Spicy Beef & Black Bean Burrito

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

A hearty, flavorful burrito packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melted cheese, wrapped in a warm tortilla with fresh salsa. This Mexican-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs Ground beef, Onion, Bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook 12 oz ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 15 oz drained black beans and cook for 2 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: Warm 4 flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Divide the beef-bean mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded cheese and 2 tbsp salsa.
  5. Step 5: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Serve immediately with extra salsa and 1/4 sliced avocado per burrito.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef & Black Bean Burrito take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Beef & Black Bean Burrito?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef & Black Bean Burrito?

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 Spicy Beef & Black Bean Burrito for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spicy Beef & Black Bean Burrito?

Mexican quick meals 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.

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