If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that brings together the best of cheesy, savory, and crispy textures, this Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe is your new go-to. Picture tender, seasoned ground beef paired with perfectly crisped air-fried potatoes, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla smothered with gooey nacho cheese and zesty taco sauce. This dish blends cozy textures and bold flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a hearty solo dinner, these burritos deliver satisfying yumminess in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building the rich texture, vibrant flavors, and inviting aromas that make this recipe shine. From the golden potatoes to the spicy beef blend, every component harmonizes beautifully to create a mouthwatering burrito experience.
- 3 large potatoes: The star crispy bite of the burrito; cube them small for even cooking and great texture.
- Olive oil + salt, pepper, garlic powder (for potatoes): Adds flavor and helps you achieve that perfectly roasted crispness.
- 1 lb ground beef: Your savory protein base, soaking up all the spices for bold flavor.
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance overall taste.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Brings a warm, smoky kick that complements the beef and potatoes perfectly.
- 1 tsp each of cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika: These spices add depth with earthy, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup of water: Keeps the beef mixture juicy and helps deglaze the pan.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Delivers a punch of fresh, savory flavor.
- Nacho cheese: The melty, creamy finish that ties the filling together in cheesy heaven.
- 5 burrito size flour tortillas: The perfect soft yet sturdy shell to hold all your delicious fillings.
- Taco sauce: Adds a zesty and tangy contrast, boosting the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Start by peeling and washing your potatoes, then chop them into small, uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Toss the potatoes in olive oil with a generous pinch of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This step infuses them with flavor right from the start and ensures a crispy, golden finish after cooking.
Step 2: Air fry the potatoes
Place the seasoned potato cubes in your air fryer and set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook them for about 25 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times throughout so they brown beautifully on all sides. The result? Crispy outsides with tender, fluffy centers that are perfect for stuffing inside your burritos.
Step 3: Cook the seasoned ground beef
While the potatoes crisp up, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Sprinkle your salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika evenly. If you want to keep things even simpler, feel free to swap the spices for a taco seasoning packet. Add the minced garlic for that extra layer of flavor. Once the beef is cooked through and browned, drain any excess grease. Pour in 1/2 cup of water to keep the beef juicy and to deglaze the pan, stirring everything together.
Step 4: Warm the beef on low
After cooking, reduce the skillet to low heat and keep the beef mixture warm while your potatoes finish crisping. This ensures everything is ready to assemble at the same time, piping hot and full of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble your burritos
Lay out a large flour tortilla and begin layering with a generous spread of warm nacho cheese, then a scoop of the seasoned ground beef. Add a drizzle of taco sauce for that little extra punch, followed by a hearty scoop of crispy potatoes. Top it all off with a bit more nacho cheese for gooey perfection. Roll the tortilla up tightly so none of those delicious fillings escape.
Step 6: Crisp the burritos to finish
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place your assembled burritos seam-side down. Cook until each side is golden brown and the cheese inside begins to melt, giving you a crisp, slightly crunchy shell with a molten cheesy center. Now you’re ready to dive into these irresistible burritos!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up your presentation and taste, top your burritos with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a bright, fresh note. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side adds creaminess and tang. Don’t forget a few lime wedges for squeezing — the citrus really elevates the bold flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These burritos are hearty enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with a light salad of mixed greens or a simple Mexican street corn salad will add some freshness and balance. For something extra comforting, serve with a side of refried beans or Spanish rice to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Slice the burritos in half diagonally and serve them upright, showing off the melty cheese and vibrant fillings. For a touch of fun, drizzle extra taco sauce and melted cheese on top and broil briefly for a burrito gratin effect. You can also wrap each burrito in foil to keep warm and perfect for parties or on-the-go meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or store them in airtight containers. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save your burritos for a longer time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the tortilla regains its crispness. Alternatively, microwave on a plate for about 1-2 minutes, then crisp in a hot skillet for a minute if you want that freshly made crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative of your choice. The potatoes and cheese still bring plenty of satisfying texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can roast the potato cubes in an oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes, tossing them a few times to achieve that crispy outside and tender inside texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of nacho cheese?
Yes, shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend melts well and can be used as a substitute. For the authentic creamy nacho cheese texture, you might want to add a little milk or cream while melting the cheese.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a moderate level of spiciness thanks to the chili powder and taco sauce, but you can adjust the heat by using mild or hot taco sauce and altering the chili powder quantity to your preference.
Can these burritos be made ahead and assembled later?
You can prepare the beef and potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate separately. When ready to eat, assemble the burritos and heat them in a skillet or oven to enjoy fresh and crispy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of crispy potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe is a comforting and exciting meal that invites you to enjoy every bite. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to this hearty burrito experience—you won’t regret making it your favorite anytime soon!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 burritos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
These Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos combine crispy air-fried potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty nacho cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas for a hearty and flavorful meal. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe features a perfect blend of Tex-Mex spices and a satisfying, crispy finish on the skillet.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 large potatoes
- Olive oil (for tossing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup water
Other
- Nacho cheese (amount as desired)
- 5 burrito-size flour tortillas
- Taco sauce (amount as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel, wash, and cut the potatoes into small cubes. In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Air fry the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes. Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Cook the ground beef: While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Simmer the beef: Add minced garlic and 1/2 cup water to the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low, keeping it warm until the potatoes are ready.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay a tortilla flat and layer nacho cheese, a scoop of ground beef, taco sauce, a scoop of crispy potatoes, and more nacho cheese on top. Roll the tortilla tightly to form a burrito.
- Pan-fry the burritos: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the rolled burritos seam side down and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning carefully to avoid tearing.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the burritos from the skillet and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy beef and potato burritos warm!
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning on potatoes and beef to your preference or use a pre-made taco seasoning for convenience.
- For extra crispiness, shake the air fryer basket more frequently.
- Drain excess grease from cooked beef to avoid soggy burritos.
- You can substitute nacho cheese with shredded cheddar or any melting cheese of your choice.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa for added flavor.
