Beef Burritos {With Meal Prep Steps}

The aroma of sizzling beef and spices fills the kitchen, heralding the comforting warmth of homemade burritos. This Beef Burritos {With Meal Prep Steps} recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and yields delightful, flavorful wraps that are perfect for meal prep. With a combination of savory beef, tender rice, and melted cheese, you’ll find it hard to resist these delicious bites.

This recipe is ideal for busy families, students, or anyone looking to stock their freezer with ready-to-eat meals. Perfect for busy weekdays or a laid-back weekend gathering, these burritos can be prepped in advance and stored for quick reheating—making mealtime effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory ground beef mingled with fragrant spices creates a mouthwatering filling.
• The burst of melted cheese oozing from each bite enhances the flavor and texture.
• Burritos are easy to assemble, making them perfect for meal prep.
• They freeze well, allowing you to make a big batch and enjoy later.

What You’ll Need

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.

For the Rice

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (medium-grain, or use 3 cups of cooked rice)

For the Beef Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lb lean ground beef (about 900 grams)
• 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 cup canned black beans (drained)
• 12 oz mild tomato salsa (about 320-340 grams or 1.25-1.5 cups)
• 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 12 oz grated cheese (about 350 grams, such as Cheddar)

For Assembling

• 12 large soft tortilla wraps

Note: Use ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Brown rice for white rice
• Ground turkey for ground beef
• Spicy salsa for mild salsa
• Dairy-free cheese for a vegan option

How to Make It

Start with these simple steps to create tasty burritos.

Cook the rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook according to package instructions. If using cooked rice, skip to the next step.

Make the beef filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and optional chili powder. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Add drained black beans, salsa, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and heat through for 3 minutes.

Assemble burritos

Lay out a tortilla wrap and spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla inwards, then roll it up tightly from the bottom up.

Cooking the burritos

Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. You can also bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.

Freezing the burritos

Allow the burritos to cool completely before wrapping each in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating from frozen

To reheat, remove the wrapping and place a burrito in the microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated throughout.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, great for meal prep.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes from frozen.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking during cooking.
• Don’t overstuff the burritos to ensure they roll up easily.
• Add extra veggies to the filling for a nutritional boost.
• Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with guacamole and sour cream for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with chips and pico de gallo for a fun feast.