Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz.)
- 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons jarred jalapeño slices, minced
- 2¼ cups water
Beans and Thickener
- 1 can refried beans (16 oz.)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
Cheese and Wrap
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded (8 oz.)
- 8 burrito-size flour tortillas, warmed
- Finely chopped onion, for topping (optional)
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the filling from being too greasy.
- Prepare the Chili Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, distilled white vinegar, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, minced jarred jalapeño slices, and 2¼ cups water into the cooked meat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat slightly to simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by about half and intensify the flavors.
- Add Refried Beans: Stir the refried beans into the chili mixture and cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 4 minutes until the mixture is heated through and the beans are well incorporated.
- Thicken the Chili: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water together until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet and cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the chili thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts fully and blends evenly into the chili mixture.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spoon about ¾ to 1 cup of the chili mixture onto the center of each warmed flour tortilla. Add optional finely chopped onion and extra shredded cheese on top if desired.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and then roll it tightly burrito-style. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful chili cheese burritos.
Notes
- For a spicier burrito, increase the amount of jalapeño slices or add extra cayenne pepper.
- To reduce grease, make sure to drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly before adding the sauce ingredients.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel to make them more pliable for rolling.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick meal or snack.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to add more layers of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
