RecipeCastle

Oversized Ground Beef Burrito with Red Sauce

Oversized Ground Beef Burrito with Red Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 lbground Beef: A leaner protein source (ground Beef is a fantastic alternative to traditional pork bacon, providing the same savory flavor profile while cutting down on fat content.)
  • 1 tbspolive oil: Used for sautéing (olive oil adds a wonderful depth of flavor and healthy fats to the dish.)
  • 1small onion (finely chopped: Onions provide a base note of sweetness and texture.)
  • 2 clovesgarlic (minced: Garlic adds robust flavor and health benefits, including immune support.)
  • 1 tspchili powder: This ingredient contributes warmth and a subtle heat to the overall taste of the burrito.
  • 1 tspcumin: Cumin gives the dish its earthiness and is a fantastic partner to chili powder.
  • 1/2 tsppaprika: This spice boosts color and introduces a mild (sweet flavor.)
  • —Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
  • 1 cupcooked rice: Offers bulk and sustenance (making the burrito filling and satisfying.)
  • 1 cupblack beans (rinsed and drained: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber, black beans offer a nice contrast in texture.)
  • 2large tortillas: The foundation for the burrito (larger tortillas allow for more filling and easier rolling.)
  • 1 cupcheddar cheese (shredded: Cheese brings creaminess and a savory flavor that ties the dish together.)
  • 1 cuptomato sauce: Acts as the base for our sauce (providing acidity and sweetness.)
  • 1/2 tspchili powder: Enhances the flavor of the sauce (adding depth.)
  • 1/2 tspgarlic powder: Infuses more garlic flavor without adding additional moisture.
  • 1/4 tspcumin: To echo the spices in the burrito filling.
  • Pinchof sugar (optional: This can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.)
  • 1 cupshredded lettuce: Provides a crunchy and fresh contrast to the burrito.
  • 1/2 cupcherry tomatoes (halved: Adds sweetness and color.)
  • 1/4 cupred onion (thinly sliced: Offers sharpness and refreshment.)
  • 1 tbspolive oil: For dressing (promoting healthy fats.)
  • 1 tsplemon juice: Brightens the salad flavor.
  • —Salt & pepper: To taste (enhancing the freshness of the ingredients.)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will create the perfect environment for sautéing.

  2. 2

    Sauté onions and garlic: Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Brown the ground Beef: Add 1 lb of ground Beef to the skillet, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it’s fully cooked through. Season with 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the spices are well blended.

  4. 4

    Combine rice and beans: Mix in 1 cup of cooked rice and 1 cup of rinsed black beans. Stir together until everything is evenly distributed, then sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts.

  5. 5

    Prepare the red sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, and a pinch of sugar (if desired). Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

  6. 6

    Fill the tortillas: Take 2 large tortillas and evenly distribute the Beef filling among them, leaving space at the edges for rolling. Roll them tightly to enclose the filling.

  7. 7

    Bake the burritos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled burritos in a baking dish, top them with the simmered red sauce and an additional sprinkle of 1 cup cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

  8. 8

    Prepare the side salad: While the burritos bake, combine 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.