Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Burrito Recipe

Name: Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Burrito
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, partially drained; 1 cup salsa; 0.66666668653488 cup water; 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning; 4 (8 inch) flour tortillas, cut into strips; 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream, or to taste

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Recipe for Beef and Black Bean Skillet

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

1 pound ground beef
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, partially drained
1 cup salsa
cup water
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
4 (8 inch) flour tortillas, cut into strips
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream, or to taste

Directions:

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Discard any excess grease from the skillet.
Return the ground beef to the skillet. Add the black beans, salsa, water, and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese and tortilla strips to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer until the cheese has fully melted, about 5 minutes.
Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the dish topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	772	-
Total Fat	43g	55%
Saturated Fat	21g	107%
Cholesterol	124mg	41%
Sodium	1821mg	79%
Total Carbohydrate	57g	21%
Dietary Fiber	10g	36%
Total Sugars	3g	-
Protein	39g	78%
Vitamin C	5mg	5%
Calcium	353mg	27%
Iron	6mg	34%
Potassium	928mg	20%

Note: Nutrition data includes the full amount of sour cream. The actual amount of sour cream used may vary.

Author: Aaron Bizzell

Origin of the Burrito

The burrito, a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, has its roots deeply embedded in the northwestern states of Mexico, specifically in regions like Sonora. The name "burrito," which translates to "little donkey" in Spanish, likely refers to the way the rolled-up tortillas resemble a donkey's saddlebag, carrying a variety of fillings. It was in the early 20th century that the burrito began to gain widespread popularity in both Mexico and the United States, becoming a staple of Mexican-American cuisine.

Regional Variations of Burritos

In Mexico, burritos are often simpler, usually filled with just beans, meat, and sometimes cheese, while in the United States, particularly in the southwest, they have evolved into more elaborate versions with added ingredients like rice, sour cream, guacamole, and various salsas. The "one-skillet" variation of the burrito takes inspiration from these regional twists but simplifies the preparation by using a skillet to cook everything in one place, saving time and effort without compromising flavor.

How This Recipe Differs from Traditional Burritos

Traditional burritos are typically wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with various fillings like ground beef, beans, rice, and vegetables. This one-skillet variation departs from the traditional format by breaking up the tortillas into strips and cooking them directly in the skillet with the beef, beans, salsa, and cheese. The result is a dish that combines the essence of a burrito but offers a more casual, one-pot meal thats easier to prepare and serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Where This Dish is Typically Served

This easy, one-skillet burrito-inspired dish is often served in casual dining settings, especially in homes and family gatherings where convenience and flavor are key. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Youll commonly find similar variations of this dish at Mexican-American restaurants, where burrito bowls or skillet-style dishes are served as a hearty, filling option for those seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal. While the traditional burrito is more common as a handheld item, this skillet version is perfect for spooning directly onto plates or serving with a side of fresh salsa and sour cream.

Interesting Facts About the Burrito

One interesting fact about the burrito is that it was not originally considered street food in Mexico. The origins of the burrito as a portable meal are thought to be linked to the American border regions, where workers would carry them for lunch. Another fun fact is that the burrito became widely known in the United States in the 1950s and 60s, particularly with the rise of the fast-food chain Taco Bell, which popularized it as a quick and affordable meal option. Today, the burrito is a global phenomenon, with many variations and fusion twists found in restaurants around the world.

Conclusion

The Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Burrito recipe is a great way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional burrito with minimal effort and cleanup. Its versatility allows for easy substitutions based on dietary preferences, such as using ground turkey or adding extra veggies like corn or peppers. Whether youre serving it as a family dinner or preparing a quick meal on a busy weeknight, this skillet burrito recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

FAQ about Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Burrito Recipe

Store any leftover dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Once cooked, let it cool down completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.

Yes, this dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to serve.

You can substitute corn tortillas, tortilla chips, or even use a flour tortilla wrap if you prefer. Some people like to crumble the tortillas for extra texture.

Yes, you can easily add vegetables like onions, peppers, corn, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the ground beef or add them during the simmering step.

The dish has a mild spice level due to the taco seasoning and salsa. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicier salsa.

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some guacamole and sour cream for extra flavor.

Yes, you can substitute Cheddar cheese with other varieties like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using a meat alternative like beans, tofu, or lentils. Replace the ground beef with your preferred vegetarian option and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Comments

bebs424

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I like to use refried beans instead of black beans. Very good.....

DREGINEK

05/11/2024 07:14:36 PM

Fun, easy, one pot recipe! Perfect for families and crazy weeknights! It’s customizable if you want it to be; you can substitute pinto or refried beans if you prefer. You can add onions or peppers to the beef sauce. You can add olives, jalapeños or green chilies to the simmer/saute. All will turn out with good results. Me personally, I sautéd onions with the beef. When I added all the ingredients in step 2, I also added a 4os can of jalapeños and a 4oz can sliced black olives. I simmered on low for 15 min before stirring in the tortilla strips - simmered another 5 minutes and then added the cheese. When I added the cheese, I covered and turned off the heat. I let sit for 5 more min so all the cheese would be ooey gooey melty. This was very good and again, so easy! Thanks Aaron!

Angela Anderson

03/24/2024 09:52:51 PM

I used ground Turkey instead of beef. I also cooked onions with the ground Turkey and added sweet corn. We topped ours with plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Easy and delicious!

SoapySoup1484

03/04/2024 11:41:53 PM

we used stew meat, slow cooked it and then shredded it. We have decided we will leave out the flour tortillas and crumble tortilla chips over it next time or maybe use some tostada rounds to serve with lettuce and tomato. Spices are the bomb.

WorthyLemon4970

03/25/2024 06:40:52 PM

I followed the recipe as written and it makes a very tasty, easy to prepare main dish. Next time I will change one thing. I will either lightly brown the flour tortillas, or even better, will use crumbled tortilla chips to add crispness. The flour tortillas can be kind of soggy, which resulted in my subtracting one star.

TRIPKEN

02/19/2023 01:44:04 AM

Really good! Needed a little more so used 1 can pinto beans/ 1 can red beans, 8 oz of tomato sauce. Added cheese and sour cream when served. A Keeper!

ProudAcai5833

06/07/2024 10:35:13 PM

Tried it once before and kids didn't care for the cut up tortillas and they suggested making it on flat tortilla instead and folding like a burrito. Tripled the taco seasoning in 1 1/2 lb of ground beef and added some crumbled tostada. Added cheese under ground beef and on top of ground beef instead of putting it in the dish. Browned both sides in hot skillet. Delicious and so many other possibilities and combinations can easily be. A winner!

TxCin2

06/30/2025 01:24:37 AM

This is a hit! I was asked to put this in regular rotation. This is an inside-out burrito. This was easy and went from start to finish in less than thirty minutes. I salted the beef when it was browning, and added a little more cheese than called for. I was out of sour cream, but next time, we'll have it on top too. I scaled this down and made half. This is a great way to stretch that ground beef out and you could even get more servings by increasing the tortillas and the beans. I only used half the salsa called for since it wasn't a mild salsa and it looked like plenty. We enjoyed this dish very much.

RhiannanMarie

03/18/2025 03:23:49 PM

GREAT flavors! I changed a few things to give some other options to others that try this. I used a mix of Sundried Tomato Basil & Spinach tortillas to give a different twist to the tortillas. I actually skipped the sour cream (which I LOVE sour cream), but it was so flavorful that it wasn't necessary to add. I used beef broth instead of water to enhance the base flavor a bit more. When I make this again, I think I would add another can of black beans (or pinto)! What a great and easy recipe, glad I found this!

Dallas mosque48

04/02/2024 01:23:34 AM

I used all vegan ingredients. I made a veganized homemade flour tortillas to use. I used vegan refried beans the first time. The second time I used vegan blackbeans.

Linda Schaudenecker

02/24/2023 07:01:53 PM

Loved by all. Added corn tortillas at the very end and chopped peppers. Will try corn next time too. A keeper! And bonus,it's quick

BETTY BAKER

07/04/2025 12:15:36 AM

I made homemade chili powder. I use a hold burrito.

Renee Fraser

05/07/2025 11:45:40 PM

My family loved it !I will be makeing it again.

TackyUbe9345

02/28/2025 11:27:56 PM

It was good. The only thing was I don’t love the texture of the flour tortillas . I think I will try it with corn tortillas. Overall my family enjoyed it.

cutteegurl

12/11/2024 12:20:15 PM

Easy to make. I substituted rice for black beans and was still delicious.

Ruth Rivera

12/03/2024 11:56:44 PM

Made my day, thank you!

Frank Adams

10/16/2024 08:23:13 PM

Made it in no time.

LoyalBun8437

04/25/2024 12:24:10 AM

This recipe is so easy to make and delicious! I highly recommend and easy to make your own. Add fresh tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and so forth. Left overs a great too!

BriskJam6565

03/17/2024 11:59:15 PM

Thought it tasted good but way to much water in the recipe, in hindsight not sure it needed any.

IndigoRum1404

03/12/2024 05:58:22 PM

Very easy to follow. Delicious! I did add sautéed onions to the dish. I have made it multiple times and it will continue to be a favorite.

Cook Time: 25 minutes