Juicy spiced ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, sweet corn, and crisp lettuce all wrapped up in a golden toasted tortilla—these cheesy beef burritos are fast, filling, and crave-worthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime comfort food cravings hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy goodness make it a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted with your favorite toppings and sauces.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep—make ahead and reheat when needed.
• Balanced Flavors: A satisfying mix of savory beef, sweet corn, creamy sauce, and fresh lettuce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup canned or frozen corn (drained/thawed)
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 4 large flour tortillas

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula.
3. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
4. Add the corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, combine sour cream (or mayonnaise), shredded cheese, and hot sauce if using. Mix well to form a creamy cheese sauce.
6. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
7. Lay each tortilla flat. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by a spoonful of cheese sauce and the beef-corn mixture.
8. Roll the burritos tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
9. Toast seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
10. Slice and serve warm with extra sauce or salsa on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 burritos
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Rice or Beans: Include seasoned rice or black beans for extra bulk and nutrition.
• Spicy Upgrade: Use jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or extra hot sauce to add heat.
• Veggie Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils.
• Guacamole or Avocado: Add a layer of mashed avocado for creaminess.
• Swap the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, queso blanco, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store assembled burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • From fridge: Toast in a skillet or reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
  • From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 3–4 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and can make the dish a bit lighter.

Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Absolutely. Leftover cooked beef or rotisserie chicken can be used—just reheat with the spices and corn.

Are these burritos spicy?

Not particularly, but you can control the heat by adjusting the hot sauce and chili powder.

Can I skip the cheese sauce?

Yes, though it adds creaminess. You can replace it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

How do I keep burritos from falling apart?

Warm the tortillas before filling and don’t overfill. Be sure to fold in the sides and roll tightly.

Can I bake the burritos instead of pan-toasting?

Yes. Place seam-side down in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

What tortillas work best?

Large flour tortillas are ideal for flexibility and structure. Avoid corn tortillas, which may crack when rolled.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo or sour cream alternative.

How do I serve this as a burrito bowl?

Skip the tortilla and serve the fillings over rice or lettuce with the sauce drizzled on top.

What can I serve with these burritos?

Serve with salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Corn Burritos are the ultimate comfort food—quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping lunches, or simply craving something warm and hearty, this recipe delivers. With crisped tortillas, creamy filling, and flavorful beef, these burritos are sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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