Beef Burrito with Rice and Beans (Printable)
A satisfying Tex-Mex burrito filled with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in flour tortillas.
# What you'll need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 pound ground beef
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1/3 cup beef broth or water
→ Rice
13 - 3/4 cup long grain rice
14 - 1 1/4 cups water
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Beans
16 - 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
18 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
19 - Pinch of salt
→ Assembly
20 - 4 large flour tortillas, 10 inches diameter
21 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
22 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, optional
23 - 1 medium tomato, diced, optional
24 - 1/4 cup sour cream, optional
25 - Salsa, for serving
# Directions:
01 - In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and beef broth, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - In a small saucepan, combine black beans with cumin, chili powder, and salt. Heat gently for 3-4 minutes, mashing some beans with the back of a spoon to achieve a creamy consistency.
05 - Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds. Place one quarter of the rice, beans, beef mixture, and cheese in the center of each tortilla. Add lettuce, tomato, and sour cream if desired.
06 - Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Serve immediately with salsa on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The beef simmers in its own juices with tomato paste, creating pockets of flavor that burst with each bite.
- Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled in minutes when youre running late but still want something homemade and satisfying.
02 -
- Overcrowding your pan when browning beef steams rather than sears it, so use a large enough skillet or work in batches for that crucial flavor development.
- Letting assembled burritos rest for 2-3 minutes before serving allows the cheese to melt and ingredients to settle, preventing the dreaded filling explosion on first bite.
03 -
- For restaurant-quality results, briefly toast the assembled burrito in a dry skillet to create a slightly crisp exterior that adds textural contrast to the soft filling.
- Season your rice while cooking rather than after for more evenly distributed flavor, and try replacing some of the cooking water with chicken broth for an extra flavor boost.