Cheesy Beef Burritos with Oatmeal and Apples

Introduction

Cheesy Beef Burritos with Oatmeal and Apples is a delicious and wholesome recipe that combines the flavors of tender beef, gooey cheese, and a touch of sweetness from oatmeal and apples. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or a satisfying lunch. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover or looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe has got you covered.

Ingredients

For the beef filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

For the oatmeal and apple mixture:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For assembling the burritos:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the beef filling

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Season the beef filling

Add the cumin powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the oatmeal and apple mixture

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rolled oats and cook according to the package instructions. Once the oats are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the diced apple, honey, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the burritos

Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave or on a heated skillet. Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto the center of each tortilla, followed by a spoonful of the oatmeal and apple mixture. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Fold and cook the burritos

Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Place the burritos seam side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Once the burritos are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as is or with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Cheesy Beef Burritos with Oatmeal and Apples!

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to customize your Cheesy Beef Burritos:

• For a healthier alternative, use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Add some diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef filling for an extra kick of flavor.
• Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella cheese.
• Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, to vary the sweetness of the oatmeal and apple mixture.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cheesy Beef Burritos turn out perfectly:

• Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef filling to prevent the burritos from becoming too greasy.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of chili powder or add some hot sauce to the beef filling.
• To save time, you can prepare the beef filling and oatmeal and apple mixture in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• If you have any leftover burritos, you can wrap them individually in foil and freeze them for a quick and convenient meal later on.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Burritos with Oatmeal and Apples is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines the richness of beef and cheese with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal and apples. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknight dinners or weekend lunches. Try out different variations and make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the cheesy, flavorful goodness of these burritos!

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked beef for the filling?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked beef if you have leftovers from a previous meal. Simply heat the beef in a skillet and season it with the spices mentioned in the recipe.

2. Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use instant oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just follow the instructions on the package for cooking the oats.

3. Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a mixture of vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version of these burritos.

4. Can I freeze the assembled burritos before cooking them?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled burritos for later use. Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight and then cook them in a skillet until heated through.

5. Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option. They will add a nuttier flavor to the burritos without compromising the taste.