Lunch Box Burritos
Flavorful and portable, these lunch box burritos combine seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas—perfect for a satisfying meal on the go.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans ⓘ
- 2/3 cup enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons minced onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 15 to 20 flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. (2 cups) shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add refried beans, enchilada sauce, water, minced onions, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and oregano to the beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the tortillas and shredded cheese.
- Place each tortilla on a paper towel.
- Put about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture along one side of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
- Roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling.
- Wrap the burrito in a paper towel and then in foil.
- Refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using seasoned ground beef or adding chopped bell peppers to the mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To make it vegetarian, use black beans or lentils instead of beef. Don't skip the simmering step; it helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious burritos with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. A fresh salad or corn on the cob makes a great accompaniment. For a fun twist, try pairing with Dianne's Chili for a hearty meal or serve alongside Beef and Bean Nachos for a complete Mexican feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lunch Box Burritos contains roughly 1266 calories, with 54g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (303% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos and store them wrapped in foil in the refrigerator or freezer. This is a great time-saver for busy weekdays. Just be sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).