Beef Burritos

How to Make Beef Burritos

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1. Cook the beef in a large frying pan over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes more.

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2. Stir in the garlic, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and salt and cook for 1 minute.

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3. Add the tomato paste and water and simmer for 5 minutes, until the beef is moist but not wet. Take it off the heat.

   Mark done Start 5 min timer

4. Warm the refried beans in a small pan or the microwave for 2 minutes, until loose and hot.

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5. Warm the tortillas for 20 seconds each in a dry pan or wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave, so that they are soft.

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6. Spread a sixth of the beans down the centre of each tortilla, then top with rice, beef, cheese and salsa, keeping the filling in a band and away from the edges.

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7. Fold in the sides, then roll up from the bottom, tucking tightly as you go.

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8. Heat the oil in the frying pan over medium heat and sear the burritos seam side down for 2 minutes, then turn and sear for 2 minutes more, until golden. Serve with sour cream.

   Mark done Start 2 min timer

Tips for Making Beef Burritos

• Warm the tortillas before you fill them. A cold flour tortilla cracks along the fold, whereas a warm one bends without splitting.
• Do not overfill. Too much filling makes a burrito impossible to close, and a band of about 8 cm across the middle of the tortilla is right.
• Sear the burritos seam side down first. The heat seals the fold so the burrito stays shut when you pick it up.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.
• Fresh herbs work in place of the dried oregano at roughly three times the quantity — a teaspoon of dried is about a tablespoon of fresh, chopped.

What to Serve with Beef Burritos

• Mexican red rice
• Guacamole and chips
• Shredded lettuce with lime

Storing & Reheating Beef Burritos

Keeps in the fridge, wrapped in foil, for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 2 minutes. Freeze wrapped burritos for up to 3 months.

Beef Burritos FAQ: Common Questions

Beef Burritos Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.