Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos are a delightful twist on your typical burrito, making them perfect for Taco Tuesday or any casual gathering. With their creamy cheese, hearty beef, and crispy potatoes wrapped in a warm tortilla, these burritos offer comfort food at its best. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these burritos in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and nacho cheese creates a deliciously savory filling that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, these burritos can be customized with your favorite toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun and tasty meal that’s easy to eat on the go.
- Air Fryer Friendly: Cooking the potatoes in an air fryer gives them a perfect crunch without all the extra oil.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Air fryer
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Why These Tools Matter
- Air fryer: Cooks potatoes to crispy perfection while using less oil than traditional frying methods.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the beef evenly and ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Mixing bowl: Makes it easy to toss ingredients together before cooking, saving time and effort.
Ingredients
Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos are easy to make and so good! These are perfect for switching up your Taco Tuesday dinners. This is a copy cat recipe of an old Taco Bell menu item.
Ingredients:
– 3 large potatoes
– olive oil + salt, pepper, garlic powder (for potatoes)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
– 2 tsp of chili powder
– 1 tsp each of cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1 tbsp minced garlic
– Nacho cheese
– 5 Burrito size flour tortillas
– Taco sauce
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel, wash, and cut the potatoes into small cubes.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes, shaking them around a couple of times to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- While the potatoes are cooking, add 1 lb of ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season with 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper, along with 2 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp each of cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika.
- Drain any excess grease once the beef is fully cooked.
- Add about 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Once the potatoes are crispy, lay out a large tortilla on a flat surface.
- Add some nacho cheese, followed by a scoop of the seasoned ground beef, some taco sauce, a scoop of crispy potatoes, and top with more nacho cheese.
- Roll up the burrito tightly.
Step 4: Cook the Burritos
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown on all sides.
Enjoy your scrumptious Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos are a delightful meal that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying them on a casual night in or serving them at a festive gathering, these burritos can be paired with several accompaniments.
Classic Taco Night
- Chips and Salsa: Pair your burritos with crispy tortilla chips and fresh salsa for a crunchy contrast.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a rich flavor that complements the cheesy beef perfectly.
- Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned Mexican rice makes for a hearty addition to your meal.
Fun Party Platter
- Mini Burrito Bites: Cut the burritos into smaller portions for easy snacking during parties.
- Veggie Tray: Include colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers with a zesty dip.
- Cheese Platter: Offer an assorted cheese platter featuring different flavors to pair with the burritos.
Quick Lunch Option
- Side Salad: A light side salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes can brighten up the meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet balance to the savory flavors of the burrito.
How to Perfect Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
Making Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos is simple, but there are a few tips that can take your dish to the next level.
- Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season both the beef and potatoes well for maximum flavor.
- Crispy Potatoes: For extra crunch, cook the potatoes until they are golden brown in the air fryer.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before filling them; this makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Generous Cheese: Don’t hold back on the nacho cheese; it’s key for that gooey texture!
- Control Grease: Drain excess grease from the beef after cooking to keep your burritos from becoming too oily.
- Cook Evenly: When grilling, ensure even cooking by turning the burritos frequently until golden brown.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
Pairing side dishes with Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great ideas to consider:
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add substance and complement the burrito’s flavors beautifully.
- Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides a great base for your meal.
- Corn Salad: A fresh mix of corn, bell peppers, cilantro, and lime creates a vibrant side dish.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Add some spice with pickled jalapeños for those who enjoy heat!
- Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed black bean salad with onions, corn, and spices adds freshness to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a fun twist alongside your burrito.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: If you leave the potatoes in the air fryer too long, they can become too crispy or burnt. Check them frequently toward the end of cooking to achieve the perfect texture.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning your ground beef can lead to bland burritos. Make sure to use the recommended spices or even try adding your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.
- Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when you roll them. Warm them up slightly in a skillet or microwave before assembling your burritos to ensure they stay pliable.
- Filling Too Much: Overstuffing your burrito can make it difficult to roll and eat. Stick to a balanced amount of filling so you can wrap them easily and enjoy every bite.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the outside of the burritos can lead to a less appealing texture. Don’t skip this step; it adds a delicious crunch that enhances the overall experience.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Allow the burritos to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
- Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place burritos on a baking sheet and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos healthier?
To make these burritos healthier, consider using whole wheat tortillas, lean ground turkey, or adding more veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
Can I customize my Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos?
Absolutely! Feel free to add beans, different cheeses, or even switch up the spices according to your taste preferences.
What sides go well with Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos?
You can serve these burritos with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos offer an easy and delicious way to elevate your dinner routine. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on personal tastes or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try for your next Taco Tuesday!
Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 5
Description
Satisfy your cravings with these Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any casual gathering, these burritos are filled with savory ground beef, crispy potatoes, and gooey nacho cheese all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Quick to prepare and brimming with flavor, they’re not just delicious but also family-friendly, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. These easy-to-make burritos can be customized with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy them. Air frying the potatoes gives them a satisfying crunch while keeping them healthier than traditional frying methods.
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes
- Olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Nacho cheese
- 5 burrito-sized flour tortillas
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and minced garlic until cooked through.
- Lay out a tortilla and add layers of nacho cheese, seasoned beef, crispy potatoes, and taco sauce before rolling tightly.
- Cook the rolled burritos seam-side down in a skillet until golden brown on all sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito (250g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
