Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling are the kind of dinner that instantly makes everyone at the table happy. Packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, hearty beans, and lots of melty cheese, these burritos are wrapped in warm tortillas and finished with a creamy, mildly spicy sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple, everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling
These burritos check all the right boxes for a reliable go-to recipe. They’re quick enough for busy weeknights but satisfying enough to feel special. The filling is rich and savory without being heavy, and the creamy sauce adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
You’ll also love how flexible this recipe is. You can adjust the spice level, swap ingredients to fit dietary needs, or add extra veggies without changing the core method. Plus, these burritos store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for leftovers or freezer meals.
Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling
Burrito Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar–Monterey Jack)
- 6 large flour tortillas
Creamy Spicy Sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons mild hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado or guacamole
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: An 80/20 blend gives the best flavor. Leaner beef works too—just add a splash more broth.
- Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese can be slightly grainy.
- Heat level: Keep it family-friendly with mild hot sauce, or add extra chili powder if you like more spice.
- Healthier swaps: Ground turkey or chicken works well in place of beef. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in the sauce for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Step 2 – Season the Filling
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the beef evenly. Add tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3 – Simmer the Beef Mixture
Pour in the beef broth and stir. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, until thickened and saucy but not dry. Remove from heat.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Spicy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, lime juice, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat as needed. Set aside.
Step 5 – Assemble the Burritos
Warm the tortillas slightly so they’re pliable. Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle a small amount of cheese in the center. Add rice, black beans, a generous scoop of seasoned beef, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Top with more cheese.
Step 6 – Roll the Burritos
Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up, enclosing the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 7 – Toast Until Crispy
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place burritos seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This step is optional but highly recommended for texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill—too much filling makes burritos hard to roll.
- Shred cheese yourself for the best melt.
- Toast burritos seam-side down first to seal them closed.
- Let the beef filling cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy tortillas.
Flavor Variations
- Southwest Style: Add corn and diced bell peppers to the filling.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix cream cheese into the beef for an ultra-creamy center.
- Spicy Kick: Stir diced green chiles into the beef mixture.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Breakfast Burritos: Replace rice with scrambled eggs and add hash browns.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling with a simple side salad, tortilla chips and salsa, or Spanish-style rice. They’re also great alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh corn salad for balance.
For casual gatherings, slice burritos in half and serve with extra sauce for dipping. They’re a hit at game nights and family dinners alike.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store wrapped burritos in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Wrap each burrito tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat refrigerated burritos in a skillet or microwave. For frozen burritos, thaw overnight or reheat directly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
FAQ About Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, these burritos are excellent for meal prep. Assemble them fully, wrap tightly, and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to cook or reheat.
What’s the best cheese for burritos?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds great flavor. Mozzarella can be added for extra stretch, but it’s best combined with a sharper cheese.
How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?
Let hot fillings cool slightly before assembling, and avoid overloading with sauce inside. Toasting the burritos also helps create a barrier that keeps tortillas crisp.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your spices and sauces are certified gluten-free.
Are these burritos kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The spice level is mild and customizable, and the cheesy filling makes them especially appealing to kids.
Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling
Equipment
- large skillet
- mixing bowl
- spoon or spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 0.5 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar–Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1–2 tbsp mild hot sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly, then add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened but saucy. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, lime juice, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Warm tortillas until pliable. Add cheese, rice, black beans, seasoned beef, and sauce to the center of each tortilla. Top with more cheese.
- Fold the sides inward and roll tightly to enclose the filling.
- Toast burritos seam-side down in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Easy Ground Beef Taco Burritos With Cheesy Filling are the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. With simple ingredients, bold Tex-Mex seasoning, and a creamy sauce that brings everything together, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you serve them fresh off the skillet or pull them from the freezer on a busy night, these burritos always deliver.