An easy weeknight dinner that beats takeaway, these Beef Burritos From Scratch are packed with flavour, made with simple pantry ingredients, and come together quickly. Skip the packet mixes and enjoy a family-friendly Mexican favourite you’ll want on repeat.
Mexican is one of our favourite cuisines. Some other favourite recipes include - Chicken Enchiladas, Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken and Mexican Slow Cooked Lamb.
Quick look at Beef Burritos From Scratch
- ⏲️ 30 mins start to finish
- 🛒 Ingredients: 8 simple ingredients.
- 🍽️ Makes: 4 serves (easily multiplied)
- 🧑🍳 Difficulty: Easy.
- 🗃️ Make ahead: Keep for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Making burritos doesn't mean reaching for an Old El Paso box for me. I'm not big on using processed versions of anything I can make from scratch.
I know you're thinking 'but Claire it's so easy,' but I'm telling you, making it from scratch is just as easy, much more satisfying, costs less and you avoid all those awful ingredients you find in packet mixes.
Plus you most likely have all the ingredients at home so there's no need to rush out to the shops. You could even make up a big jar of the seasoning so whenever you want burritos it's just a case of scooping out a few spoonfuls.
Why Make Beef Burritos From Scratch
- No packet mixes – Made with simple pantry spices and real ingredients for better flavour and no additives. The spice mix can be made in bulk too.
- Easy and budget-friendly – Cheaper than takeaway and quick enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Totally customisable – We love burritos because everyone can add their favourite toppings. Serve the mince in Flour Tortillas, taco shells or even topping nachos (we love these Homemade Paleo Cornchips.
- Family-approved – A hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for regular dinner rotation (make ahead & freezer for even faster dinner).
- Wholesome and filling – High in protein and fibre, making it a nourishing family dinner.
Jump to:
Recipe Ingredients
To make Beef Burritos From Scratch you will need:
- Onion - chopped. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon of onion powder to the spice mix.
- Carrot - finely chopped. This is optional. I like to add it cause it's invisible added veg.
- Beef mince (ground beef) - go for about 10% fat. Any less fat than this & it loses flavour.
- Tomato paste - adds flavour but can be left out if you don't have any.
- Spices & herbs - coriander, cumin, paprika & oregano
- Chili - optional
Time-Saving Tip
Make up a big jar of the spice mix (use the onion powder option) by multiplying the recipe by 5-10. Label it. Use about 3tbsp per 500g of mince.
How To Make Beef Burritos From Scratch
Step 1 - Heat the oil in a large saucepan or frying pan.
Step 2 - Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring, until the onion is transparent and the carrot is soft.
Step 3 - Add the mince and break it up using a spoon.
Step 4 - Cook for a few minutes until nearly all the pink colour is gone.
Step 5 - Add the tomato paste and spices and stir them through. Add a little water if it it too dry.
Pour in the kidney beans and stir them through.
Step 6 - Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-10 minutes or until the meat is cooked and the beans are soft.
What To Serve Beef Burritos From Scratch With
We like to make burritos in homemade flour tortillas. Some of our favourite toppings are:
- Cheese - You can't have a burrito without cheese in my opinion. Here's how to save money on cheese (without eating less).
- Salsa - make your own salsa or the store-bought stuff.
- Avocado
- Sourcream
- Shredded lettuce
Recipe FAQs
You sure can. We don't recommend making the full burrito but the meat filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
Absolutely. Chicken mince works really well with this recipe. You could also use pork or lamb.
If you leave out the chilli they're not spicy at all so very kid-friendly. I like to serve it with chilli sauce or powder so the adults can adjust to their taste.
Recipe
Beef burritos from scratch
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 carrot diced finely
- 500 g beef mince also called ground beef
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Chili powder to taste
- 1 tin kidney beans drained and rinsed thoroughly
- Condaments of choice - cheese salsa, avocado
- 12 flour tortillas
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan.
- Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring, until the onion is transparent and the carrot is soft.
- Add the mince and break it up using a spoon. Cook for a few minutes until nearly all the pink colour is gone.
- Add the tomato past and spices and stir them through. Add a little water if it it too dry.
- Pour in the kidney beans and stir them through.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-10 minutes or until the meat is cooked and the beans are soft.
- Serve in flour tortillas with condiments.
CathieGerus says
Do you have a recipe for making tortillas? (whole grain/whole wheat)
Cathie Gerus
Claire says
Hi Cathie. I do https://www.clairekcreations.com/2010/11/flour-tortillas/. This recipe uses white flour but you can use wholewheat. Claire
Barbara L says
US reader here. What's the mince ingredient you mentioned?
Claire says
Mince is like hamburger I believe?
CathieGerus says
What is beef mince?
Cathie
Claire says
Hi Cathie. Beef mince is ground beef. Claire
Joseph says
You just lost the title "from scratch", luv. Seriously, opening a tin?
Also, why use processed junk (chili powder) when fresh poblanos, Anaheims, and other great varieties of fresh or dried chilies are SO much better? Both freeze equally as well as your Bolognese, so there's your convenience.
Claire says
To me it's from scratch rather than buying a pre-made mix. Good on you for going the extra mile!
Stephanie@Henry Happened says
anything "from scratch" is usually hard, but this really sounds doable :)
Claire says
I think we think a lot of things are a lot harder than they really are!
Donalyn@The Creekside Cook says
A lovely recipe - and I agree that the little extra effort required is nothing next to how much better they taste. Yours looks awesome - I never get tired of spicy food! [which you can see on my blog today - a different kind of burrito :)]
Claire says
It's true isn't it Donalyn? Ooh I'll be checking out your burrito for sure!
celia says
Beautiful! You guys certainly eat well, Claire! Oh, and Will, Claire needs a tortilla press! ;-)
Claire says
Thanks Celia! I will pass that on to Will!
Glamorous Glutton says
I only ever make chicken fajitas or chilli con carne. These burritos look great and a fab Monday night meal. GG
Claire says
Thanks GG!
Lisa the Gourmet Wog says
That looks fab Claire! You know what's missing though? A good salt rimmed Margarita ;)
Claire says
Well that is true Lisa!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe ok you've twisted my arm (not so hard ;)). We're having burritos tonight now! :D
Claire says
Well now I'm jealous and want burritos too!
The Life of Clare says
Yum! I love burritos. I've just only recently found out the joy of home-made tortillas and like you say, we make everything we can, and if we don't have an ingredient we just leave it out!
Claire says
I'm not keen on the store-bought ones now I make my own Clare. I've turned into a tortilla snob. Now I just need a press so I can make them a bit bigger. I leave things out too or I'm getting very good at just guessing something that's similar.
Hotly Spiced says
You're right - burritos are a great Monday night meal. Excellent comfort food and yours are making very hungry. Where's my lunch??? xx
Claire says
2.32 and you haven't had lunch? Surely Archie could have left you some chicken!?
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I love burritos and fajitas. Give me some meat filling or steak, some pico de gallo, some sour cream and tomatoes, lettuce and chopped spring onions and stand back...
These look so good, Claire!
Claire says
Me too Maureen. I really could have Mexican every night!
The Food Sage says
Thanks for reminding me about burritos. I always go through phases of food — and we're having a bit of a spag bol phase in our house, too! But now i feel a burritos phase coming on, especially as the nights get cooler! Thanks!
Claire says
They're perfect for the cooler weather especially if you add a little extra chili!
Sarah says
HAHA - i love your burrito eating instructional. Tres pinnable.
Claire says
Thanks Sarah!