Ultimate Ground Beef, Black Bean & Corn Burritos: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with these incredibly delicious and satisfying ground beef, black bean, and corn burritos! They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed hit with the entire family. Forget the struggle of overflowing taco shells; these generously sized burritos are designed to hold all your favorite fillings in one neat, portable package.
Why Burritos Are a Game-Changer for Family Dinners
Taco night is a beloved tradition in many homes, including ours! However, I often find myself getting a little too ambitious with the fillings and toppings. Our little taco tortillas would barely hold their contents, leading to a delicious but often messy eating experience. Then, I had an epiphany: why not switch to burrito night?
The simple act of upgrading to a larger tortilla was a total game-changer. Suddenly, all the vibrant fixings we crave could be bundled up into an (almost) mess-free, hearty meal. Burritos offer unparalleled convenience and versatility. They’re perfect for meal prepping, can be customized to individual tastes, and are fantastic for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a relaxed evening meal. This recipe, in particular, has become our current family favorite, primarily because of how effortlessly it comes together.
The Irresistible Flavor Combination: Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Corn
The foundation of these incredible burritos is a harmonious blend of savory ground beef, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all brought together with a flavorful taco seasoning. This core mixture is incredibly versatile and forms the perfect base for your personalized burrito creation. Let’s delve into what makes each component special:
- Ground Beef: A classic choice for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. It browns beautifully and absorbs spices wonderfully, making it a fantastic protein source. Opt for a leaner ground beef to reduce excess grease, or drain it thoroughly after cooking.
- Black Beans: These little powerhouses add a creamy texture, earthy flavor, and a significant nutritional boost, including fiber and protein. Always remember to rinse canned black beans well before adding them to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor profile.
- Sweet Corn: Whether canned, frozen, or fresh off the cob, corn provides a delightful pop of sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast to the other ingredients. It brightens up the overall flavor and adds a touch of natural color.
- Taco Seasoning: This is the magic ingredient that infuses the entire mixture with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors. You can use a store-bought packet for ultimate convenience or whip up your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade touch.
To this delicious base, we recommend adding fluffy cooked rice for substance, plenty of melty cheddar cheese, fresh pico de gallo or salsa for a tangy kick, and vibrant chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. But remember, these are just suggestions – the beauty of burritos lies in their endless customization!
Crafting Your Perfect Burrito: Beyond the Basics
While our ground beef, black bean, and corn combination is a guaranteed winner, don’t hesitate to unleash your culinary creativity! Burritos are incredibly forgiving and adaptable. For approximately 8 burritos, aim for about 5-6 cups of your main fillings (meats, grains, beans, or vegetables) and roughly 2 cups of cheese and other exciting extras. Here are even more ideas to inspire your next burrito masterpiece:
- Meats:
- Cooked Sausage: Adds a savory depth and a bit of spice, especially breakfast sausage for a breakfast burrito twist.
- Sliced or Shredded Beef, Chicken, or Pork: Leftover roast chicken, pulled pork, or slow-cooked shredded beef can be repurposed beautifully. Just warm them through and season as desired.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch.
- Scrambled Eggs: Essential for breakfast burritos, pairing wonderfully with cheese and potatoes.
- Grains:
- Cooked White or Brown Rice: The ultimate filler, absorbing flavors and adding satisfying bulk. Brown rice offers more fiber and a nuttier taste.
- Cooked Quinoa: A protein-packed alternative to rice, offering a slightly different texture and added nutrition.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Elevate your burrito with rice infused with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
- Beans:
- Cooked or Canned Black or Pinto Beans: Both are excellent choices, providing protein and fiber. Remember to rinse canned beans.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, they add a wonderful texture and help bind the other ingredients together within the tortilla.
- Vegetables:
- Sautéed Onions and/or Peppers: Softened peppers and onions add aromatic flavor and a tender bite.
- Sliced Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, healthy fats that complement Mexican flavors perfectly.
- Corn: (As in our recipe!) Adds sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Diced Tomatoes: Freshness and a juicy pop.
- Roasted Butternut Squash or Sweet Potatoes: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor and a lovely soft texture, especially good in vegetarian burritos.
- Spinach or Kale: Wilted greens can be a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.
- Cheese:
- Cheddar: A classic for its sharp flavor and excellent melting qualities.
- Monterey Jack: Milder than cheddar, with a wonderfully smooth melt.
- Mexican-Style Cheese Blend: Often a mix of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco for a balanced flavor and melt.
- Crumbled Cotija or Queso Fresco: These fresh, crumbly cheeses add a salty, tangy finish, often sprinkled on after heating.
- Extras & Sauces:
- Pico de Gallo or Salsa: Provides freshness, acidity, and a burst of flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brightens everything up with its distinct herby taste.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a cooling, creamy element.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love a bit of heat!
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled for a spicy kick.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over your finished burrito can elevate all the flavors.
Simple Steps to Assembling Your Delicious Burritos
Making these burritos is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s a quick overview of the process before you dive into the detailed recipe card:
- Prepare the Filling: Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet. Once cooked through and no pink remains, drain any excess fat. Stir in the rinsed black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Allow this mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
- Warm the Tortillas: This is a crucial step! Gently warming your tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet makes them pliable and much easier to fold without tearing. A warm tortilla is key to a perfectly wrapped burrito.
- Assemble: Lay out a warm tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of the ground beef mixture and cooked rice onto the bottom third of the tortilla. Don’t overfill, or it will be hard to roll! Top with your desired amount of cheddar cheese, salsa (or pico de gallo), and fresh cilantro.
- Roll It Up: Fold the short sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom, tightly roll the tortilla upwards, tucking in the filling as you go. The goal is a snug, secure roll that keeps everything contained.
- Serve or Finish: You can serve your burritos immediately. For an extra touch, you can briefly “set” the burrito by placing it seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden, or warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese and slightly crisp the tortilla.
Tips for Burrito Success: From Rolling to Reheating
To ensure your burritos are always perfect, keep these handy tips in mind:
- The Art of the Roll: A properly wrapped burrito is a thing of beauty. It prevents fillings from escaping and makes for a much neater eating experience. If you’re new to burrito rolling, a visual guide can be incredibly helpful. This tutorial came in handy for me: the right way to wrap a burrito. Practice makes perfect!
- Don’t Skimp on Warming Tortillas: Cold tortillas will crack and break. A few seconds in the microwave or a quick pass on a dry, hot skillet makes them pliable and easy to work with.
- Balance Your Fillings: While it’s tempting to load up, remember that less is sometimes more for a successful roll. Aim for a good balance of protein, grains, and fresh toppings.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: These burritos are fantastic for meal prepping! Once assembled, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat from frozen, simply unwrap, microwave for 4 minutes (or until hot), or bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 30 minutes, turning halfway. They make for a quick and easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on their own, these burritos pair wonderfully with a side of extra salsa, creamy guacamole, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option), or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
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Ground Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Burritos
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 15- oz can black beans , rinsed
- 1 cup corn , canned or frozen
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 large tortillas
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
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Preheat a skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned and completely cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
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Stir in beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes more. Remove from heat.
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To assemble burritos, heat tortillas in microwave or in a dry skillet until warm. This will make them easier to work with.
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Place some ground beef mixture and rice in the bottom third of a tortilla and top with cheese, salsa, and cilantro.
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Fold sides of tortilla up and then tightly roll it all together.
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Serve immediately, or “set” burrito in a 350 degrees oven for 5 minutes, or gently brown seam side-down in a dry skillet for a few minutes.
Notes
- This tutorial came in handy for me: the right way to wrap a burrito.
- Burritos can be stored in the freezer (well-wrapped) for up to a month. Reheat in a microwave for 4 minutes or in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
Conclusion: A Family Favorite for Any Occasion
These Ground Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Burritos are more than just a meal; they’re a customizable culinary adventure that promises ease, flavor, and family satisfaction. Whether you stick to our tried-and-true combination or get creative with your own fillings, you’ll find that burritos are the ultimate solution for a delicious, hearty, and convenient dinner. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even as a make-ahead freezer meal.
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these fantastic burritos as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know your favorite ways to customize them!