Name: Beef Burrito
Yield: 8

This Beef Burrito Recipe packs seasoned ground beef, cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, and cheese into straightforward, customizable wraps. Ready in 30 minutes and freezer-friendly.

Image of the Beef Burrito Recipe cut in half, with the halves stacked on top of each other

author’s note

The Burritos I Always Want In My Freezer!

Right before my third baby arrived, I went into full prep mode and these beef burritos were at the top of my list. I remember standing in my kitchen thinking, what can I make now that future me will be so grateful for? These checked every box. They freeze like a dream, reheat so well, and my kids actually get excited about them, which is always a win.

Burritos can feel a little over the top with all the different parts, but I really wanted this Beef Burrito Recipe to be big on flavor and still super doable. There are a few components here, but I’ve kept each one as simple and quick as possible so you can get these made without it turning into a whole production.

Process shots-- images of the onions being sautéed, then the beef being browned and the taco seasoning being added to everything with enchilada sauce

Ingredients

Ingredient	Notes
Beef	Lean ground beef with taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce. Swap in ground turkey or shredded beef if you want.
Rice	Cilantro-lime rice is great, but plain or microwave rice works in a pinch.
Large Flour Tortillas	Warm first so they roll easily.
Beans	I use refried beans and sometimes black beans. Use one or both.
Cheese	Sharp Cheddar, freshly grated for the best melt.

Process shots of Beef Burrito Recipe-- images of the rice being cooked and the cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice being added to the pot

How To Make This Beef Burrito Recipe

Cook Beef: Sauté onions in oil. Add beef, sear, and let brown before stirring.
Simmer: Mix in seasoning and enchilada sauce. Simmer until thick.
Make the Rice: Cook cilantro-lime rice as directed, then let stand off heat to fluff.
Assemble Burritos: Layer rice, beef, beans, and cheese on tortillas. Don’t overfill.
Roll & Bake: Roll tightly, place on greased sheet, spray with oil, and bake until crisp.
Serve: Cool slightly, then top with sour cream or salsa.

Process shots-- images of all the layers being layered into the tortilla

Storage

Leftovers

Storing and reheating Beef Burrito Recipe leftovers is simple, making them ideal for meal prep and quick meals during the week.

Storing Leftovers:

To store freshly made burritos, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
How to freeze beef burritos, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months.

Re-heating Leftovers:

To reheat a fridge-stored burrito, warm it in a skillet or on a grill pan over medium-a low burner until it’s crispy and the cheese melts. For air frying, unwrap the burrito, spray with cooking oil, and cook at 360 degrees F for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway. For multiple burritos, space them apart and adjust cooking time accordingly.
To cook a frozen burrito, air fry it wrapped in foil for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or microwave on defrost for 7-9 minutes, then crisp in a skillet if desired. Alternatively, bake in the oven wrapped in foil at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes, crisping afterward if preferred.

Please note that microwaves, ovens, and air fryers can vary greatly, so it’s important to watch the burritos carefully and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Process shots of Beef Bburrito Recipe-- images showing how to fold the burrito

Beef Burrito Recipe Toppings

So many tasty toppings can take these burritos to the next level! If freezing, leave toppings off and add after reheating. Here are some ideas:

Shredded lettuce: Adds a cool and crispy texture to your burrito.
Diced tomatoes: Or add a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo on top for some freshness. Pick a salsa or pico that matches your desired spice level.
Sliced avocado or guacamole: You can dice up a creamy avocado or add some guacamole.
Sour cream: Fat-free or light sour cream is also a great option.
Jalapeños: This adds a nice spice to your burrito if you’re looking to turn up the heat.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright and zesty flavor.
Chopped onions: You can also throw on some pickled red onions.

Process shots-- images of the burrito being cooked on a skillet

What To Serve With This Beef Burrito Recipe

There are many tasty options to serve alongside this Beef Burrito Recipe. Here are a few ideas:

Guacamole and chips: Use any leftover guacamole from topping the burritos and serve it with tortilla chips.
Corn on the cob: Roasted or grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime juice is a satisfying and straightforward side dish. (Or try our Elote recipe!)
Corn salad: This Roasted Corn Salad with bell peppers or this Mexican Street Corn Salad are two favorites.
Rice: Try making a side dish of this simple Mexican Rice — it’s so straightforward and bakes (yes, bakes!) in one dish.
A quick salad: This Chipotle Chicken Salad is a favorite — just leave off the chicken to make it more of a side dish.