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BBQ Beef Burritos - Smoky, Saucy, and Satisfying

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • Beef: 1.5 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean) or 2.5–3 cups cooked, shredded beef (like brisket or chuck roast)
  • BBQ sauce: 1 to 1.25 cups of your favorite sauce (smoky, sweet, or spicy)
  • Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned (drained)
  • Rice (optional but filling): 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • Cheese: 1.5–2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
  • Tortillas: 8 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or olive)
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and black pepper
  • Fresh add-ins (optional): Chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce
  • Toppings/sides (optional): Sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, lime wedges

Instructions

  • Warm the tortillas: Wrap the stack in a clean kitchen towel and microwave for 30–45 seconds, or warm in a dry skillet over low heat. Warm tortillas are less likely to tear when rolling.
  • Cook the onion and garlic: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and slightly browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. If using pre-cooked shredded beef, warm it with the onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add spices and sauce: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Pour in the BBQ sauce and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thick and glossy.
  • Fold in beans and corn: Add black beans and corn. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce as needed.
  • Optional rice layer: If using rice, keep it warm and lightly season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
  • Assemble the burritos: Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Add a small scoop of rice (if using), a generous spoonful of BBQ beef mixture, and a handful of shredded cheese. Don’t overfill—aim for the center third of the tortilla.
  • Roll tightly: Fold the sides in, bring the bottom edge up over the filling, and roll forward, keeping it snug. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  • Crisp (optional but highly recommended): Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place burritos seam-side down and cook 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden and the cheese is melty.
  • Serve: Slice in half if you like. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Offer hot sauce on the side.