Store-bought frozen burritos are becoming increasingly expensive. They are easy to heat in the microwave, but unfortunately the quality is not improving along with rising prices. Grocery store burritos typically found in the frozen food case tend to contain high amounts of fat and very little meat compared to homemade types. Best of all, homemade burritos can be made in less than a thirty minutes, and ounce for ounce they cost far less than typical store-bought varieties. Consider the following easy ways to make homemade burritos, and save money while creating thick meat and bean filled burritos that will become an easy main dish meal.
Necessary Ingredients for Basic Homemade Burritos
For one dozen overstuffed and incredibly easy homemade burritos you will need two pounds of lean ground beef, two packets of taco spice, one small finely diced onion or two tablespoons of the dehydrated variety, one can of refried beans, and twelve large flour tortillas. You will also need two nine-inch by thirteen-inch baking pans, cooking spray, and Mexican melting cheese, otherwise known as queso asadero. Shredded Monterrey jack cheese can be substituted for queso asadero if desired.
Procedure for Easy Homemade Burritos
Begin by browning lean ground beef along with finely diced or dehydrated onions. Brown the beef and onion mixture until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain the browned meat and onion on paper towels, and wipe away any excess grease in the pan. Place the meat mixture back in the pan, and mix in one can of refried beans along with two packets of taco spice and one cup of water. Allow the homemade seasoned meat and bean mixture to heat thoroughly while stirring often. If this easy mixture for homemade burritos seems too thick, add more water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Next, spoon several tablespoons of the meat and bean mixture across the center of a large flour tortilla. Fold one side over to match up with the other side before folding in both ends. Fold the last side over the folded ends to create a sealed pocket. Folding burritos is easy, and detailed instructions for folding homemade burritos can be found on most flour tortilla packaging.
Spray two nine by thirteen-inch baking pans with cooking spray, and fill each pan with six neatly folded homemade burritos. Cover the pan with foil, and bake the burritos in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately fifteen minutes or until the tortillas are warm. Remove the foil during the last five minutes of baking the homemade burritos to give the tortillas a slightly crispy outer shell.
After removing these easy homemade burritos from the oven, top them with a generous amount of shredded Mexican melting cheese (queso asadero) or Monterrey jack. Once again cover the pans and allow the cheese to melt completely over these hot and easy homemade burritos just before serving.
Optional Garnishes and Fillings for Homemade Burritos
The aforementioned easy homemade burritos can be lined with a layer of Mexican rice and lettuce before topping the inside of the tortillas with the meat and bean mixture. Cheddar, Monterrey jack, or queso asadero cheese can be used to top the filling before folding these easy homemade burritos. Optionally, homemade burritos can be topped with guacamole, sour cream, homemade or store-bought salsa, and sliced ripe olives.
Experiment with various fillings and other quick and easy toppings for homemade burritos. You will find that homemade burritos are far better than frozen varieties. These very easy ways to make homemade burritos will help you begin creating one of the tastiest main meal dishes that might just become a new family favorite.
Source: Decades of Cooking Experience
