Bookmark
This Cheesy Double Beef Burrito is a hearty homemade twist on a fast-food favorite. It combines seasoned ground beef, creamy nacho cheese, fluffy Mexican rice, crispy tortilla strips, and tangy sour cream to create a flavor-packed meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold tastes and comforting textures.
I first made this during a weekend family gathering and it quickly became the star of the meal. Everyone loved how the combination of textures and flavors came together in a big comforting burrito that felt special but still easy to make.
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
- Ground beef: Two pounds for rich meaty flavor and protein
- Onion: One medium, diced to add sweetness and depth
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced for savory aroma and taste
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning or Cajun seasoning: One teaspoon for bold spice
- Black pepper: One teaspoon to enhance all flavors
- Ground cumin: One teaspoon for earthy warmth
- Cayenne pepper: Half teaspoon for subtle heat
- Red pepper flakes: Half teaspoon to add kick and complexity
- Taco seasoning mix: One one-ounce packet for classic Mexican seasoning
- Water: Half cup to help simmer and meld flavors
- Diced green chilies: One four-ounce can for mild heat and tang
Other ingredients
- Nacho cheese sauce: One fifteen-ounce can for creamy cheesy richness
- Knorr Mexican rice: One five-point-six-ounce package for fluffy textured rice
- Colby jack cheese: Three cups, shredded for melty cheesy pulls
- Santa Fe-style tortilla strips: One three-point-five-ounce package to add crunch
- Sour cream: One cup for tangy creaminess
- Flour tortillas: Ten large, burrito size for sturdy wraps
When selecting ingredients choose fresh garlic and onions for best flavor. Look for quality cheese that melts well and tortillas that feel pliable. Using seasoned taco mix and green chilies adds authentic southwestern notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef onions Slap Ya Mama seasoning black pepper cumin cayenne and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all spices. Cook until the beef turns brown and onions become tender about eight to ten minutes. Add minced garlic and diced green chilies then cook for an additional two minutes. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan then return beef mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle taco seasoning mix over the meat and pour in half a cup of water. Stir to fully coat the mixture and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for five minutes allowing flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Mexican Rice:
- Cook Knorr Mexican rice according to package instructions. Once fully cooked fluff the rice gently with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
- Warm the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- Pour the nacho cheese sauce into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat stirring occasionally until the sauce is smooth and warmed through without burning.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a hot skillet for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable. Lay one tortilla flat and layer with about one third cup of the beef mixture spoon two tablespoons of warm nacho cheese over it add two tablespoons of cooked Mexican rice sprinkle shredded Colby jack cheese and top with about one tablespoon of sour cream. Finish with a handful of tortilla strips for a crunchy contrast. Repeat the process for all tortillas.
- Wrap the Burritos:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla inward carefully to contain the filling. Starting from the bottom edge roll the tortilla tightly upwards to enclose the filling securely. Place each burrito seam-side down on a plate or tray to keep them closed.
- Grill for a Crispy Finish (Optional):
- Heat a skillet or stovetop grill pan over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down and grill gently pressing for one to two minutes on each side until golden and crisp on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the burritos immediately paired with your favorite salsa guacamole or extra sour cream.
Bookmark
My favorite ingredient has to be the diced green chilies which add just the right kick and liveliness to the beef mixture without overpowering the flavors. A memorable moment with this dish was watching my kids happily assemble their own burritos customizing them with every topping possible making it a festive family affair full of laughter and mess.
Storage Tips
Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness before storing. Keep in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage wrap burritos in foil then place in a freezer-safe bag allowing them to freeze for up to three months. To avoid sogginess do not add sour cream or tortilla strips before storage; instead add those fresh when reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey chicken or shredded beef for different flavors or lighter options. Vegetarian choices like black beans or plant-based meat crumbles work well too. Colby jack cheese can be replaced with cheddar pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend depending on your taste. Experiment with different taco seasoning blends or make your own spice mix to keep things interesting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cheesy Double Beef Burrito with classic Mexican street corn for a smoky tangy side or chips and fresh guacamole for creamy crunchy contrast. Pico de gallo offers a bright fresh flavor boost while refried beans add extra protein and heartiness. A fresh garden salad or Mexican slaw provides balance to the richness and keeps the meal feeling light and refreshing.
Cultural Context
The burrito is a beloved staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine that showcases a full embrace of flavor layering and textures. This version honors the tradition of stuffed tortillas filled with seasoned meat and cheese while adding some fun modern touches like crispy tortilla strips and melted nacho cheese sauce. Burritos have long been enjoyed for portability and satisfying heartiness making them a favorite for busy families and casual gatherings alike.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or shredded beef work well as alternatives. Vegetarian options like black beans or plant-based crumbles also complement the burrito nicely.
- → How do I prevent the burrito from falling apart?
Warm the tortillas to make them flexible and avoid overfilling. Fold the sides in tightly and roll firmly to secure the filling effectively.
- → What cheeses work best for this burrito?
Colby jack is a great choice, but cheddar, queso quesadilla, or Mexican cheese blends offer tasty variations that melt well.
- → Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
Yes, cooking and seasoning the beef mixture and preparing the rice ahead saves time. Assemble burritos when ready to serve or reheat.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, sautéed bell peppers, onions, corn, or spinach can be mixed into the filling to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- → How should I reheat the burritos for best results?
Heat wrapped burritos in the oven or microwave. For a crispy exterior, finish by grilling on a skillet for a few minutes per side.