Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of Slow Cooker Beef Burritos. I remember the first time I made them for my family. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted to prepare something warm and filling. The aroma of the spices and simmering beef filled the house, drawing everyone in from the cold. As the rich and savory filling cooked to perfection, I envisioned the smiles on my family’s faces when they took their first bite. These burritos are not just meals; they’re a way to gather around the table and share stories. With each bite, you get a delightful mix of flavors, from the tender beef to the vibrant veggies. They quickly became a family favorite, and I’m sure they will be for yours too!

What makes Slow Cooker Beef Burritos stand out? Surprisingly, it’s the simplicity and the layers of flavor. Using a slow cooker means that you can let the ingredients meld together slowly, resulting in a dish that’s hearty and satisfying. You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner waiting for you, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the beauty of these burritos is their versatility. You can customize the fillings and toppings to your liking, allowing each family member to create their perfect wrap. Whether you enjoy them spicy with jalapeños or mild with a generous scoop of guacamole, these burritos are sure to please. Let’s dive into why I love making Slow Cooker Beef Burritos and why you will too!

What to Buy for Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

When it comes to making Slow Cooker Beef Burritos, the ingredients are simple yet powerful. Each one plays a pivotal role in building flavor and texture. From the rich beef to the vibrant veggies, every component is carefully selected to create a wholesome dish that everyone will love.

• 6 cups roughly chopped veggies such as carrots, onion, sweet potato, and/or butternut squash: These fresh flavors provide the perfect base for the burrito filling, adding both texture and nutrition.
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled: A must-have for depth of flavor, garlic enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• 1 pound ground beef: The star ingredient that provides the heartiness and richness that makes these burritos satisfying.
• 3/4 cup crushed tomatoes: Adds moisture and acidity, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: This spice gives the burritos a warm kick, making them irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon cumin: Adds an earthy flavor that complements the other spices.
• 1 teaspoon oregano: Another layer of flavor that rounds out the seasoning mix.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
• 2 cups fully cooked short grain brown or white rice: This ingredient helps to bulk up the filling while adding a nice texture.
• 8 fajita-size tortillas (or medium tortillas about 8 or 10 inches): The perfect vehicle for all that delicious filling.
• Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (optional): These toppings bring freshness and richness to the final dish.

Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

Cooking Slow Cooker Beef Burritos is a delightful experience. It’s all about layering flavors and letting the magic of the slow cooker do its work. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life.

1. Start by preparing your veggies. Place the bell pepper or carrot, onion, sweet potato, and garlic into a food processor. Grind them until finely chopped. Look for a consistency where all the pieces are small but not puréed. This is going to create a lovely base for your filling.
2. Transfer the chopped veggies into a slow cooker. Add in the ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and all the seasonings: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure the flavors are well combined. You want the beef to be coated in the spices and tomatoes for a well-rounded flavor.
3. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become. Check it occasionally to make sure it’s cooking evenly. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be unbelievable!
4. After the cooking time is up, stir in the fully cooked short grain rice. Let it sit in the slow cooker for about 5 minutes. This step helps the rice soak up some of the flavors from the meat and sauce.
5. Now it’s time to assemble your burritos! Take a tortilla and place about ½ cup of the filling into the center. Be mindful not to overfill, as this will make rolling tricky.
6. If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the filling. You can then warm the burrito in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to slightly melt the cheese, making it extra delicious.
7. Carefully roll up the burrito by folding in the sides and then rolling from the bottom up. Make sure to tuck everything in as you roll to create a secure wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
8. Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Burritos warm with optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. Each bite will be a savory delight!

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Slow Cooker Beef Burritos, you’re in luck! There are countless variations you can explore to keep things exciting. Here are some ideas to inspire your next cooking adventure.

• Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for those who love a little kick!
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with an assortment of beans like black beans or pinto beans for a delicious meatless burrito.
• Different Proteins: Use shredded chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter variation.
• Cheesy Delight: Add a layer of your favorite cheese in the burrito before rolling. It will melt and add extra gooey goodness.
• Different Tortillas: Experiment with different types of tortillas. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas can offer a unique twist.
• Rice Alternatives: Substitute the short grain rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Freezing: You can prepare a batch and freeze individual burritos for quick meals later.

How to Enjoy Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: These burritos are a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without much hassle.
• Game Day Snack: Serve them at your next game day gathering! They make for a fun and interactive food option.
• Family Gatherings: The whole family will enjoy crafting their burritos, making it a fun and engaging meal.
• Lunchboxes: Pack them for lunch the next day. They taste just as good cold or reheated!
• Seasonal Pairings: During fall, these hearty burritos pair wonderfully with warm, spiced apple cider.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in airtight containers, and reheat gently in the microwave for a quick meal.
• Served with Sides: Pair your burritos with a fresh salad or simple guacamole to complete the meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Slow Cooker Beef Burritos are a fantastic way to bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. With their hearty filling and customizable toppings, they’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal. I encourage you to try making these burritos; they just might become a new favorite in your home!

Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Beef Burritos are packed with flavor and loaded with hearty ingredients. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, these burritos are sure to satisfy your cravings. Give them a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 burritos

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot
• Storage Containers

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups veggies roughly chopped veggies such as carrots, onion, sweet potato, and/or butternut squash
• 4 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rice fully cooked short grain brown or white rice
• 8 tortillas fajita-size tortillas (or medium tortillas about 8 or 10 inches)
• Salsa or sour cream or guacamole (optional)

Instructions

 

• Place the bell pepper or carrot, onion, sweet potato, and garlic into a food processor. Grind until finely chopped.
• Add to a slow cooker along with the beef, crushed tomatoes, and spices.
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
• Stir in prepared rice and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Place about ½ cup into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and warm for about 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.
• Roll up into burritos, folding the sides in and then rolling up. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole as desired.

Notes

• Storage: Store the leftover filling and use as a topping for rice as burrito bowls.
• Freezing: Make additional burritos and wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer. Remove from wrapping and reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Meal prep: You can make the filling ahead of time and/or make the whole recipe ahead and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
• Mild salsa: Use mild salsa to keep the flavors mellow enough for the kids.
• Tortilla size: Try not to overfill your tortillas to ensure that they are easy to roll up.
• Tortilla type: I like the smaller size of tortillas meant for fajitas since they are often a more proportional size for kids.
• Rice prep: Prepare your rice ahead of time or use purchased precooked rice.
• Served with sides: Serve some of the filling alongside cut-up strips of tortilla for little kids.

Keyword Beef Burritos Recipe, Easy Burrito Recipe, Mexican dinner ideas, Slow Cooker Burritos

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!