These burritos also freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep enthusiasts. Prepare a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have quick, homemade meals ready throughout the week. Simply reheat and enjoy restaurant-quality Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos from the comfort of your own home.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos Recipe
Discover the perfect balance of flavors and textures in these incredible Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with creamy potatoes and melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. The result is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner, lunch, or even breakfast. These Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos are surprisingly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, these hearty burritos will quickly become a household favorite that everyone requests again and again.
Storage Options
Refrigerator Storage: Store assembled Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezer Storage: These burritos freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Label with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Instructions: For refrigerated burritos, microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For frozen burritos, thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat using the same methods, or microwave directly from frozen for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through.
Summary
Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos are the ultimate comfort food that combines tender seasoned ground beef, creamy diced potatoes, and melted cheese all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. The dish offers incredible value, using affordable ingredients to create a filling, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With endless customization options and excellent storage capabilities, these burritos are destined to become a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Potato masher (optional)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Clean kitchen towels
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
- Microwave-safe plates (for reheating)
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potato Filling:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Assembly Ingredients:
- 8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Wash, peel, and dice the russet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and return to the saucepan. Add butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash lightly, leaving some chunky texture. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Add diced onion and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until onion is softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Season the Beef Drain excess fat from the beef mixture. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is well-coated with seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas Heat tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds wrapped in damp paper towels, or warm them individually in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of sour cream down the center, leaving 2 inches on each end. Add 1/3 cup of the potato mixture, followed by 1/3 cup of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheese blend and any optional ingredients like black beans or corn.
Step 6: Roll the Burritos Fold in the sides of the tortilla first, then roll tightly from bottom to top, ensuring the filling stays contained. Place seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 7: Final Heating (Optional) For extra melted cheese, place assembled burritos seam-side down in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted throughout.
Notes
The key to perfect Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos lies in achieving the right balance of moisture in your fillings. Make sure to drain the potatoes thoroughly after boiling to prevent soggy burritos. Similarly, drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid greasy results. Don’t overfill the tortillas, as this makes them difficult to roll and increases the chance of tearing. If your tortillas keep tearing, try warming them longer or using fresher tortillas. The cheese will continue melting from the heat of the other ingredients, so you don’t need to pre-melt it unless you prefer extra gooeyness.
Tips for Success
Start with room temperature tortillas when possible, as they’re more pliable and less likely to crack during rolling. When mashing the potatoes, leave some texture rather than making them completely smooth – this adds better mouthfeel to your Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos. Let both the beef and potato fillings cool for 5-10 minutes before assembly to make handling easier and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly. Roll the burritos tightly but not so tight that the tortilla tears. Practice makes perfect with burrito rolling technique. For meal prep, allow assembled burritos to cool completely before wrapping and storing to prevent condensation that can make them soggy.
Additional Tips and Variations
Spice Level Variations: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat. For milder versions, use mild taco seasoning and add bell peppers for sweetness.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile. Each protein may require slight adjustments to cooking time and seasoning.
Potato Alternatives: Try sweet potatoes for a nutritional boost and subtle sweetness, or use frozen hash browns for convenience. Yukon potatoes work well too and require less mashing.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, queso fresco, or even cream cheese mixed into the potato filling for extra creaminess.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare all components separately and store in refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembly. This makes weeknight preparation incredibly quick.
Healthier Options: Use whole wheat tortillas, lean ground beef (93/7), and add extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, lettuce, or avocado after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos ahead of time? A: Absolutely! These burritos are perfect for meal prep. Assemble completely, wrap individually, and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat frozen Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos? A: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. You can also microwave directly from frozen for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q: How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy? A: Ensure all fillings are well-drained and cooled slightly before assembly. Don’t add wet ingredients like salsa or tomatoes before storing – add these after reheating instead.
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes? A: Yes! While russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, you can use Yukon Gold for creamier results or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Q: How many calories are in each burrito? A: Each Cheesy Potato Beef Burrito contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on size and specific ingredients used.
Q: What sides go well with these burritos? A: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, or a simple side salad. Corn on the cob or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors nicely.
Conclusion
Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos represent everything we love about comfort food – they’re hearty, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. This recipe proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious that your family will request again and again. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that appeals to all ages.
What makes these Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos particularly special is their practicality. They’re budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and completely customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays, feeding a crowd, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The fact that they can be made ahead and stored makes them invaluable for busy families who want homemade meals without the daily time commitment.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different spices, vegetables, or cheese combinations. The foundation is solid enough to support your creativity while being foolproof enough for novice cooks. These Cheesy Potato Beef Burritos will undoubtedly become a regular rotation meal in your household, providing comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor in every bite.