Authentic Mexican-style beef and black bean burritos

You'll never again settle for bland store-bought burritos after trying this delicious homemade recipe for authentic Mexican-style beef and black bean burritos.

[Image credit: iStock.com/missaigong]

This burrito contains chilli powder, oregano and cumin – for a spicy taste explosion and authentic Mexican flavours. Enjoy a fun Mexican fiesta night with your family this week in only about 30 minutes!

Recipe prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 burritos

• 8 flour tortillas (20-cm or 8-in. diameter)
• 175 g (6 oz.) extra-lean ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 g (1/2 tsp.) chili powder
• 2 g (1/2 tsp.) ground cumin
• 2 g (1/2 tsp.) dried oregano
• 350 g (12 oz.) cooked or canned black beans
• 125 mL (1/2 c.) low-sodium salsa
• 125 g (4.5 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Jack or Cheddar cheese

1.  Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Sprinkle a large sheet of foil with a little water, then tightly wrap the stack of tortillas in the foil. Bake for 10 minutes to soften.
2. Meanwhile, cook the beef in a large deep skillet over medium heat until browned (about five minutes) breaking up the meat with a spoon. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the onion and pepper to the skillet and cook until vegetables are soft, about five minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for two minutes. Stir in the beans and salsa, mashing some of the beans with the back of a spoon. Add the beef and any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly (10 to 12 minutes).
4. For each burrito, spoon about 60 grams (two ounces) of the cheese in a column down the centre of a hot tortilla. Top with about 75 grams (three ounces) of the filling. Fold the bottom end of the tortilla over the filling then fold over the sides to enclose.

To make this delicious recipe even healthier (but just as tasty):

• Replace the beef with a quick vegetarian sauté of diced zucchini, yellow squash, jalapeño pepper and corn. Then, proceed with the balance of the recipe.
• Use dried beans and avoid the excess salt often found in canned beans. Dried beans take longer to cook (soaking them overnight in advance will quicken the process), so plan the time accordingly.

Nutrition info
Each burrito contains approximately: 277 calories; 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat); 37 g carbohydrates; 15 g protein; 4 g fibre; 19 mg cholesterol; 506 mg sodium; 294 mg calcium.