Half-Cup Spiced Beef and Black Bean Burritos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Seasoned ground beef and black beans wrapped in warm tortillas with vibrant salsa and cheese for a satisfying handheld meal. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 4 oz) ground beef, drained and rinsed canned black beans, taco seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp taco seasoning, 1/2 cup drained black beans, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes until heated through and flavorful.
  4. Step 4: Warm 2 large flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Divide the beef and bean mixture evenly between the tortillas, placing it in the center. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp salsa.
  6. Step 6: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll tightly to form burritos. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Cup Spiced Beef and Black Bean Burritos take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Cup Spiced Beef and Black Bean Burritos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (about 4 oz) ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cup Spiced Beef and Black Bean Burritos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Cup Spiced Beef and Black Bean Burritos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Cup Spiced Beef and Black Bean Burritos?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.