If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight winner, this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet absolutely delivers all the craveable flavors of a classic burrito with the easiest possible clean-up. Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with everything you love—rich ground beef, tender strips of tortilla, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese—this is a one-skillet meal that saves you time without skimping on comfort. Whether you have a house full of hungry people or just want a fuss-free dinner, the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is destined to become a new favorite at your table.

Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet thrives on simple, honest ingredients that each play a starring role. From savory beef to creamy cheese and all those vibrant pops from beans and enchilada sauce, every element has a purpose—bringing bold flavor and fantastic texture to your skillet.

Lean ground beef (1 ½ pounds): Lean beef keeps things hearty without excess grease while still delivering tons of flavor.
Diced onion (½ cup): Onions sweeten and soften as they cook, adding depth and aroma to each bite.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Garlic brings that unmistakable savory backdrop that makes everything taste richer.
Taco seasoning (3 tablespoons): For bold southwestern notes and a punch of spice—store-bought or your favorite homemade blend both work.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps dissolve the seasoning and create a flavorful base for simmering.
Instant white rice (½ cup): Quick-cooking rice soaks up the sauce and ties the skillet together with tender grains.
Chicken or beef broth (½ cup): A splash of broth adds richness and helps the rice cook up fluffy and flavorful.
Red enchilada sauce (19 ounces): Tangy, spicy, and perfectly tomato-y—this is what gives the dish that signature burrito taste.
Black beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Earthy and creamy for extra protein and heartiness.
Pinto beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): These add extra creaminess and a Tex-Mex vibe to round out the meal.
Small flour tortillas (6, sliced in 1-inch strips): The “burrito” part that soaks up sauce and gets gloriously soft around the edges.
Shredded cheddar jack (1 cup): Melty, gooey, and perfectly sharp for a golden finish on top.

How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Set your large skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up any clumps, until the meat loses its pink color and turns beautifully browned—about five minutes. If you notice a lot of grease in the pan, go ahead and carefully drain it off for a lighter result.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

To the sizzling beef, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook while stirring—this not only softens the onions but lets them absorb the savory beefy flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns translucent and everything smells tantalizing, usually after two minutes.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef, then pour in half a cup of water. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes. This helps the seasoning infuse every bite with zesty, bold flavor, forming the backbone of your Ground Beef Burrito Skillet.

Step 4: Add Rice, Broth, Sauce, and Beans

Time to load in the essentials: stir in the instant white rice, your choice of broth, enchilada sauce, black beans, and pinto beans. Give everything a thorough mix so those grains of rice have direct contact with all the saucy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about five minutes, so the rice fluffs up and flavors meld together in the most delicious way.

Step 5: Mix in the Tortilla Strips

Bring in those thick-sliced flour tortillas and gently fold them into the skillet. They’ll start soaking up the sauce, turning tender but retaining just enough bite to hold their shape. Incorporating the tortillas right at this stage keeps them perfect for eating—like a burrito you eat with a spoon!

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt

Scatter your generous cup of shredded cheddar jack over the top, then place the cover back on for a final two to three minutes. When you lift the lid, get ready for gooey, golden cheese that melts right into the skillet, pulling everything together with creamy richness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your cheese is melted and irresistible, the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is ready to serve. Spoon it into bowls and top each portion with your favorite fixings—think sour cream, fresh guac, or sprigs of cilantro—for that burrito shop experience at home.

How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

Garnishes

The beauty of the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is how easy it is to elevate with a handful of fresh, zesty garnishes. Try a dollop of cool sour cream, a spoonful of guacamole, scattered fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a burst of color and flavor that makes each bite pop.

Side Dishes

This skillet can truly stand on its own, but pairing it with light sides makes the meal feel even more special. Consider serving it with crisp shredded lettuce, a quick tomato and avocado salad, homemade salsa, or even some crunchy tortilla chips for a playful textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up for guests or family by piling servings of the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet into halved bell peppers, or spooning into individual oven-safe bowls and broiling for an extra cheesy crust. You can even wrap leftovers in tortillas for grab-and-go handheld burritos the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Ground Beef Burrito Skillet—and that’s a big if—it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and store for up to three to four days for a fast, flavorful meal at your fingertips.

Freezing

The Ground Beef Burrito Skillet is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Let everything cool completely, portion into resealable freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to two months. For best texture, you may want to skip garnishes until after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat servings gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to bring back that saucy consistency. The microwave works in a pinch as well—just cover loosely and warm in short intervals until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a fantastic swap and makes the skillet a bit lighter. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning since these proteins are a little milder than beef.

Is this dish spicy?

The Ground Beef Burrito Skillet has a mild to medium warmth depending on your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. For extra heat, toss in diced jalapeños or use a spicy sauce. To keep it mild, choose reduced-spice options.

What if I don’t have instant rice?

No worries—just cook regular white rice separately according to package directions and stir it in during the last few minutes to soak up the flavors. You may need to reduce the liquid (broth) slightly to account for pre-cooked rice.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap in plant-based ground “meat” or extra beans for the beef, use vegetable broth, and follow the same steps. The skillet will still be hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can, but keep in mind that corn tortillas will break down more and may create a softer texture in the skillet. If you love that particular corn flavor, it’s a tasty twist!

Final Thoughts

If you love effortless dinners that gather everyone around the table, you’ll fall hard for this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet! It’s as cozy as your favorite burrito, but so quick and easy that you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try—you might find it’s the feel-good skillet meal you never knew you needed!