Weeknights can be a whirlwind of activities, and sometimes it feels like there’s barely enough time to catch your breath, let alone cook a meal. That’s why having a few go-to recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious is a game-changer. One of my favorites? Ground beef wet burritos. They’re a lifesaver on busy nights, packed with flavor, and customizable to suit everyone’s tastes.
Additionally, we have a great Spanish Rice recipe to accompany the burrito as a side or inside the burrito.
The Versatility of Burritos
Burritos are incredibly adaptable. You can keep them simple with just beef and cheese or load them up with veggies, beans, and all your favorite toppings. They’re perfect for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless variations, and they always turn out delicious. It’s a fun way to keep dinners exciting and prevent mealtime monotony.
Step-by-step instructions to make delicious burritos:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, chop the onion, lettuce, and tomatoes and set them aside. If you’re using uncooked rice, cook it according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef in a heated skillet for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, stir well, then add water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Fold in the cooked rice and heat everything together.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Lay a tortilla flat, add the beef mixture, shredded cheese, onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos if desired. Roll it up tightly from the bottom.
Step 5: Bake the Burritos
Spray a 13 x 9-inch pan with vegetable or olive oil. Place the burritos in the pan seam side down. Pour enchilada sauce over the burritos and sprinkle with shredded cheese. You can also toast the burritos in a skillet for a crispy finish if desired.
Optional – Toast the Burritos
Crispy Finish: If desired, lightly toast the burritos in a skillet for a crispy finish. Place seam-side down in a preheated skillet, and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a wonderful texture.
Serving Suggestions
Burritos are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste and occasion.
Delicious Toppings to Elevate Your Ground Beef Burritos
The right toppings can take your ground beef burritos from great to extraordinary. Here are some delicious topping suggestions that will enhance the flavors and add texture to your meal:
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, seasoned beef filling. Its tanginess cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing balance. A dollop of sour cream on top of your burrito will add a smooth, luscious texture that makes each bite irresistible.
Guacamole
Guacamole brings a creamy, rich element to your burritos with its blend of ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of garlic. It’s the perfect topping for adding a burst of flavor and creaminess. Plus, its healthy fats make it a nutritious addition to your meal. You can either spread it inside the burrito before rolling or add it on top after.
Jalapeños
For those who love a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños are the perfect topping. They add a spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the burritos. You can use fresh jalapeños for a crisp, fiery bite or pickled jalapeños for a tangy, spicy twist.
Cilantro
Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of aromatic freshness and a touch of citrusy flavor. It brightens up the burrito and complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different but equally refreshing taste.
By mixing and matching these toppings, you can create a variety of flavor profiles and textures, ensuring that each burrito is a unique and delicious experience. Whether you prefer a classic combination or like to experiment with new flavors, these toppings will take your ground beef burritos to the next level.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your burritos turn out perfectly every time:
Prep Ahead
Chop Vegetables and Cook Rice in Advance: Doing this the night before or on the weekend can save you valuable time during the week.
Make Extra Filling: The beef mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes future meals even faster.
Customize
Adjust the Spice Level: You can easily control the heat by choosing a milder or spicier taco seasoning.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in any extra vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, corn, or even spinach can be great additions.
Make Ahead
Assemble and Store: Burritos can be assembled and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in foil, if freezing place wrapped burritos in a freezer bag.
Reheat with Care: Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal or in the oven for a crisper texture. Remember to remove the foil before placing it in the microwave.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to meal prep. I often double the recipe and freeze half for those nights when I’m too tired to cook. Knowing now that a delicious, homemade meal is just a few minutes aw is such a relief. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to save money and avoid the temptation of takeout.
Ground beef burritos are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them a favorite in my household. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal quickly. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or looking for a meal that can be prepped in advance, these burritos are sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
So next time you’re pressed for time but still want a homemade meal, give this ground beef burrito recipe a try. And don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and fillings. After all, the best part about burritos is making them your own. Happy cooking!
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Easy Ground Beef Wet Burrito Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
These ground beef burritos are the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. They are made with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and rice, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with your favorite fixings. They're quick to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and easily customizable to suit everyone's tastes. Serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Seasoning
Burrito Filling
Instructions
Chop the onion, lettuce and tomatoes. If your rice isn't pre-cooked, cook it according to the instructions on the package. *If your prefer a Mexican rice, please click on link in the notes section, for instructions.
In a small bowl, combine all the spices and mix well and set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it's no longer pink, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Once the ground beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef, then pour in the water. Stir well to combine, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let the beef mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Cover and set aside.
Prepare your burritos, warm up your burrito shells according to package instructions. While you fill them keep shells not yet used covered with paper towel of clean kitchen towel.
To assemble the burritos, grab a warm shell and spread a thin layer of refried beans on the entire shell. Then in the center of the burrito top the shell with a portion of the meat mixture, white or Spanish rice (optional), chopped onion and sprinkled with cheese.
Take the sides of the tortilla and fold it slightly in toward the center of the tortilla. With the sides folded in, begin rolling the tortilla from the bottom up, keeping it tight as you roll. Continue rolling until you reach the top edge of the tortilla, forming a cylinder shape.
Place the burritos seam side down in 13"x9" baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the burritos, covering them completely. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the sauced burritos.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the 350 F preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the foil and garnish the wet burritos with your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious wet burritos!
