Monday, July 6, 2009

Beef and Bean Burritos

This week in our Itty Bitty Budget series, we're making beef & bean burritos! Ground beef is one of the cheapest red meats out there, and you can stretch that dollar even further by cutting the beef with beans (a mere $0.89 a can - less if you make your own from dried beans!). As a bonus, the beans add fiber and protein without additional fat! Using Ro-Tel tomatoes gives your burritos some heat and seasoning without having to take the time to dice up jalapenos and onions yourself - bonus!

As always, check out the post at Penny Pinching Parent to see the cost break-down - and look for great deals on diapers, wipes, and all those other kid necessities! PPP is also running some great give-aways right now - adorable handcrafted onesies and a Frito-Lay Gift Bag!

Beef and Bean Burritos


1 lb ground beef
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Ro-Tel (or diced tomatoes, if you don't want to go too spicy)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
salt & pepper
1/2 cup brown rice, prepared according to package directions
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, taco blend, pepper jack...)
8 whole wheat tortillas (a double batch, if you are making your own)

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain. Return the ground beef to the pan.

Stir in the beans, Ro-Tel, garlic, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, over medium heat, until all liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool slightly.

Divide the beef and bean mixture between the 8 tortillas, mounding it on one end of the tortilla. Drop on a spoonful of rice and a handful of shredded cheese. Roll up the burritos (tucking in the ends as you roll, if you can - I usually leave my burritos open-ended). Place, seam side down, nestled together in a 9x13 baking dish. The burritos can be prepared up to this point and then refrigerated until ready to cook, if you are a naptime dinner-maker like I am!

Preheat oven to 425F. Bake burritos for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

2 comments:

SavvySuzie said...

Love this recipe! I actually did something very similar a few nights ago with leftover filling from a Mexican Pizza Braid (beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes and taco seasoning with cheese)...huge hit with the big and little mouths!

MaryAnne said...

We need to try this, it sounds like the sort of meal that would be a hit at our house!