Mini Burritos
If you’re on the lookout for a fun, easy, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than these Mini Burritos! Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this recipe packs a flavorful punch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With the combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese, these mini burritos are not only tasty but also a breeze to make. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile option for any palate. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Mini Burritos truly special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The seasoned ground beef and refried beans create a hearty filling, while the melted cheddar cheese adds a delightful creaminess. The best part? They’re wrapped in soft tortillas and can be easily customized with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick dinner idea, these mini burritos are sure to impress with their simplicity and taste!
Shopping List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large burrito-sized tortillas (8 inch)
- Butter for basting
- Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa
What’s in the Gear List
- Large skillet – for cooking the ground beef and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula – for stirring and serving.
- Baking sheet – to place the assembled burritos before baking.
- Brush – for basting the tortillas with butter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements.
Directions: Mini Burritos
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat. Add 3 tablespoons of water and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Mix in Refried Beans and Salsa
Stir in the refried beans and salsa, mixing until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, take a large baking sheet and set it aside. Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface.
Step 5: Fill the Tortillas
Spoon an even amount of the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to overfill!
Step 6: Roll the Burritos
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom, securing the filling inside. Place each burrito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Baste and Bake
Melt a tablespoon of butter and use a brush to baste the tops of the burritos lightly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Serve with Toppings
Once baked, remove the mini burritos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa on the side for dipping!
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
- Spring: Add fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro for a fresh, vibrant topping.
- Summer: Serve with a side of corn salad or grilled vegetables for a light meal.
- Fall: Incorporate roasted pumpkin or butternut squash into the filling for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Pair with a warm bowl of tortilla soup for a cozy dinner.
Steer Clear of These
- Avoid using overly seasoned meats or canned beans that may overpower the flavors of the burrito.
- Stay away from low-quality cheese that won’t melt well.
- Do not overfill the tortillas, or they may burst during baking.
- Skip the toppings that do not complement the burrito’s flavor profile, like sweet salsas or heavy sauces.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
Leftover Mini Burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Reader Q&A
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you prefer, you can use black beans or pinto beans. Just mash them lightly before adding to the filling for a similar texture.
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover them to prevent them from drying out.
How do I make these vegetarian?
You can easily make Mini Burritos vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for sautéed vegetables, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, and using vegetarian refried beans.
Ready to Cook?
These Mini Burritos are not just a meal; they are a canvas for your creativity in the kitchen! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bites in no time. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, they are sure to be a hit. Dive in, enjoy, and don’t forget to make extra for leftovers because these little bundles of joy are worth savoring again and again!
Mini Burritos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat. Add 3 tablespoons of water and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the refried beans and salsa, mixing until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, take a large baking sheet and set it aside. Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface.
- Spoon an even amount of the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to overfill!
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom, securing the filling inside. Place each burrito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt a tablespoon of butter and use a brush to baste the tops of the burritos lightly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the mini burritos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa on the side for dipping!
Notes
- Leftover Mini Burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
