Freezer Beef and Bean Burritos, Pt. I

I tried to make "pockets" instead of burritos...
obviously I need practice. : )

Sweet Hubby likes those cheap little burritos you get in the freezer section.  Problem is, they're loaded with junk:  MSG, hydrogenated fats and more.  I wanted to make something similar (but at least somewhat healthier) that he could grab for a quick lunch.  I'm pleased to say that he ate 2 for lunch on Friday and said they're so much better than store bought...yea!!!

I found this recipe over at The Finer Things in Life through good ol' Google.  I used it as a guideline with what I had on hand in my pantry and freezer.  You'll notice this is Pt. I on this topic; tomorrow I'll post Pt. II where I'll share the recipe for homemade enchilada sauce and taco seasoning!

Freezer Beef and Bean Burritos



I lay out all the tortillas at the beginning; then I can
ensure they all have the same amount of filling.

 4 cups homemade refried beans
OR 2 cans of store bought refried beans

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves minced garlic

2-1/2 lbs. ground beef

2 packets of taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water

1-1/3 cups red enchilada sauce
3 cups shredded cheese (I used cheddar)

16 burrito-size flour tortillas

All-purpose flour

In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in olive oil.  Add ground beef and cook through; add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine.  Cover with lid for 10-15 minutes for meat to tenderize.  Stir in enchilada sauce, 4 cups of homemade refried beans (OR you can use 2 cans of store bought refried beans) and cheese.  Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Remove from heat and let mixture sit for 15 minutes.

Lay tortillas out on a clean surface.  Measure burrito filling between all tortillas and roll tightly.  Lightly dust a large cookie sheet with flour; place rolled burritos on sheet. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.  Remove pan and wrap each tortilla in a paper towel, then in foil.  Place burritos in a zipper-top freezer bag with heating instructions:  Remove foil and heat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.  If you prefer not to use the microwave, omit the paper towel wrapper and just use foil.  Those heating instructions are:  Heat on cookie sheet in a 375-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

I figured that these cost around $13.15 or 82 cents per burrito to make (I figured high on some things because I couldn't remember the exact cost).  If you read in the comments on the original recipe there are many ways to cut the costs even further (using a higher beans to meat ratio, subbing potatoes for some of the meat, adding rice, etc.)  And I'm sorry for not sharing a money shot of the burritos cut open after heating, but I'll just be honest...it wasn't that appetizing in appearance.  However, they're delicious and Sweet Hubby said they beat any store bought version hands down!  Yeehaw!

 Buon appetito!