Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe combines the crispy crunch of tater tots with seasoned beef and gooey cheese, all neatly bundled in a soft tortilla. It’s a comfort food dream that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether I’m serving a crowd or making a cozy dinner, these burritos hit the spot.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (approximately 12–16 oz/340–450 g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
directions
- Preheat the oven and bake the tater tots according to package directions until crispy and golden.
- While the tots bake, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible.
- Assemble each burrito: start with a layer of crispy tater tots, spoon over the seasoned beef mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling securely.
- (Optional) For a crisped finish, heat a skillet or oven and place burritos seam-side down for 1–2 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice in half, garnish with cilantro if using, and serve hot. Add sour cream on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~650 kcal per burrito
Variations
I like mixing in chopped green chiles or jalapeños for heat, or swapping cheddar for pepper jack or a cheese blend. Sometimes, I add a layer of refried beans or avocado slices for extra richness. Leftover chili or pulled pork makes a great substitute for the ground beef.
storage/reheating
I store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave them for a minute or two, or crisp them back up in a skillet over medium heat. For freezing, I wrap individual burritos tightly and store them for up to 2 months—perfect for a quick meal later.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, I sometimes use hash browns or roasted potato chunks if I don’t have tater tots on hand.
Are these burritos freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. I wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. I reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What’s the best way to keep the burritos from getting soggy?
I make sure the tater tots are crisp and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients like salsa until serving.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes, I replace the beef with seasoned beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
What sauces go well with these burritos?
I enjoy them with sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Potato Burritos with Beef are a hearty and delicious way to enjoy classic comfort flavors. The crispy tots, seasoned meat, and gooey cheese come together in a perfect handheld package. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, these burritos are always a win.
Print
Cheesy Potato Burritos with Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Loaded with crispy tater tots, seasoned beef, and melty cheddar—these easy burritos are a comfort food dream wrapped in a tortilla.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 cups frozen tater tots (12–16 oz / 340–450 g)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven and bake tater tots according to package instructions until crispy.
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain fat.
Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
Warm tortillas until flexible.
Assemble each burrito: layer tater tots, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
Fold in sides and roll tightly.
Optional: crisp burritos in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and sour cream on the side.
Notes
Use pepper jack, refried beans, or avocado for variations.
Substitute pulled pork or chili for the beef.
Crisp the burritos before serving for texture.
Freezer-friendly: wrap and store up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Oven
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex