Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and flavor-packed recipes, and her Beef and Bean Burritos are no exception. While the entire burrito is a delightful meal, a standout component that truly elevates this dish is her creamy, cheesy refried beans. These aren’t your average refried beans; they are rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect base for any burrito night.
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The secret to Pioneer Woman’s exceptional refried beans lies in a simple yet brilliant addition: cheese. Melting cheddar cheese directly into the warm refried beans creates a luscious, gooey texture and adds a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. This cheesy refried bean element transforms the humble burrito into a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. They bring a homemade touch that enhances every bite.
Pioneer Woman’s Beef and Bean Burrito Recipe (Spotlighting the Refried Beans)
This recipe, adapted from the Pioneer Woman, focuses on creating those incredible refried beans while incorporating them into a hearty beef and bean burrito.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Chili powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 14 oz. Enchilada sauce
- 28 oz. Refried beans
- 3/4 cup Grated cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 12 Burrito-size flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Spice it Up: Add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and let the spices bloom for about a minute.
- Simmer with Enchilada Sauce: Pour in half of the enchilada sauce (7 oz) and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- The Star: Cheesy Refried Beans: While the beef simmers, empty the refried beans into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Once heated through, add the 3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the beans. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the beans are creamy and cheesy. This step is crucial for achieving that signature Pioneer Woman refried bean texture and taste.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the burrito-size flour tortillas in the microwave for about 1 minute to make them pliable and easy to roll.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spread a generous amount of the cheesy refried beans onto each warm tortilla. Top with the seasoned beef mixture and any other desired toppings such as cooked rice, extra cheese, or fresh cilantro.
- Roll ‘Em Up: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
- Smother and Heat (Optional): For extra indulgence, place two burritos on a plate, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them, and sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese. Microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Refried Beans and Burritos
- Cheese Choice: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile in your refried beans.
- Bean Consistency: If your refried beans are too thick, add a splash of water or milk while heating to reach your desired creamy consistency before adding the cheese.
- Make Ahead: The beef filling and refried beans can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. This makes burrito assembly quick and easy for a weeknight meal.
- Customize Your Toppings: Burritos are incredibly versatile! Set up a burrito bar with various toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and your favorite hot sauces to let everyone customize their own.
Pioneer Woman’s refried beans truly are a game-changer when it comes to homemade burritos. The simple addition of cheese elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a creamy, flavorful base that complements the savory beef filling perfectly. Try this recipe and discover how easy it is to bring Pioneer Woman’s delicious touch to your next Mexican-inspired meal.
