Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s easy, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together in one pan and feels like a comforting, homemade treat without a ton of fuss. The combination of the savory ground beef, tender beans, and cheesy tortillas always hits the spot, and you’ll love how the enchilada sauce ties everything together with a lovely smoky kick.
One of the best parts? This recipe is super versatile and forgiving, which means you can tweak it to suit your pantry or taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some tasty leftovers, the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe works perfectly. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you have your life together—even if, let’s be honest, you just grabbed whatever you had in the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe is really in the balance of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each one plays a role in building hearty texture and bold, comforting flavors. Also, you’ll find most of this stuff is easy to keep on hand, which I love for those nights when you’re short on time or energy.
- Lean ground beef: I prefer 90/10 for less grease but still plenty of flavor.
- Diced onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the skillet—don’t skip!
- Minced garlic: Fresh is best here to give a punch of flavor.
- Red enchilada sauce: The star that brings a smoky, slightly spicy richness—store-bought works great.
- Instant white rice: Quick cooking and blends well absorbing all the sauce.
- Chicken or beef broth: Adds depth, you can also use water but broth is best.
- Black beans: Drained and rinsed to keep it fresh and balanced.
- Pinto beans: Same as black beans, adds creaminess and heartiness.
- Flour tortillas: Sliced into strips for texture and that satisfying burrito flavor.
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Variations
One thing I love about this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or have on hand. I encourage you to make it your own! Here’s what I’ve tried and enjoyed:
- Variation: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version—still super tasty!
- Variation: Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra veggies and sweetness; I find it brightens the dish nicely.
- Variation: Use spicy enchilada sauce or add a bit of chipotle powder for an extra kick, which I like when I’m in the mood for heat.
- Variation: For a low-carb twist, skip the rice and tortillas and serve over cauliflower rice—works surprisingly well.
- Variation: Mix in some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the lean ground beef and let it brown without stirring too much, so it develops a nice crust. Once it’s mostly cooked, add your diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic smells amazing—about 3 to 4 minutes. This base layer is what builds your flavor, so don’t rush it or turn the heat too high or you’ll risk burning the garlic.
Step 2: Add Liquids, Rice, and Beans
Pour in the red enchilada sauce, broth, and water. Bring that to a light simmer. Stir in the instant white rice, black beans, and pinto beans—remember to rinse your beans well beforehand to keep things fresh and avoid extra sodium. Pop a lid on and let it cook gently for about 10 minutes or until the rice is tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of your pan.
Step 3: Toss in Tortilla Strips and Cheese
Once the rice is cooked through, stir in the strips of flour tortillas. They’ll soak up the saucy goodness and add a wonderfully chewy texture. Then sprinkle your shredded cheddar jack cheese all over the top. Cover the pan again for a couple minutes so the cheese melts beautifully. This step is absolute comfort food magic and one reason I keep this recipe in my regular rotation.
How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, I keep it simple but fresh—dollops of sour cream, a handful of chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions really bring it to life. If you like a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce are perfect. These add brightness and balance the richness of the cheese and beef perfectly.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this skillet on its own because it’s a one-pan meal, but a crisp side of tortilla chips and guacamole always makes it feel like a fiesta. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully if you want something lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like to serve this buffet-style with bowls of toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, pickled onions, and shredded lettuce. Guests can customize their own plates, which is always a hit. Sometimes I even layer it in a deep casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake it briefly for a bubbly finish—it’s like a giant burrito bake and looks lovely on the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After we eat, I let any leftovers cool completely then transfer them to airtight containers. It stays well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers are even better in some ways!
Freezing
This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave room for expansion and try to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat leftovers, I recommend reheating it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering it so the cheese melts evenly and nothing dries out. You can also microwave single servings covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture, but the skillet reheating keeps the texture spot on.
FAQs
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Can I make this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free alternatives or simply eliminate them and add extra beans or veggies to bulk up the dish. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and enchilada sauce labels just to be safe.
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What can I substitute for instant white rice?
If you don’t have instant rice, you can use regular white or brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly. Alternatively, quinoa or even cauliflower rice can be good swaps—just watch the moisture and timing to get the right texture.
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Can I prepare this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble most of the ingredients except the cheese and tortillas the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cheese and tortillas right before cooking or your final bake so everything stays fresh and melty.
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How spicy is this dish?
The spice level largely depends on the enchilada sauce you choose. Mild sauces give a gentle warmth, while hot versions will pack more heat. You can always adjust by adding chili powder, jalapeños, or removing spicy elements according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe has become one of my favorite meals for a reason—it’s quick, satisfying, and tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I promise you’ll find success (and deliciousness!) making this dish. Give it a whirl, customize it to your liking, and enjoy that cozy, flavorful dinner vibe you get when everything comes together just right.
Print
Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground beef, beans, rice, and tender tortillas in a zesty red enchilada sauce, topped with melted cheddar jack cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that packs all the delicious elements of a burrito without any wrapping hassle.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons oil
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth
- 19 ounces red enchilada sauce
Dry and Canned Goods
- ½ cup instant white rice
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Other Ingredients
- 6 small flour tortillas, sliced into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef, ½ cup diced onion, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in ½ cup water, ½ cup chicken or beef broth, and 19 ounces of red enchilada sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine. Then add ½ cup instant white rice, mixing well to distribute it evenly in the skillet.
- Incorporate Beans and Tortilla Strips: Drain and rinse both 15-ounce cans of black beans and pinto beans. Add them to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Next, add 6 small flour tortillas sliced into 1-inch strips, folding them gently into the mixture so they soften and absorb flavors.
- Simmer the Skillet: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze easily.
- Adding fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving adds brightness.
Keywords: ground beef burrito skillet, burrito skillet recipe, easy dinner skillet, Mexican skillet, one-pan burrito
