Spicy Mission-Style Beef Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-29 · Updated 2026-07-29

Hearty ground beef seasoned with smoky chipotle and cumin, wrapped in a warm tortilla with cilantro lime rice and fresh salsa for a satisfying burrito. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes pairs (85% lean) ground beef, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (85% lean) ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup chopped, plus extra for garnish fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 4 (10-inch) large flour tortillas
• 1 cup fresh tomato salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook the spiced beef mixture for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Remove the rice from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Warm 4 large flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable. To assemble each burrito, spoon about 1/2 cup cilantro lime rice down the center, top with 1/4 of the spicy beef mixture, 1/4 cup fresh tomato salsa, and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Step 7: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly to enclose. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh cilantro if desired.