Beef and Bean Burritos

Beef and Bean Burritos: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a never-ending battle. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the general chaos of family life, sometimes the easiest option feels like grabbing fast food. But let me tell you, that's a battle I'm determined to win! My secret weapon? Simple, flavorful recipes that require minimal prep time and clean-up – like these incredible beef and bean burritos.

These burritos are more than just a quick meal; they're a taste of comfort and satisfaction. The tender beef, seasoned with warm spices, combines perfectly with the creamy refried beans. The whole thing is wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla, creating a satisfying handheld package of deliciousness. It's a recipe that's become a staple in our house, loved by my kids and my husband alike. I often make a big batch on Sunday and have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. It's a lifesaver on busy days when I'm short on time but still want a healthy and hearty meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking! Add some sautéed peppers and onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and color. Experiment with different types of cheese – Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend would all be fantastic additions. And don't forget the toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, and shredded cheese are all great options to add a personalized touch. My kids love adding a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra cheese. It's the perfect opportunity to get creative and make it your own.

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, these burritos are also a fantastic way to get a balanced meal on the table. The lean ground beef provides protein, the beans offer fiber, and the whole wheat tortillas contribute healthy carbohydrates. It's a complete meal that's satisfying enough to keep you energized throughout your busy day.

Making these burritos is a breeze, and the whole process can be completed in under 30 minutes. From the simple steps of browning the beef and assembling the burritos to baking them to perfection, it's a quick and easy recipe for any skill level. Even better, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping. I often double or even triple the recipe so I have enough for lunches throughout the week. This means one less thing to worry about during my already busy weekday mornings.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by a busy schedule and the daunting task of meal preparation, remember these beef and bean burritos. They're a delicious, satisfying, and stress-free solution to your weeknight dinner dilemma. They are a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal that you can customize to your preferences and the needs of your family. It's a recipe that allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it the perfect addition to any busy mom's recipe repertoire.

Beyond just convenience, these burritos offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with your family. The process of assembling and sharing the burritos creates a sense of togetherness, making dinnertime a more meaningful and enjoyable experience. It's a simple ritual that can bring a bit more calm and happiness to a busy life. And that's something truly invaluable.

Ingredients you'll need:

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cumin
• Fresh cilantro leaves chopped
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 12 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 3 cans (7-oz) Mexican tomato sauce or enchilada sauce
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder
• 1 can (28 ounce) refried beans
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (I like to use sharp)
• Extra grated cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, olives (optional garnishes)

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is cooked through.
• Add the cumin, chili powder, oregano and salt and stir to combine.
• Pour 2 cans of the Mexican tomato sauce into the meat and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
• While the meat is cooking heat the refried beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add the cheese, and stir until it's melted.
• Remove from the heat.
• Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 1 minute, and then spread a small amount of beans on each tortilla, about two to three inches up from the edge.
• Add a small amount of the meat on top of the beans, fold up burrito style by folding the sides in and then rolling up.
• Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
• Then place them in a large baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
• Drizzle the remaining can of tomato sauce over all of the burritos and sprinkle with more grated cheese.
• Put in oven and heat through until cheese melts, about 5 mins.
• Sprinkle with the cilantro leaves.