There’s something incredibly satisfying about wrapping up hearty, flavorful ingredients in a warm tortilla. This Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe brings together tender seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese for a meal that’s cozy and bursting with flavor—perfect for any night of the week.

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface with one whole wrapped burrito at the bottom and one burrito on top cut in half, showing three layers inside: light brown rice, dark brown beans, and shredded orange chicken mixed with some green herbs, all wrapped in a lightly toasted beige tortilla with brown grill marks. Behind the burritos on the plate, there is half an avocado with the brown pit visible and some green leafy garnish next to it, along with a small colorful pile of diced tomatoes, green peppers, and onions on the right. There is a colorful blue, green, yellow, orange, and red striped cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this beef and rice burritos recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to hit the spot. It’s one of those dishes that manages to feel both fresh and comfortingly familiar, making it a family favorite in my kitchen.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples but comes together with rich, satisfying flavor that doesn’t feel basic at all.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add veggies, spice it up, or swap ingredients, this burrito base makes it simple to tailor to your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make these in advance, freeze extras, and enjoy homemade burritos all week.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: The mild seasoning and cheesy filling mean even picky eaters often ask for seconds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this beef and rice burritos recipe plays a key role—flavor, texture, or balance. Choosing good quality basics will make your burritos shine, and I always recommend fresh spices and shredded cheese made from real cheddar for the best results.

Flat lay of a small mound of cooked brown rice, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, half a medium yellow onion chopped into chunks, two whole garlic cloves with skins removed and minced nearby, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rinsed black beans, a handful of roughly chopped fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cumin, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a neat pile of shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, and a stack of whole wheat tortillas arranged in a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for rich flavor without extra grease; browning it well adds depth to the filling.
Brown rice: It has a lovely nuttiness and holds up well inside the burrito for hearty texture.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the flavor base and add sweetness and warmth.
Black beans: Not just for protein, they keep the filling moist and add earthy notes.
Cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly, tying all the elements together with creamy richness.
Chili powder and cumin: Classic spices that bring that unmistakable southwestern vibe.
Whole wheat tortillas: Tender but sturdy enough to hold the fillings without tearing.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies, spice level, or cheese, making this your own little creation every time you make it.

Add Veggies: I often cook up some sliced bell peppers or grated zucchini with the beans to sneak in extra greens—no one notices, but it adds great texture and nutrition.
Spice it Up: Love heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne in the filling, or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
Double Up: Need more burritos? Just double the recipe and bake them in the oven instead of frying for easy batch cooking.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely, adding guacamole for creaminess instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe

A close-up of a burrito cut in half showing its inside layers held by a woman's hand with decorated nails, the burrito has one visible layer of light brown grilled tortilla with some darker toasted spots, inside it contains a mix of white rice, black beans, melted yellow cheese, and some small greens at the bottom. The burrito half is held above a white plate with another whole burrito on it. On the side of the plate there is an avocado half with the brown seed and some green leaves, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a blue cloth with multicolor stripes is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook Your Rice Just Right

I always start by cooking the brown rice according to package instructions—fluffy brown rice sets the perfect foundation. While it’s cooking, I prep all my other ingredients. If you want to speed things along, you can even use leftover rice from the fridge, which also helps your burritos hold together better.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent—this step really builds the savory depth. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn—gentle heat here is key for flavor.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Beans and Spinach

Next, toss in the black beans, chopped spinach, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all around and let the beans warm through and the spinach wilt slightly, about 2-3 minutes. This mix really shows how simple ingredients can make a comforting, delicious filling.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burritos

Lay out a whole wheat tortilla, then spoon in roughly ⅓ cup of rice, ⅓ cup of the bean mixture, and sprinkle a generous ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Getting the balance right helps you end up with a burrito that’s easy to roll but still packed full.

Step 5: Master the Burrito Roll

Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then fold the bottom up over the filling and roll tightly until closed. A tight wrap prevents spills when cooking or eating later. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of tucking in those edges, you’ll be a pro!

Step 6: Sear for Crispy Perfection

Heat the remaining olive oil in your skillet over medium-high. Place each burrito seam-side down and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This step makes all the difference—it gives you that beautiful texture contrast I absolutely adore.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tricks to perfect this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe every time, and I’m excited to share them so your burritos turn out just right.

Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack your burrito, but overstuffing makes rolling tricky and can cause tearing or spills during frying.
Warm Your Tortillas: Heat them briefly in a dry pan or microwave before assembling—you’ll find they fold and roll more easily without cracking.
Sear on Medium-High Heat: This balance crisps the tortillas nicely without burning or drying out the filling.
Let Burritos Rest: After cooking, a minute or two of rest helps the cheese set inside, so each bite stays together beautifully.

How to Serve Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe

beef and rice burritos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love piling on fresh, colorful garnishes that brighten up each bite—sour cream feels necessary for richness; tangy pico de gallo adds brightness; and avocado or guacamole brings creaminess and a touch of indulgence. Fresh cilantro on top gives a pop of herbaceous flavor that’s pure magic.

Side Dishes

Pair these burritos with a light salad or some cilantro-lime rice for a refreshing balance. I also often throw together a quick corn salsa or roasted veggies to round out the meal. Chips and fresh salsa never fail either.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like slicing the burritos in half and arranging them on a platter with bowls of toppings on the side, letting everyone customize to their heart’s content. You could also bake wrapped burritos with cheese sprinkled on top for a melty, casserole-like presentation that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover burritos, I wrap each tightly in plastic wrap to keep them together and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating in the microwave, then giving them a quick sauté in a pan brings back that crispy exterior and melty cheese—almost like fresh again!

Freezing

These freeze wonderfully. I wrap burritos first in plastic, then foil, and label them clearly before popping them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight—then reheat just like fresh. This is perfect for busy weeknights or batch cooking.

Reheating

I find reheating in the microwave for a minute or so, followed by a brief pan sear, gives you the best results: warm, melty insides with a crunchy, golden outside. It’s like a little gift to yourself after a long day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice will work fine and will make the burritos a bit softer in texture compared to the nuttier, chewier brown rice. Choose based on your preference.

How do I keep the tortillas from tearing when rolling?

Warming your tortillas briefly before assembling—either in a dry skillet or microwave—makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Also, don’t overfill them and fold the sides in tightly before rolling.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the beef and use extra beans or add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to bulk up the filling. The rice, beans, and cheese already provide great flavor and protein on their own.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

I recommend microwaving the burrito until warm, then quickly searing it in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side to regain the crispy outside and melty cheese inside. It tastes as good as freshly made!

Final Thoughts

This beef and rice burritos recipe is one of those easy dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—flavorful, filling, and versatile. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, experimenting with your own variations, and sharing it with family or friends. Once you give this a try, it’ll probably become one of your trusted go-to meals, just like it is for me.