Name: Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 2 cups potatoes, diced small (about 2 medium potatoes); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp chili powder (optional); ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste; ½ tsp black pepper; 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size); 1½ cups shredded cheddar (or a cheddar blend); 2 tbsp butter or oil (for crisping); 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional); Chopped parsley or cilantro for topping; Salsa / sour cream for dipping

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Cheesy beef and potato burritos are the kind of dinner that makes everyone wander into the kitchen early. You get that sizzling, toasty smell from a golden tortilla hitting the skillet, then the best part, melty cheddar stretching through a filling of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes. It’s cozy, filling, and honestly perfect for busy nights when you want something that feels like comfort food but still comes together fast.

Serve them with a simple dipping sauce (salsa, sour cream, or a quick spicy mayo) and you’ve got a meal that disappears the second it hits the table.

What Makes This Special

These burritos hit all the textures:

Crispy outside from a quick skillet toast
Soft, hearty inside with potatoes + seasoned beef
Extra cheesy pull that makes them “wow” on the first bite

They’re also great for meal prep, you can assemble ahead and crisp them when ready.

Gather These Ingredients

Potato + Beef Filling

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 cups potatoes, diced small (about 2 medium potatoes)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp black pepper

Build the Burritos

4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
1½ cups shredded cheddar (or a cheddar blend)
2 tbsp butter or oil (for crisping)

Optional Add-ins (keep it simple)

4 slices turkey bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional)
chopped parsley or cilantro for topping
salsa / sour cream for dipping

Step by Step

Cook the potatoes
Boil diced potatoes in salted water 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
(Shortcut: microwave diced potatoes with a splash of water 6–8 minutes, covered.)
Brown the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
Season + combine
Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
Fold in the cooked potatoes and cook 2 minutes so everything binds together.
Assemble
Lay tortillas flat. Add a layer of cheese, then beef-potato filling, then a little more cheese.
Roll tight like a burrito (fold sides in, then roll).
Crisp in the skillet
Heat a clean skillet over medium. Add butter/oil.
Toast burritos seam-side down 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Serve
Slice in half for the cheese pull. Top with herbs and serve with dips.

Prep: ~15 min

Cook: ~20 min

Total: ~35 min

Servings: 4 burritos

Plan Ahead

Make the filling up to 3 days ahead.
Assemble burritos and keep wrapped in the fridge. Crisp when ready.

How to Store Leftovers

Fridge: 3–4 days, wrapped
Freezer: up to 2 months
Reheat in a skillet for best crisp, or air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.

Perfect Pairings

salsa + sour cream
simple green salad
roasted corn or coleslaw
oven fries or potato wedges

Make It Your Own

Swap beef for ground turkey
Add beans for extra fiber
Add diced peppers or jalapeños for heat
Make it extra creamy with a spoon of sour cream inside before rolling

FAQs

Can I bake them instead of skillet?

Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.

How do I keep them from opening?

Don’t overfill, and always start crisping seam-side down.

Final Thoughts

These cheesy beef and potato burritos are crispy, melty, and seriously satisfying, perfect for weeknights, game days, or anytime you want comfort food that feels fun. Once you try the skillet-crisp method, you’ll want to make them on repeat.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Burritos

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious burritos filled with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

Instructions

Boil diced potatoes in salted water for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
Stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
Fold in the cooked potatoes and cook for 2 minutes so everything binds together.
Lay tortillas flat and add a layer of cheese, then beef-potato filling, and a little more cheese.
Roll tight like a burrito (fold sides in, then roll).
Heat a clean skillet over medium. Add butter/oil.
Toast burritos seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Slice in half for the cheese pull, top with herbs, and serve with dips.