Are Burritos Mexican?

Though burritos as we know them today became popular in the U.S. during the 1930s at El Cholo Spanish Café in California, they have roots in Mexican cuisine. Some evidence suggests they originated in northern Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. Legend has it that a man named Juan Mendez from Chihuahua would sell food from his donkey cart. To keep the food warm, he wrapped meat, rice, and beans in large homemade flour tortillas, which eventually earned the name “burrito,” meaning “little donkey.”

By the 1960s, the Mission Burrito—huge burritos wrapped in foil from San Francisco—gained national popularity, paving the way for Tex-Mex restaurants like Chipotle and Qdoba to introduce these delightful creations all around the country. Fun fact: if you ask for burritos in most parts of Mexico, you might just leave with a donkey instead! 😂

Ingredients for Ground Beef Burritos

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef, around 85-90%, to avoid excess grease yet still enjoy rich flavor.
• Seasoning: Taco seasoning, either homemade or store-bought, along with salt.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics to kickstart the flavor.
• Tomato Paste: A bit of tomato paste adds juiciness and depth; tomato sauce can be a substitute if needed.
• Rice: Convenient boil-in-bag rice works great (white, brown, or jasmine). Just follow the cooking instructions!
• Beans: Black beans are a personal favorite, but pinto or refried beans can be used, depending on your preference.
• Salsa: Fresh pico de gallo or your choice of store-bought salsa works perfectly.
• Cheese: Use Mexican-style cheese or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Sour Cream: You can substitute it with Mexican crema if you prefer a drizzle.
• Tortillas: Go for 10-inch flour tortillas for smaller burritos, or 12-inch for larger. Avoid corn tortillas, as they tend to crack and break.

Boil-in-Bag Rice Saves You Time!

Cooking the various components of burritos can be time-consuming, but you can simplify the process. Using canned beans and boil-in-bag rice is a game changer!

I personally love Success® cook-in-bag rice, available in white or brown varieties. It’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and you can prepare it in just 10 minutes, whether on the stovetop or in the microwave. Trust me, this rice is a delightful surprise—light, fluffy, and perfect for your burritos!

How to Make Ground Beef Burritos

Making these beef burritos is a breeze! The tricky part is rolling them, but practice makes perfect! Here’s a simple, step-by-step process:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat some olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they turn translucent (around 3-4 minutes).
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
• Stir in your taco seasoning, salt, tomato paste, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the beef to soak up all the flavors.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings on the Tortillas

• Start by warming your tortillas for easier rolling. This can be done in the microwave or a dry skillet.
• On a warmed tortilla, place about 1/3 cup of rice in the center, following with 1/3 cup of beans and the seasoned beef.
• Spoon your pico de gallo on top, sprinkle some cheese, and add a dollop of sour cream. If you plan to freeze them, skip the sour cream!

Step 3: Roll the Burritos

• To roll, fold the top of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly, forming a cylindrical shape. Take your time; gentle hands will prevent tearing.
• If desired, wrap the burritos in foil before serving, which keeps them warm and helps maintain their shape.

Tip: For those who enjoy crispy burritos, heat them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes!

What to Serve with Beef Burritos?

These burritos stand as a complete meal on their own thanks to the filling ingredients. However, adding sides like salsa, hot sauce, guacamole, or extra sour cream can elevate the experience. Everyone loves a good dip!

Variations on Your Burritos

Burritos are wonderfully versatile, and you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Here are a few variation ideas:

• Try using ground turkey, chicken, or pork as an alternative to beef.
• Replace the black beans with refried beans for a creamier texture.
• Swap out white rice for brown for added fiber.
• Give your rice a flavor boost with lime juice and zest, plus some chopped cilantro to make Cilantro Lime Rice.
• Add some grilled veggies or shredded lettuce for crunch.
• Mix chipotle sauce into your sour cream for an exciting twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I freeze these beef burritos?
  Absolutely! Just skip adding fresh salsa and sour cream before freezing. Wrap them in foil and store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• How do I thaw and reheat them?
  Thaw the burritos overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F for around 30 minutes or until fully warmed through.
• What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
  Warm tortillas either in a dry skillet on the stove for about 30 seconds per side or stack them with damp paper towels in the microwave.
• Can I make vegetarian burritos?
  Definitely! You can substitute the beef with a variety of vegetables or even plant-based protein alternatives.
• What can I serve with leftover burritos?
  Leftover burritos can be enjoyed with a fresh salad, tortilla chips, or a side of Mexican corn salad for a delightful meal.