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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.