That sounds like a delicious and budget-friendly meal, and I love that you were able to recreate a childhood favorite while adding a personal touch! Homemade burritos are such a great way to save money and still enjoy the same comforting flavors. Plus, making them yourself means you can customize the filling, add more flavor, and even get creative with toppings like extra cheese or hot sauce. Here’s a breakdown of how you can turn this into a go-to recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Homemade Beef and Bean Burritos – A Nostalgic, Budget-Friendly Meal
These homemade beef and bean burritos are not only a delicious, elevated version of the classic microwavable frozen burritos from your childhood but also a smart and cost-effective way to enjoy a filling meal. Whether you’re making them for dinner tonight or freezing some for easy lunches, these burritos hit all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and budget-conscious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef ($5.67)
- 1 can (30 oz) refried beans ($2.64)
- 10-count package of flour tortillas ($2.78)
- 1 package of cheddar cheese ($2.22)
- Olive oil (for grilling, optional)
- Seasoning for ground beef (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, etc. – optional)
Total Cost:
Approximately $14.31 for all ingredients (9 burritos, making each one cost around $1.58)
Instructions:
1. Season and Brown the Ground Beef
Start by seasoning the ground beef to your liking. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and even a dash of paprika for some extra flavor. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain the grease to remove any excess fat.
2. Add Refried Beans to the Beef
After draining the grease, open the can of refried beans and stir them into the pan with the ground beef. Mix everything together thoroughly and let it heat through for a few minutes. This is where you can really customize the flavor — feel free to add extra seasonings like cumin or chili powder if you like your burritos with a little more heat or flavor.
3. Warm the Tortillas
To make the tortillas more pliable, microwave them for 20-30 seconds (or you can warm them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side). This helps them soften and makes it easier to fold the burritos without them cracking.
4. Assemble the Burritos
Lay the warm tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon some of the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff — this will make rolling the burritos easier. After placing the filling, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly into a burrito shape. Repeat this process for all 10 tortillas.
5. Grill the Burritos for Dinner
For the burritos you plan to enjoy tonight, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the pan, and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. After flipping, sprinkle a little cheddar cheese on top of the burrito to melt, then cook for another minute or two.
6. Freeze the Leftover Burritos
For the burritos you’re saving for later, you can freeze them. Lay the wrapped burritos on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat one, simply microwave it or grill it in a pan for a quick lunch or dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
- Affordable and Simple: For under $1.50 per burrito, you get a homemade, hearty meal that’s far more satisfying than store-bought frozen burritos. You’re getting high-quality ingredients and more control over the seasonings and flavors.
- Versatile: While the filling is made of just ground beef and refried beans, you can easily customize it by adding other ingredients such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, corn, or even a little salsa. You can also swap the ground beef for chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian protein like black beans or tofu for different variations.
- Freezer-Friendly: The fact that you can freeze the burritos makes this recipe perfect for meal prep. Having a stash of homemade burritos in your freezer means you’ll always have a satisfying, grab-and-go meal when you’re in a pinch.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, these burritos take less than an hour to prepare, making them a great option for busy nights or weekends when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tips for Extra Flavor and Customization:
- Add toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, try topping your burritos with some fresh guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or even pickled jalapeños.
- Add veggies: You can easily boost the nutrition of your burritos by adding some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef and bean mixture. It’s an easy way to sneak in more veggies!
- Spicy twist: If you like things a bit spicy, add some hot sauce to the beef mixture, or sprinkle in some jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Cheese: If cheddar isn’t your thing, feel free to use a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Mexican blend. You can also add shredded cheese inside the burritos for an extra cheesy bite.
Final Thoughts:
These homemade beef and bean burritos are a nostalgic comfort food that’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re grilling them for a crispy dinner tonight or saving them for easy lunches throughout the week, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, at just $1.58 per burrito, you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. This recipe is proof that with a little time and effort, you can recreate childhood favorites in a way that’s even better than you remember!