If you are craving a comforting meal that perfectly balances tender, flavorful meat with vibrant ingredients, then this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Each bite bursts with juicy shredded beef, melty cheese, and hearty beans and rice, all wrapped snugly in a warm, soft tortilla. This recipe captures the essence of classic Mexican flavors while being incredibly approachable and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the tender shredded beef that delivers rich savoriness, to the soft tortillas that wrap everything in a comforting embrace, every component counts.
- 8 large extra soft flour tortillas: These 10-inch tortillas provide the perfect size and softness to hold all the filling without tearing.
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack recommended): Adds creamy, gooey richness that melts perfectly over the beef and veggies.
- 3 to 4 cups Mexican shredded beef with sauce: The star of the burrito, this tender meat infuses every bite with hearty flavor.
- 2 cups Mexican red rice: Offers a mildly spiced, fluffy texture that complements the juicy beef nicely.
- 400g/14oz can corn kernels, drained: Provides a subtle sweetness and a pop of golden color for contrast.
- 400g/14oz can black beans, drained: Brings protein, earthiness, and a pleasant bite to round out the filling.
How to Make Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Gently Warm the Tortillas
Start by microwaving half of the tortillas for about 15 seconds. This simple step softens them up so they don’t crack or crumble when you roll the burritos, making the process much smoother and the final wrap more satisfying to eat.
Step 2: Prepare Your Workstation
Place one tortilla on your clean workbench or countertop. Keep the other tortillas covered with a clean tea towel to retain their warmth, which helps them stay flexible while you fill and roll each burrito.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings Thoughtfully
On the center of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese first. Then add about one-third cup of the Mexican shredded beef, followed by some corn kernels and black beans. Finally, add a quarter cup of the Mexican red rice. This layering ensures every bite has a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Roll Up the Burrito
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from one end to the other to encase the filling completely. Wrapping each burrito in foil will help keep it together and maintain warmth if you’re not cooking them immediately.
Step 5: Toast to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each burrito for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This step crisps up the tortilla beautifully and warms the filling through, melting the cheese and marrying all the flavors into one scrumptious package.
Step 6: Freeze or Serve Fresh
If you want to pause your cooking adventure and save some for later, simply place the foil-wrapped burritos in the freezer. To enjoy, you can bake them from frozen at 350°F (180°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or thaw and pan-fry as outlined above. Microwaving is an option but may not give you that delightful crispiness we love.
How to Serve Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe, top them with a dollop of cool sour cream or guacamole for creaminess. Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice can add vibrant freshness and zing. Don’t forget a spoonful of tangy salsa or pico de gallo for irresistible brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair your burritos with classic chips and salsa, a light Mexican street corn salad, or even a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. These sides complement the richness of the burritos and provide a refreshing contrast in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Slice the burritos in half at a slight diagonal and stand them on a platter for a colorful feast. You can also drizzle some warm queso over the top or create a burrito bowl version by serving all the fillings over rice for a deconstructed but equally delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burritos wrapped in foil should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for the best taste and freshness. Keeping them wrapped helps preserve moisture and prevent the tortillas from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! After wrapping the burritos individually in foil, place them in an airtight bag or container before freezing. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making them perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, bake straight from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. If thawed, a quick 4 to 5 minutes per side in a hot skillet will refresh the crisp exterior and warm the filling perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that ideal crispy tortilla.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack is great for its meltability and mild flavor, cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work wonderfully depending on your taste preferences.
What can I substitute for the Mexican shredded beef?
If you want a different protein, shredded chicken or pork are delicious alternatives. You can also try sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian twist that still captures the burrito spirit.
Is it okay to use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used for a heartier, fiber-rich option, though they might be less pliable. Warming them well before rolling helps avoid cracking.
Can I make these burritos ahead and freeze for a quick meal later?
Definitely! This Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe freezes beautifully. Just wrap in foil and store in the freezer. Bake from frozen or thaw and pan-fry when ready to eat for a quick homemade meal.
What’s a good way to add extra veggies to the filling?
Feel free to toss in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini. Roasted veggies also add great flavor and texture and aren’t overpowering when mixed with the beef and beans.
Final Thoughts
This Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a no-fuss meal that feels like a warm, flavorful hug. It’s straightforward to make but packed with layers of taste that delight every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these burritos are sure to become a staple that you’ll come back to over and over. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Shredded Beef Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring tender Mexican shredded beef, melted Monterey Jack cheese, Mexican red rice, corn, and black beans wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they can be enjoyed freshly cooked or frozen for later use. The burritos are pan-toasted for a crispy exterior and warm filling, offering a comforting Tex-Mex experience at home.
Ingredients
Wraps
- 8 large extra soft flour tortillas (10″/26cm)
Filling
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack recommended)
- 3 to 4 cups Mexican shredded beef with sauce (tossed or separated)
- 2 cups Mexican red rice
- 400g/14oz can corn kernels, drained
- 400g/14oz can black beans, drained
Instructions
- Warm Tortillas: Microwave half the tortillas very briefly, about 15 seconds, to warm them and make them more pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling the burritos.
- Prepare Work Surface: Place one tortilla on a workbench or flat surface. Keep the remaining tortillas covered with a tea towel to keep them warm and soft.
- Assemble Burritos: Spread cheese evenly down the center of the tortilla. Top with approximately 1/3 cup of shredded beef, then add some drained corn, black beans, and finish with about 1/4 cup of Mexican red rice.
- Roll Burrito: Carefully roll the tortilla around the filling to form a burrito. Wrap each burrito in foil to hold its shape.
- Cook Burritos: If serving immediately, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the burritos for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the tortillas are browned and the filling is heated through.
- Freeze or Reheat: To freeze, store wrapped burritos in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (180°C) with foil on for 40 to 45 minutes, or thaw and then cook in a skillet as above. Microwaving is possible but may result in a less crispy tortilla.
Notes
- If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, a mild melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar can be substituted.
- Make sure to warm the tortillas briefly to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Rolling tightly and wrapping burritos in foil helps maintain shape and makes handling easier, especially when freezing.
- The skillet method crisps the tortilla and melts the cheese, enhancing texture and flavor.
