Easy Homemade Cheesy Potato Burritos with Beef

These homemade cheesy potato burritos with beef are the ultimate comfort food. A hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy golden potatoes, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these burritos are a crowd-pleaser that can be easily customized to fit your taste. Whether you love a spicy kick or a more traditional flavor, you can make these burritos your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to make, these cheesy potato burritos with beef are the answer. The spiced ground beef provides the perfect savory base, while the crispy potatoes add a satisfying texture. And, of course, the melted cheese brings it all together, making each bite indulgent. Not only are these burritos comforting, but they’re also versatile — you can tweak the toppings and seasoning to match your preferences. Plus, they’re filling, making them a great option for feeding a hungry crowd or preparing meals ahead of time.

Ingredients

For the Beef
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
¼ cup water or beef broth

For the Potatoes
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika or taco seasoning (optional)

For Assembling
6–8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional: sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, or jalapeños

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Potatoes
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and crispy. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Cook the Beef
   In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and water or beef broth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to become slightly saucy.

3. Assemble the Burritos
   Warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll. On each tortilla, layer a scoop of cooked potatoes, a portion of seasoned beef, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add any optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce if desired. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to form a burrito.

4. Optional: Toast the Burritos
   Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until they are golden and crisp. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6–8 burritos, depending on the size of your tortillas and how much filling you use.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 6–8 burritos

Variations

• Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.

• Breakfast Twist: Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a delicious breakfast burrito.

• Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa to heat things up.

• Vegetarian: Replace the beef with more seasoned potatoes and black beans for a tasty vegetarian alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, flipping to ensure even warming. For frozen burritos, microwave from frozen or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the burritos in advance. Store the wrapped burritos in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Can I make these burritos without meat?

Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans or any plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

3. What kind of potatoes should I use?

Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they become crispy when fried, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different texture.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist on the classic.

5. How do I make the burritos spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, use spicy salsa, or incorporate hot sauce into the filling to increase the heat.

6. Can I freeze these burritos?

Yes, these burritos freeze really well. Wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

7. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

You can, but keep in mind that corn tortillas tend to be smaller and more fragile, so they might not hold the filling as well as flour tortillas.

8. Can I add other veggies to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn to the filling for added flavor and texture.

9. Can I cook the potatoes in the oven instead of the skillet?

Yes, you can bake the diced potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through for even crisping.

10. How can I make these burritos healthier?

To make them healthier, use lean ground turkey or chicken, and opt for whole wheat tortillas and reduced-fat cheese. You can also load them up with extra veggies for added nutrition.

Conclusion

These easy homemade cheesy potato burritos with beef are the perfect comfort food that’s both delicious and customizable. Whether you make them with ground beef, turkey, or beans, the combination of crispy potatoes, seasoned meat, and melted cheese will satisfy your cravings. With endless variations and the option to prep ahead of time, they’re great for feeding a crowd or enjoying a quick meal during the week. Try them today and see why they’re sure to become a family favorite!