crispy beef burritos

Here’s a delicious, restaurant-style recipe for Crispy Beef Burritos — filled with flavorful seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and lightly fried (or baked) until golden and crunchy on the outside. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, and great for freezing too!

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Crispy Beef Burritos

Ingredients

For the beef filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa

• ½ cup refried beans (optional, for creaminess)

For assembly:

• 6 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

• ½ cup cooked rice (optional)

• Oil or butter for frying

For serving (optional):

• Sour cream

• Guacamole

• Salsa or pico de gallo

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).

5. Drain any excess fat.

6. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

7. Add tomato sauce (or salsa) and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

8. Stir in refried beans (if using) for a creamier texture.

9. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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2. Assemble the burritos

1. Warm the tortillas slightly (10–15 seconds in the microwave or on a dry skillet) to make them flexible.

2. Spoon about 3–4 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla.

3. Add shredded cheese and rice (if using).

4. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.

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3. Make them crispy

Option 1 – Pan-fried (best for crispiness):

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Place burritos seam side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

3. Rotate to crisp all sides evenly.

Option 2 – Oven-baked:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Place burritos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Brush lightly with oil or melted butter.

4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Option 3 – Air fryer:

1. Preheat to 190°C (375°F).

2. Lightly spray burritos with oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

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4. Serve

Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for dipping.

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Tips & Variations

• Add heat: Mix in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers.

• Freezer-friendly: Wrap un-fried burritos tightly in foil or plastic and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

• Cheese tip: Use a blend of cheeses (like cheddar + Monterey Jack) for maximum melt and flavor.

• Crispy texture: Brush burritos lightly with oil before pan-frying for that perfect crunch.

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Would you like me to include a “copycat Taco Bell-style” crispy beef burrito version (with spicy sauce and rice) or keep it homemade restaurant-style like this one?