There is something truly comforting and satisfying about wrapping up tender, seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese in a warm flour tortilla. This Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe takes all the classic flavors you love and turns them into a hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of crispy diced potatoes and flavorful beef with just the right kick of spices, all enveloped in gooey nacho cheese, will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. It’s a fun, simple, and delicious recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and each one plays an essential role in making this dish shine. From the comforting starchiness of the potatoes to the savory spiced beef and creamy cheese, every element adds texture, color, and flavor that elevate these burritos to a new level.
- 3 large potatoes: Cubed and roasted until crispy, they add a crunchy, tender texture.
- Olive oil + salt, pepper, garlic powder: These simple seasonings bring out the earthy flavor of the potatoes and help them crisp beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base, perfectly seasoned to bring savory depth.
- Salt and pepper (½ tsp each): Basic but crucial for seasoning the beef properly.
- Chili powder (2 tsp): Adds a gentle smoky heat to the beef.
- Cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika (1 tsp each): These spices create layers of warm, aromatic flavor.
- ½ cup water: Hydrates and blends the beef seasoning for a juicy filling.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the savory flavors in the beef.
- Nacho cheese: Melts perfectly to bind everything together in cheesy goodness.
- 5 burrito size flour tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas to wrap all the deliciousness inside.
- Taco sauce: Adds tangy flavor and moisture for contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Potatoes
First, peel and wash your potatoes, then dice them into small cubes to ensure they crisp evenly. Toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder right in a large bowl. This coating not only flavors the potatoes but helps create that irresistible crunchy exterior after cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes until Crispy
Pop the seasoned potatoes into your air fryer preheated to 400 degrees. Air fry them for about 25 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times to make sure they cook evenly. The result will be golden and crispy little chunks that add delightful texture and flavor to your burritos.
Step 3: Brown and Season the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are getting crisp, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, paprika, and minced garlic to the beef as it cooks. Stir in about half a cup of water once the beef is cooked through and any excess grease drained. Let this simmer gently to marry all the beautiful spices.
Step 4: Keep the Filling Warm
Keep the skillet on low heat to keep your spiced beef warm and ready while the potatoes finish cooking. This step helps the flavors blend further and ensures your filling is hot when you assemble the burritos.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
Lay each large flour tortilla flat and start with a generous layer of nacho cheese, followed by a good scoop of the seasoned ground beef. Add a drizzle of tangy taco sauce, then pile on the crispy potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of nacho cheese before rolling the burrito up tightly to keep everything in place.
Step 6: Crisp Up the Burritos
Heat a clean skillet over medium-high heat and place the rolled burritos seam side down. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, which helps seal the burrito and melts the cheese inside to ooey-gooey perfection. Serve immediately and savor every bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich filling. A spoonful of sour cream or guacamole can add a creamy, cooling element that perfectly complements the spices in the beef.
Side Dishes
Pair your burritos with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or black beans to round out the meal. Fresh salsa or pico de gallo works beautifully to add vibrant color and a juicy, zesty balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut burritos diagonally in half to show off the colorful filling and serve on a platter for a crowd. You can also skewer them and serve like a fun handheld snack, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover burritos cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, which makes for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners later on.
Freezing
If you want to store them longer, wrap each burrito individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen burritos in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through and the tortilla regains its crispness. Alternatively, the microwave will work for convenience, but you may want to finish in a skillet for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While nacho cheese melts beautifully and adds great flavor, you can substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend based on your preference.
What if I don’t have an air fryer for the potatoes?
No worries! You can roast the potato cubes on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or cook up seasoned black beans or lentils as a hearty and delicious alternative.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili powder and paprika give a mild warmth without overwhelming heat, but you can adjust the spices up or down depending on your heat tolerance.
How do I prevent the burritos from falling apart when rolling?
Using warm tortillas and not overfilling will help with rolling. Tuck in the sides tightly and roll from one end to the other to keep the filling secured inside.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes such a satisfying dish any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do — they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings cozy vibes to the table every time.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos combine crispy air-fried potatoes with seasoned ground beef, melty nacho cheese, and flavorful taco sauce wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for a hearty and delicious meal that brings the comforting flavors of a classic burrito with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Olive oil, for tossing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup water
Other Ingredients
- Nacho cheese (amount as desired)
- 5 burrito-size flour tortillas
- Taco sauce (amount as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel, wash, and cut the potatoes into small cubes. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes air fry, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 lb of ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, paprika, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, draining excess grease if necessary.
- Simmer the Beef: Add 1/2 cup water to the cooked beef in the skillet and stir, then reduce heat to low and keep warm while the potatoes finish cooking.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay out a large flour tortilla and spread a layer of nacho cheese. Add a scoop of the seasoned ground beef, a drizzle of taco sauce, a scoop of crispy air-fried potatoes, and top with more nacho cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly to form a burrito.
- Brown the Burritos: Place the assembled burritos in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning quantities according to your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, potatoes can also be roasted in the oven at 425°F for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through.
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce inside the burritos.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute nacho cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a skillet or oven.
