Frito Burrito With Cheese

Frito Burritos are my answer to quick comfort food cravings when I want something hearty but fun I love tucking crunchy corn chips into a cheesy beefy burrito with all the toppings for a meal that feels both nostalgic and a little over the top but always hits the spot

I first made these at a family movie night and now everyone asks for Frito Burrito night regularly The combination of melty cheese and crispy corn chips just never gets old

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef or turkey: offers a lighter or richer base cooks up quickly and soaks up taco seasoning flavor Pick a package with bright red or pink meat no grayish or watery patches
• Small onion diced: builds savory depth slice one and keep the rest for salads or omelets
• Taco seasoning: brings all the essential spices If you use a packet check for low sodium or try a homemade blend if you like to control the heat
• Water: helps the seasoning coat every bite and makes the filling saucy but not wet
• Cooked rice or refried beans: both add bulk and help hold the filling together Choose fluffy long grain rice or creamy canned beans without lots of added salt
• Large flour tortillas: the bigger the better Choose soft pliable rounds so they roll easily look for no cracks
• Nacho cheese sauce or shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese: gooey cheese is key Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt or grab a jarred queso for a shortcut
• Fritos corn chips: classic snack aisle style brings that signature crunch opt for original flavor
• Optional toppings: like pico de gallo diced tomatoes sour cream bean spread jalapenos or sliced green onions transform each burrito into a custom masterpiece

Instructions

Brown the Filling:

Cook lean ground beef or turkey with diced onion in a wide skillet over medium heat Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until fully brown and crumbly You want the onion tender and the meat just losing its pinkness This usually takes five to eight minutes Drain off any excess fat for a less greasy burrito

Add Seasoning and Simmer:

Sprinkle the cooked meat with taco seasoning and pour in just enough water to moisten the mix Simmer several minutes stirring often so the flavors infuse and the mixture thickens slightly The goal is juicy but not wet so the tortillas do not get soggy

Warm The Tortillas:

One by one heat your tortillas in a dry skillet set over low heat or zap them in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel You want them soft and easy to roll not brittle

Layer the Base:

Lay out a warm tortilla and spread a spoonful of rice or refried beans in the middle Leave space at the edges for rolling This helps anchor the filling and gives a heartier bite

Add Meat and Cheese:

Pile a portion of seasoned beef mixture over the base Dot or drizzle plenty of warm nacho cheese or sprinkle generously with shredded cheese If using jarred sauce heat it gently so it pours smoothly

Frito Crunch:

Sprinkle Fritos corn chips directly on top of the cheese Press them lightly to help them stay put The chips will soften slightly in the warm filling adding crunch but not scraping your mouth

Roll it Up:

Fold in the short sides then roll up the burrito tightly from the bottom pinching in the fillings as you go You want a compact burrito that will not spill when bitten

Crisp if Desired:

Set rolled burritos seam side down in a hot dry skillet for a few minutes per side or bake briefly until the outsides are toasty This step is optional but it gives a satisfying texture contrast

Serve Warm:

Slice in half if you like and serve right away with any extra toppings laid out so everyone can customize their own

I am always surprised by how something as simple as a bag of Fritos can turn an everyday burrito into something special Whenever my nephew visits he always reminds me not to forget the extra chips inside

Storage Tips

Frito Burritos reheat well if you wrap them individually in foil and keep them in the fridge for up to two days I find the Fritos do lose a bit of their crunch but the burritos still taste fantastic To restore crispiness unwrap and pop them in a hot oven or toaster oven for five to ten minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for the meat with no change to the method Try swapping white rice for brown or cauliflower rice for a lighter burrito out of cooked lentils for a fiber-rich vegetarian option

Serving Suggestions

Pair Frito Burritos with a simple green salad or serve alongside Mexican street corn chips and guacamole or a fruit salsa for a festive meal When I really want to impress I set up a big topping bar and let friends build their dream burritos

Cultural and Historical Notes

Frito Burritos have their roots in Tex-Mex home cooking and quick service restaurants The pairing of Texan corn chips with classic burrito fillings is pure American comfort food and a little bit nostalgic for anyone who grew up eating Frito pies at football games or church potlucks

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap the protein for leftover shredded chicken or turkey in the spring or fall Use grilled vegetables in the summer for a lighter fresher take Top with avocado or mango salsa for a bright twist when produce is ripe

These burritos turn an ordinary dinner into a festive family night in minutes They will bring plenty of smiles and happy bellies to your table

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, lean ground turkey works well and pairs nicely with the same seasonings and cheese.

→ Which cheese melts best inside the wrap?

Nacho cheese sauce gives the creamiest texture, but shredded cheddar or Mexican blends also melt beautifully.

→ How do I keep the burrito from falling apart?

Warm the tortillas before filling, fold the sides in tightly, and consider toasting seams to help them hold.

→ Can I add other toppings inside?

Absolutely! Add ingredients like refried beans, pico de gallo, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

→ Should Fritos go inside or on top?

Sprinkle Fritos inside the wrap before rolling for the best crunch in every bite.

→ Can these be made ahead and reheated?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate; just toast or microwave to reheat for crispness and warmth.