Beef and Bean Burrito
A warm, oversized flour tortilla stuffed with seasoned ground beef, hearty pinto beans, and melted cheese. It's rolled up tight with classic fixings like fresh salsa, sour cream, and crunchy lettuce for a satisfying handheld meal that's a weeknight favorite.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~20 min
Cook the pinto beans.
Place soaked and drained pinto beans in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water. Cook for 4 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally. Drain and set aside.
- prep · ~5 min
Make the quick salsa.
1.Combine chopped tomatoes, jalapeno, 2 tbsp cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.2.Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld. - saute · ~15 min
Cook the beef filling.
1.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.2.Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds.4.Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.5.Stir in cumin powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.6.Fold in the cooked pinto beans, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.TIPDon't drain all the fat — a little keeps the filling moist and flavorful. - prep · ~2 min
Warm the tortillas.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 15 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred in spots.
TIPWarming the tortilla is non-negotiable. It prevents cracking when you roll. - assemble · ~5 min
Assemble the burritos.
1.Place a warm tortilla on a flat surface.2.Spoon a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture into the center.3.Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a spoonful of fresh salsa.4.Fold the sides in, then roll tightly from the bottom up into a snug cylinder. - serve
Serve immediately.
Slice each burrito in half diagonally and serve with any remaining salsa on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overfill the tortilla — about 1 cup of filling is plenty for a 10-inch tortilla.
- 2Warm each tortilla in a dry skillet until pliable; this prevents cracking during rolling.
- 3Let the cooked beef filling rest for 2 minutes before assembling so it doesn't make the tortilla soggy.
- 4For a crispier burrito, pan-sear the rolled burrito seam-side down in a little oil until golden.
- 5Make the salsa at least 15 minutes ahead so the flavors meld together.
- 6Store assembled burritos in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes for a make-ahead meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace ground beef with extra-lean turkey or chicken, and skip the oil by cooking the onion and garlic in a non-stick pan with a splash of water or broth.
vegetarianVegetarian
Swap the ground beef for 2 cups of cooked black beans or a plant-based crumble; add diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
spicySpicy
Add 2 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo to the beef filling and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a smoky heat kick.
high proteinHigh-protein
Mix 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice into the beef and bean filling for extra protein and fiber without changing the flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Fiber
Pinto beans provide soluble fiber that supports digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Protein
The combination of lean ground beef and pinto beans delivers a complete protein profile, ideal for muscle repair and satiety.
Packed with Antioxidants
Fresh tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice offer vitamin C and lycopene, which support immune function and skin health.
Calcium from Cheese
Cheddar cheese and sour cream contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — use two 15-ounce cans of pinto beans, rinsed and drained. Skip the pressure-cooking step and add them directly to the beef in step 3.



