These Cheesy Potato Burritos are a delightful combination of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal, these burritos are sure to become a family favorite.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty base for the filling. You can substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots: Adds a crispy and savory element to the burritos.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully inside the burritos, adding rich, cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese: Enhances the cheesy goodness with a slightly different flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy touch to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup Taco Bell chipotle sauce: Provides a smoky, spicy kick to the burritos. Adjust the amount to taste.
- 6 large flour tortilla wraps: The vessel that holds all the delicious filling together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season the ground beef to your liking.
- Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, cilantro for extra freshness and flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven and cook the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Set them aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and remove from heat.
- Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, slightly crushed tater tots, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded monterey jack cheese. Mix until well combined, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Step 4:
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Step 5:
- Spoon a generous portion of the filling onto the center of each tortilla. Drizzle a spoonful of Taco Bell chipotle sauce over the filling, and add a dollop of sour cream.
- Step 6:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom up, rolling tightly to form a burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Step 7:
- Place the burritos in a baking dish and sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Bake in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8:
- Remove the burritos from the oven. Garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro if desired. Serve hot with extra sour cream and chipotle sauce on the side.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Cheesy Potato Burritos hot, straight from the oven, with extra sour cream and chipotle sauce on the side.
- Pair with a fresh side salad or some guacamole for a complete meal.
- To store leftovers, wrap the burritos individually in aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the foil-wrapped burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them without the foil for a quicker option.
Helpful Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the filling before rolling the burritos.
- You can substitute the Taco Bell chipotle sauce with your favorite hot sauce or even a homemade chipotle mayo for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use black beans or sautéed mushrooms in place of the ground beef.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Rick Bayless: "Warming the tortillas before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to tear."
- Chef Aaron Sanchez: "Adding a smoky, spicy sauce like chipotle really enhances the flavor of the burritos and balances the richness of the cheese and potatoes."
- Chef Bobby Flay: "For a crispier burrito, try pan-searing them in a hot skillet before baking to give the tortillas a golden, crunchy texture."