Let me tell you, this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. I love how the tender, flavorful beef pairs perfectly with melty cheese, sweet corn, and hearty beans—all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. It’s satisfying, comforting, and just downright delicious.
Whether you’re making these for a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, you’ll find they’re unbelievably easy to pull together. Plus, they freeze and reheat like a dream, making this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe the ultimate go-to whenever you want something hearty but hassle-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick to Prepare: You can have these burritos ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful and Filling: The shredded beef combined with rice, corn, and beans makes each bite satisfying and vibrant.
- Great for Meal Prep and Freezing: Make a bunch in advance and freeze for a homemade convenience food anytime.
- Customizable: Adapt toppings and fillings to your preference, making this recipe truly your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe comes down to simple, wholesome ingredients that bring layers of flavor and texture. Whenever I shop, I make sure to pick up extra soft flour tortillas—they’re easier to roll and less likely to tear.
- Extra soft flour tortillas: These prevent cracking and hold all the fillings beautifully.
- Shredded cheese: Monterey Jack works perfectly for melty, gooey goodness.
- Mexican shredded beef plus sauce: This is the star—rich, tender, and packed with flavor.
- Mexican red rice: Adds a comforting, slightly spiced layer.
- Corn kernels: I use canned for convenience, just drained well to avoid soggy burritos.
- Black beans: Also canned and drained, giving the burritos a lovely texture and protein boost.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve tweaked fillings and added different toppings depending on what I have on hand or the season.
- Add fresh avocado or guacamole: My family goes crazy for the creamy contrast it adds.
- Swap shredded cheese: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend for different flavors.
- Make it spicy: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or add hot sauce to really wake up the taste buds.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace beef with grilled veggies or spiced lentils for a meat-free option.
How to Make Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Warm Your Tortillas
Start by microwaving half of your tortillas on a plate for about 15 seconds. This simple trick softens them up, making each tortilla flexible and less likely to crack when you roll your burritos. I like to keep the rest covered under a clean tea towel to keep that warmth while assembling.
Step 2: Layer the Good Stuff
Lay a tortilla flat and pile on the shredded cheese first—this helps it melt nicely. Then, add about one-third cup of your shredded beef, followed by some drained corn, black beans, and a quarter cup of Mexican red rice. This combo gives a lovely balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it tightly from one end to the other. Wrapping each burrito individually in foil can really help keep everything together—especially if you’re prepping ahead or freezing them.
Step 4: Heat or Freeze
If you’re planning to eat them right away, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each burrito for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the tortilla gets golden and slightly crispy, and the insides are piping hot. If freezing, just pop them in the freezer wrapped in foil until you’re ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
- Warm Tortillas First: This stops your tortillas from breaking, making rolling so much easier—your burritos stay intact.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Putting cheese first helps it melt and ‘glue’ the fillings together from the inside out.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: I toss my shredded beef in its sauce before assembling—it keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- Cook in a Skillet for Crispiness: Even if you’re reheating leftovers, I recommend the skillet method for that perfect tortilla crunch that microwaves just can’t replicate.
How to Serve Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—that fresh herb brightness really lifts the rich beef and cheese. Sometimes, I add sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lime to brighten everything.
Side Dishes
Mexican red rice on the side works well, but I also love serving these burritos with a simple green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips and salsa. If you’re feeling fancy, guacamole or a fresh corn salad pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the burritos into bite-sized pinwheels—perfect for parties or a fun appetizer platter. You can also serve them open-faced with all the toppings piled on top and a side of hot sauce for guests to customize their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your burritos, let them cool slightly before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate. I’ve found they stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—just perfect for ready-to-go lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Freezing is my favorite way to extend this recipe’s life. Wrapped in foil and sealed in an airtight container, these burritos freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. I always label them with the date so I know when to use them.
Reheating
For reheating frozen burritos, bake them straight from the freezer in foil at 350°F (180°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes, or thaw overnight and then crisp them up in a skillet. This preserves that perfect crispy tortilla texture I love—microwaving often leaves them soggy, which I try to avoid.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat for this Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded beef is classic here, shredded chicken or pork work just as well if you prefer those options or want to change it up. Just make sure the meat is well-seasoned and tender.
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How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Warming the tortillas before assembling helps keep them flexible and less likely to tear. Also, avoid adding too much sauce directly—mix the beef with sauce beforehand and use moderate amounts to prevent sogginess.
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Can I make these burritos vegetarian-friendly?
Definitely! Swap the shredded beef with roasted veggies, sautéed mushrooms, or spiced beans to create a delicious vegetarian version of this burrito that’s just as satisfying.
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What’s the best way to freeze and reheat the burritos?
Wrap each burrito tightly in foil, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and label with date. To reheat, you can bake from frozen at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or thaw overnight and crisp them in a skillet for best texture.
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How long do these burritos stay fresh in the fridge?
Once wrapped properly, they stay fresh up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
This Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe has truly become one of my favorite all-around meals. It’s the kind of recipe I keep coming back to because it delivers on taste, convenience, and versatility every single time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making these burritos your new comfort food staple too—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying whenever you crave a hearty, delicious meal.
Print
Shredded Beef Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These hearty Shredded Beef Burritos are packed with flavorful Mexican shredded beef, Mexican red rice, corn, black beans, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they can be quickly pan-cooked for a crispy finish or frozen for convenient future meals.
Ingredients
Tortillas and Cheese
- 8 large extra soft flour tortillas (10″/26cm)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack recommended)
Filling
- 3 to 4 cups Mexican Shredded Beef with sauce, tossed or separated
- 2 cups Mexican Red Rice
- 400g/14oz can corn kernels, drained
- 400g/14oz can black beans, drained
Instructions
- Warm the tortillas: Microwave half the tortillas very briefly for about 15 seconds to soften them and prevent cracking during rolling.
- Prepare the workstation: Place one tortilla on a flat surface and cover the remaining tortillas with a tea towel to keep warm.
- Assemble the burritos: Spread cheese down the middle of the tortilla, then layer with about 1/3 cup of shredded beef, some corn kernels, black beans, and 1/4 cup of Mexican red rice.
- Roll the burrito: Fold the tortilla over the filling and roll it tightly. Wrap each burrito in foil to help hold its shape.
- Cook immediately (optional): Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the burritos for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the tortilla is browned and the filling is heated through.
- Freezing option: If freezing, place burritos wrapped in foil into the freezer. To reheat, bake frozen burritos wrapped in foil at 350°F (180°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or thaw and pan-cook in a skillet as above. Microwaving is possible but will not yield a crispy tortilla.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking when rolling.
- Wrapping burritos in foil helps them hold their shape during cooking or freezing.
- Cooking in a skillet crisps the tortilla for added texture and warmth.
- Freezing cooked burritos makes for convenient make-ahead meals.
- Microwaving reheated burritos is quick but will result in a softer, less crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
