Name: Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; ½ cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil); ½ cup water; ½ cup chicken or beef broth; 19 ounces red enchilada sauce; ½ cup instant white rice; 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 6 small flour tortillas, sliced into 1-inch strips; 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, all-in-one dinner that’s quick to throw together and bursting with flavor, this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe is definitely a winner. I love how it combines so many favorites — seasoned beef, beans, rice, and those delicious enchilada flavors — right in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a ton of fuss.

Plus, the beauty of this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, it’s super satisfying, with enough spice and richness to feel like a celebration on your plate. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of those “go-to” dishes you think about all week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic burrito flavor with ease, and the best part is you probably have most of these pantry staples on hand. Here are my favorite tips to make shopping and prepping even smoother.

Lean ground beef: I use 90% lean to keep it juicy without too much grease.
Diced onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that brightens up the dish.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced is always best for that aromatic punch.
Enchilada sauce: Pick a good quality red sauce; it’s the heart of flavor here.
Instant white rice: Quick-cooking rice saves time and absorbs all those rich flavors.
Chicken or beef broth: Helps create a flavorful, tender texture for the rice and beef mixture.
Water: To balance the liquid for perfectly cooked rice.
Black beans and pinto beans: Canned and drained make this recipe a breeze, plus they add great texture and protein.
Flour tortillas: Sliced into strips, they create a wow factor, giving you little bites of soft, slightly crisped tortilla throughout.
Shredded cheddar jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top—don’t skip it, trust me!

Variations

I love experimenting with this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe depending on what I have or who I’m cooking for. Personalizing it makes it feel homemade and special every time.

Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder if you’re feeling adventurous. My husband loves the extra kick!
Vegetarian variation: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu for a meatless version.
Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers or corn. I often use whatever’s in my fridge to keep it colorful.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or a smoky queso fresco for a flavor upgrade.

How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef with Onions and Garlic

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s browned but not dry—think browned edges with still a juicy center. About halfway through, toss in the diced onions and garlic so they soften and get fragrant. Stir frequently to break up the meat and avoid any burned bits. Drain excess fat if needed, but leaving a little helps build flavor for the sauce.

Step 2: Add Liquids, Rice, and Beans

Pour in the enchilada sauce, broth, and water, scraping up all those tasty browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Stir in the instant rice, black beans, and pinto beans to the mixture. This way, the rice simmers right in all those delicious juices, soaking up the rich, spicy flavors. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.

Step 3: Let It Simmer and Add Tortilla Strips

Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Then, sprinkle the sliced flour tortillas evenly over the top. The tortilla strips soak up some moisture, adding an unexpected texture that makes the skillet even more comforting. Cover again and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until they soften just right.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Melt

Finally, scatter the shredded cheddar jack cheese generously over the skillet. Cover once more and turn off the heat, letting the residual warmth slowly melt the cheese for about 5 minutes. When the cheese is gooey and perfectly melted, you know it’s ready. If you want, you can pop the skillet under a broiler for a minute to get those edges crispy – I do it every once in a while for that golden finish.

How to Serve Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe

A white pan filled with a layered dish starting with cooked ground meat mixed with black and pinto beans at the bottom, followed by melted yellow and white cheese melted unevenly on top. On one side near the center, there is a dollop of white sour cream topped with small chunks of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered over the whole dish. The edges of the pan show some browned bits, adding texture. The pan rests on a white marbled surface next to a wooden spoon and a beige knitted cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a handful of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced avocado to balance the hearty flavors with creaminess and freshness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime right at the end—it brightens things up beautifully. If you’re into heat, a few pickled jalapeños or hot sauce drizzled on top really elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to add some brightness and crunch. If you want to go all out, serving it with chips and guacamole on the side feels like a mini fiesta in your kitchen.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe in individual small cast iron skillets to keep it warm and impressive on the table. Layering some extra cheese and broiling it for guests always earns you compliments. Pair with a colorful napkin and some fresh lime wedges on the side, and you’re set!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually portion leftovers into airtight containers and fridge them for up to 3 days. Because the flavors meld overnight, the next day tastes even better! Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep everything fresh and tasty.

Freezing

This burrito skillet freezes surprisingly well. I freeze it in single-serving containers so I can pull out exactly what I need for a quick meal. When freezing, skip adding cheese on top, and sprinkle fresh cheese after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the rice. Covering it while reheating helps keep everything moist. If your cheese has hardened, adding a little extra shredded cheese on top and covering it till melted works wonders!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time since turkey cooks faster and can dry out. Adding a bit more broth or a splash of olive oil can help keep it juicy.
What type of rice is best for this skillet recipe?

Instant white rice is the easiest and quickest choice because it cooks evenly along with the other ingredients. If you prefer, you can use regular rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly to ensure the rice gets tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or omit them entirely. You can still enjoy all the flavors by adding more beans or extra cheese on top.
Is it okay to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the skillet up to the point of adding the cheese and tortilla strips. Then, refrigerate or freeze as desired, adding the final ingredients right before serving for best results.
How spicy is the Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe?

The heat level is mild since we rely mainly on red enchilada sauce, which usually isn’t too spicy. You can control the spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter sauce or by adding other ingredients like jalapeños to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s fast, comforting, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to customize and how it satisfies the whole family without a ton of effort. If you try it once, I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again — and that’s exactly where a truly great recipe should live in your kitchen.