Break into pieces. Use a spatula to break meat into small, even pieces
  3. Drain fat. Remove excess grease for healthier results
  4. Add seasoning. Mix in taco seasoning according to package directions
  5. Warm beans. Heat refried beans in a small saucepan for easier spreading

2. Assembly Process

Create an efficient assembly line for quick burrito making:

  1. Set up workspace. Lay out all ingredients within easy reach
  2. Place tortilla. Put one large tortilla on a clean, flat surface
  3. Spread beans. Add ¼ cup warm beans down the center, leaving 2-inch borders
  4. Layer ingredients. Add ½ cup rice, seasoned beef, corn, and cheese in order
  5. Don’t overfill. Use proper portions to prevent tearing during rolling

3. Rolling Technique

Master the perfect burrito wrap with these steps:

  1. Fold sides first. Bring left and right edges over the filling
  2. Roll from bottom. Start at the bottom edge and roll tightly toward the top
  3. Keep firm pressure. Roll snugly but don’t force it to prevent tears
  4. Seam-side down. Place finished burritos seam-side down in baking dish

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Fresh burritos need less time than those stored in the refrigerator.

If baking cold burritos from the fridge, increase cooking time to 30-35 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.

Pro Tips for Better Burritos

  • Avoid Soggy Results. Skip watery ingredients like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa in the filling. These make tortillas soggy, especially when freezing. Save these fresh toppings for serving.
  • Choose Quality Tortillas. Large, soft flour tortillas work best. Look for “burrito size” options that are 10 inches or larger. Quality tortillas fold easily without tearing.
  • Rice Preparation. Use slightly cooled rice for easier handling. Hot rice can make tortillas sticky and difficult to roll. Microwaveable rice saves time on busy nights.

Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep

These burritos freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep. Wrap each uncooked burrito individually in aluminum foil before freezing.

To cook frozen burritos, place foil-wrapped burritos on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes without thawing first. This method preserves texture and flavor.

Label each wrapped burrito with the date and contents. Frozen burritos stay fresh for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade burritos with classic Mexican sides. Fresh guacamole, homemade salsa, and sour cream complement the flavors perfectly.

Cut burritos in half diagonally to show off the colorful filling. This presentation makes them more appealing, especially for kids.

Recipe Variations

  • Chicken Burritos. Replace ground beef with rotisserie chicken for a lighter option. Shred the chicken and season with taco spices.
  • Bean and Rice Burritos. Skip the meat entirely for vegetarian versions. Use black beans and additional seasonings for protein.
  • Breakfast Burritos. Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and hash browns for morning meals.

Storage and Reheating

Cooked burritos keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

For best results, let frozen burritos thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This ensures even heating throughout.

Final Thoughts

This easy burrito recipe proves that restaurant-quality Mexican food is achievable at home. With simple ingredients and proper technique, you can create delicious, filling meals that satisfy the whole family.

The combination of seasoned beef, beans, rice, and cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Best of all, these burritos cost a fraction of takeout prices while being much more nutritious.

Start with this basic recipe, then experiment with your favorite ingredients. Soon, you’ll have a go-to burrito recipe that becomes a family favorite.

Burrito Recipe

Easy Homemade Burrito

These easy homemade burritos are budget-friendly, family-friendly, and freezer-friendly – perfect for satisfying your Mexican food cravings any night of the week! Made with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, rice, and cheese, these burritos deliver restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 burritos
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 659

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix 1 ounce
  • cups refried beans or 1½ cups drained and rinsed black beans
  • ¾ cup corn kernels
  • 3 cups cooked rice use Uncle Ben’s microwaveable Ready Rice for quick option
  • 6 large flour tortillas 10-inch burrito size, such as Mission brand
  • cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
Optional Toppings
  • finely diced red onion
  • lettuce
  • diced tomato or salsa
  • sour cream
  • fresh cilantro
  • avocado or guacamole

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
  2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat and add taco seasoning mix according to package instructions.
  3. While the meat cooks, warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat. This makes them easier to spread and prevents cold spots.
  4. To assemble each burrito: Place one tortilla on a clean surface. Spread ¼ cup beans down the center, leaving about 2 inches on each side. Top with ½ cup rice, seasoned beef, 2 tablespoons corn, and ¼ cup cheese.
  5. Fold in the opposite sides of the tortilla first, then roll up tightly from the bottom, burrito style. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 6 total burritos.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until heated through. If baking cold burritos from the refrigerator, increase time to 30-35 minutes.

Notes

To Freeze: Wrap each uncooked burrito individually in aluminum foil before baking. Store in freezer for up to 3 months.
To Cook from Frozen: Place foil-wrapped burrito on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes without thawing.
Pro Tips: Skip watery ingredients like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa in the filling to prevent soggy tortillas. Save these as toppings for serving. Use large, soft flour tortillas for best results.

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