Easy Beef and Red Bean Burritos

When it’s time for simple, satisfying, no-fuss Tex-Mex, here’s a go-to dish. Grownups and kids alike will enjoy the meaty, cheesy flavor, and a good helping of red beans brings taste and nutrition to every bite. (Yes, you can put beans in a burrito in Texas—just don't put them in chili if you want to be authentic.)

Note: If you can’t find red beans or red chili beans, substitute light red kidney beans. Or black, for that matter.

Tip: Be sure to warm the tortillas gently before using. They’re much easier to fold without tearing when warm.

And another tip: Divide the filling easily among the tortillas by first dividing it into quarters in the pan:

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 small serrano chiles, finely chopped
• 3/4 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp chile powder
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup no-salt tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked red beans (rinsed and drained, if canned)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 4 10-inch flour tortillas, stacked, wrapped in foil, and warmed in a 250°F oven
• 1 cup finely (“fancy”) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• sour cream, to taste
• salsa, optional

Red Beans

Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion and chiles and cook, stirring frequently, 3 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and chile powder and season with salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling the meat, until just cooked through, 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the tomato sauce, beans, and oregano and re-season with salt, if desired. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook until thickened, 7-8 minutes. 

Chiles and Onion 

Beef Mixture Beginning to Cook

Tomato Sauce and Beans Added

Cooked Beef and Bean Mixture

1. Lay the tortillas on a work surface. Spoon 1/4 of the beef mixture in the center of 1 tortilla. Sprinkle 1/4 of the cheese on top and dollop with sour cream.
2. Fold the bottom side (closest to you) over the filling, tucking it slightly underneath. Fold over both the left and right sides, then roll up to the top side. Place seam-side down on a platter and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Place filling in the center

Fold over the sides 

Roll forward to close

Serve the burritos with salsa, if desired, and pass extra sour cream at the table.

Easy Beef and Red Bean Burritos