Cheesy Beef Potato Burritos Nacho

Warm crispy burritos packed with flavorful beef tender potatoes and gooey cheese have become my go-to when my family calls for something filling and comforting The creamy nacho sauce takes each bite over the top making these burritos hard to resist

Every time I make these for movie night the whole house smells amazing and there are never leftovers My kids love to drizzle on extra nacho sauce and pile them high with toppings

Ingredients

• Olive oil: helps the potatoes turn crispy and golden choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Potatoes: add heartiness to the filling opt for firm varieties like Yukon gold or russet
• Salt and black pepper: basic seasoning to bring out all the flavors select fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• Smoked paprika: gives a subtle smoky edge use Spanish smoked paprika for extra depth
• Onion: adds sweetness and aromatic flavor make sure to use a fresh firm onion for easy chopping
• Ground beef: creates a savory filling with protein pick high quality beef with some fat for flavor
• Garlic cloves: bring sharpness and aroma use fresh and plump cloves for best taste
• Taco seasoning: provides a balanced blend of spices check for freshness or use your favorite homemade mix
• Water: helps the filling come together smoothly use filtered water if your tap water tastes strong
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican four cheese blend: melts beautifully and adds creaminess choose a cheese that melts well and has a sharp flavor
• Butter: acts as the base for the nacho cheese sauce select unsalted for more control over seasoning
• Flour: thickens the nacho cheese sauce use all purpose for a silky finish
• Milk: makes the sauce creamy whole milk works best for richness
• Sharp cheddar: brings the distinctive nacho cheese flavor shred your own for freshest results
• Salt: adjusts the seasoning of the sauce taste as you go for balance

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Potatoes:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the diced potatoes and season with salt black pepper and smoked paprika Cook for ten minutes stirring occasionally until they are golden and can easily be pierced with a fork Take the potatoes out of the skillet and set them aside

Cook the Beef:

In the same skillet add more oil if needed then add the chopped onion Sauté for three minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant Add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned breaking it up as you go Spoon off any extra fat Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning followed by the water Simmer the mixture for a few more minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together

Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for one minute to cook out the raw taste Slowly pour in the milk whisking the whole time Let the sauce bubble until it thickens then stir in the shredded cheddar Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth Taste and adjust the salt as needed Keep the sauce warm on low heat

Assemble the Burritos:

Spread out your tortillas Fill each one with a scoop of the beef and onion mixture a helping of crispy potatoes and a handful of shredded cheese Roll them up tightly into classic burrito shapes

Toast the Burritos:

Heat a nonstick skillet and melt a little butter Place each burrito seam side down and cook over medium heat for three minutes per side until they are toasty and golden brown on all sides

Serve:

Slice each burrito in half and place on a plate Drizzle with plenty of warm nacho cheese sauce Add diced tomatoes and chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness if you wish

Save

My personal favorite part is how the potatoes soak up all the seasoning and become crispy on the outside and tender in the middle Every time my family gathers for game night these burritos are the centerpiece and the nacho sauce always disappears first

Storage Tips

You can make the beef and potato filling ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The nacho cheese sauce thickens when chilled but it loosens up if you reheat it gently with a splash of milk Store the assembled toasted burritos covered in foil in the refrigerator for best results Reheat them in the oven so the tortilla crisps back up

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant based alternative for a lighter option Use sweet potatoes for a twist in flavor and color For the cheese sauce Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack work well for something milder or spicier If you prefer gluten free omit the flour and use a cornstarch slurry

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burritos on a big platter drizzle with extra nacho cheese sauce and top with a spoonful of fresh salsa Add sides like guacamole or sour cream for dipping These burritos also make a great party snack when sliced into smaller pieces

The Story Behind This Dish

Burritos are a beloved part of Tex Mex cuisine known for wrapping hearty fillings in a soft tortilla Families have been customizing burritos for generations These cheesy beef and potato burritos are my take on the classic inspired by late night cravings and wanting comfort food with plenty of bold flavors

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Dice potatoes uniformly and cook in hot oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through for an extra crisp bite.

→ Is there a substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, or try black beans for a flavorful meatless version.

→ Can I prepare the burritos ahead of time?

Assemble and refrigerate the burritos; simply toast and add sauce before serving for best texture and taste.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for robust flavor, but a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack can add extra creaminess.

→ How do I keep the nacho cheese sauce smooth?

Whisk the sauce constantly while adding milk gradually and melt cheese over low heat to avoid graininess.

→ Are there toppings that pair well with these burritos?

Diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream all complement the cheesy, savory filling.