Recipe

Loaded Beef Burrito

Big flavor, crisp edges, and a saucy, cheesy filling you can actually pull off on a Tuesday. These loaded beef burritos are customizable, freezer-friendly, and dangerously good with a quick lime crema.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A golden browned loaded beef burrito sliced open on a plate with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and a dollop of sour cream with salsa on the side

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknight dinner needs to feel like a small victory, this loaded beef burrito is it. We are talking seasoned beef that tastes like it simmered all day, cheesy pockets in the middle, and a crispy skillet finish that makes the tortilla crackle like it has good gossip.

The best part is you can build these burritos from normal grocery store ingredients, then improvise like a kitchen gremlin with excellent instincts. Add fries. Add corn. Add the last sad handful of shredded cheese from the bag. It all works.

A skillet of seasoned ground beef with onions and spices simmering with a little sauce

Why It Works

Fast flavor build: The beef gets depth from a quick sauté with onion and garlic, then a short simmer with spices and tomato paste for that restaurant-style richness.
Balanced filling: Rice and beans stretch the beef without tasting like filler, and they help the burrito slice clean instead of splat.
Melty, not watery: We keep salsa inside but avoid sog city by using a thick salsa and adding it in the right amount.
Crisp edges on demand: A quick skillet toast turns “nice burrito” into “why am I making involuntary happy noises.”

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Best practice: Store burritos un-sauced. Keep any salsa, crema, or guac separate so the tortilla stays sturdy and does not turn into a sad sponge.

Refrigerator

Wrap each burrito in foil or parchment, then place in an airtight container.
Refrigerate up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Let filling cool completely.
Wrap burritos in parchment (to prevent sticking), then wrap tightly in foil.
Place in a freezer bag, label and date.
Freeze up to 2 to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Skillet (best for crisp): Medium heat, a little oil, 3 to 5 minutes per side. If frozen, thaw overnight first, or start covered for a few minutes to heat through, then uncover to crisp.
Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes from the fridge, or 30 to 40 minutes from frozen, foil on for the first half.
Microwave (fastest): Wrap in a damp paper towel, heat in 45 second bursts until hot, then crisp in a skillet if you want the good texture.

However you reheat, aim for heated through with melty cheese. For a food-safety gut check, reheat to 165°F (74°C).

Common Questions

FAQ

What goes in a loaded beef burrito?

The classics are seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, plus extras like salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and pickled jalapeños. In this recipe, we load it up but keep it stable enough to roll.

How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?

Use thick salsa, do not overfill, and let hot components cool for a few minutes before rolling. Also, if you plan to store leftovers, keep wet toppings like sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Can I use steak or shredded beef instead of ground beef?

Yes. Use about 2 1/2 to 3 cups cooked shredded beef or chopped steak. Warm it in the skillet with a splash of broth and the same spice blend so it tastes cohesive.

What is the best tortilla size for burritos?

Look for large burrito-size flour tortillas, usually 10 to 12 inches. 12-inch is easiest for this very loaded situation. If you only have 10-inch tortillas, just use a little less filling so rolling is not a contact sport.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Assemble, wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, crisp in a skillet or bake until hot. They hold up very well.

How do I make these spicier?

Add chipotle in adobo, hot salsa, diced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne in the beef. You can also mix pepper jack with the cheddar for a slow burn situation.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Cutting board and knife
Small bowl for crema (optional but highly recommended)
Sheet pan (if warming tortillas in the oven)

I started making loaded beef burritos after one too many nights of staring into the fridge like it owed me money. Ground beef, a half onion, some rice from yesterday, and a bag of cheese that was mostly air. I rolled it all up, toasted it in a pan, and suddenly I was eating something that felt suspiciously impressive for a meal assembled in socks. Now it is my go-to move when I want comfort food with a crisp edge and zero drama.