Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cooking oil if needed. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles until browned and thoroughly cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season the beef: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the filling: Pour in the water and stir well. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the seasonings are evenly distributed and most of the excess liquid has evaporated. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Warm the beans: Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed to make them smooth and spreadable.
- Heat the cheese sauce: Warm the nacho cheese sauce according to its package instructions, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat each flour tortilla in a dry skillet for 10–20 seconds per side, or microwave according to package directions, until soft and flexible.
- Fill the tortillas: Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of refried beans down the center of each tortilla. Divide the seasoned beef evenly among the tortillas, then add the nacho cheese sauce.
- Add the corn chips: Place a small handful of Fritos-style corn chips over the filling just before folding to help preserve their crunch.
- Fold the burritos: Fold both sides of each tortilla inward, bring the bottom edge over the filling, tuck it tightly, and roll into a compact burrito.
- Toast if desired: Place each burrito seam-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden and sealed.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the filling is warm, the cheese is creamy, and the corn chips are as crunchy as possible.
Notes
Keep the chips crunchy: Add the corn chips immediately before folding and serve the burritos promptly.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the beef before adding extra salt because the prepared ingredients may already contain sodium.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the beef filling.
Prepare ahead: Cook the beef and beans in advance and refrigerate them separately. Assemble with fresh corn chips just before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours and consume within 3–4 days. Reheat until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Dietary information: The standard recipe is not gluten-free, low-carb, keto, vegan, or vegetarian. Suitable ingredient substitutions are needed for those diets.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the beef before adding extra salt because the prepared ingredients may already contain sodium.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the beef filling.
Prepare ahead: Cook the beef and beans in advance and refrigerate them separately. Assemble with fresh corn chips just before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours and consume within 3–4 days. Reheat until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Dietary information: The standard recipe is not gluten-free, low-carb, keto, vegan, or vegetarian. Suitable ingredient substitutions are needed for those diets.