Cheeseburger Burritos Animal Style

Craving the best of both worlds for dinner This cheeseburger burritos animal style recipe is a mashup of juicy ground beef crispy fries grilled onions and a tangy sauce all bundled up in a golden toasted tortilla It is a one pan meal that captures everything I love about classic diner burgers but makes it portable and extra satisfying

I made this after a busy baseball practice night and my family was hooked Quick to assemble and everyone had fun building their own

Ingredients

• Chopped onion: Adds sweet depth when caramelized and choose a firm bright onion for mellow flavor
• Butter: Helps onions caramelize and creates richness in the filling Opt for unsalted for better control
• Yellow mustard: Classic tangy bite that pairs perfectly with beef Look for a smooth thick brand
• Ground beef: Opt for 80 20 ratio for juiciness and best burger flavor
• Hamburger seasoning: Enhances the beefy taste with balanced spices I like the McCormick blend for reliability
• Large burrito size tortillas: Choose soft but sturdy tortillas for rolling and easy pan crisping
• Crinkle cut fries: Brings the necessary crunch and comfort Prepare until very golden for best texture
• American cheese: Melts smoothly and gives that iconic cheeseburger taste Go for thick cut or deli slices
• Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce creamy and helps balance flavors Use full fat for richness
• Ketchup: Adds sweet and tangy notes to the sauce
• Yellow mustard: Boosts the sauce zing and echoes the burger flavor
• Sweet relish: Lends a pop of sweetness and texture to the sauce Select one with lots of pickle chunks
• Vinegar: Gives the sauce brightness Use white or apple cider vinegar depending on your favorite
• Garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile without overpowering
• Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky note in the sauce Spanish smoked paprika is my top pick

Instructions

Make the Animal Style Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise ketchup mustard sweet relish vinegar garlic powder and smoked paprika in a bowl Stir until completely blended Taste and adjust to your preference Chill in the fridge while you prep other ingredients This makes the sauce set and thicken

Crisp the Fries:

Cook the crinkle cut fries in an air fryer or oven following the package instructions Aim for a deep golden brown with visible crisp edges Let cool slightly while other ingredients come together

Prepare the Beef Patties:

Shape the ground beef into four equal patties Slightly flatten with your hands to a half inch thickness If using preformed patties skip this step

Caramelize the Onions:

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium high Add chopped onions and butter stirring constantly Cook for ten to twelve minutes until onions turn golden and soft Reduce heat and keep stirring if browning too fast for the richest flavor

Cook the Patties Animal Style:

Place patties onto the hot griddle Press them down firmly with a burger smasher Top each with a layer of yellow mustard and sprinkle generously with hamburger seasoning Let a crust develop on the bottom about two minutes Flip the patties and cook until cooked through about two more minutes Chop the patties into small bite sized pieces while still hot

Assemble the Burritos:

Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface Spread a generous stripe of the animal style sauce along the middle Add a layer of fries then place one slice of American cheese on top Scatter cooked beef pieces and grilled onions over cheese Top with a second cheese slice and a final drizzle of sauce

Roll and Toast:

Tightly roll the tortilla into a burrito folding in both ends to seal Place seam side down on a clean griddle over medium heat Cook a couple of minutes per side until both sides are deeply golden and crisp Let rest one minute before serving and slicing

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My favorite element is definitely the sauce It pulls everything together and reminds me of the best roadside burger shacks One time we made a double batch for a birthday and it completely disappeared before anything else No leftovers just happy faces

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover burritos individually in foil and store in the fridge up to three days For longer storage freeze tightly wrapped for up to a month Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for maximum crispness

Ingredient Substitutions

Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of American cheese for a bit more punch Use sweet onions if you prefer a milder taste Turkey or plant based patties work if you want a lighter option

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with extra dipping sauce on the side and a pickle spear A simple salad or slaw makes a crunchy fresh contrast For gatherings set up a burrito bar with toppings like pickled jalapenos or sliced avocado

Animal Style Inspiration

This recipe is inspired by the famous animal style burgers from California diners Think melty cheese tangy sauce grilled onions and crispy beef edges I grew up going to classic drive ins with my cousins and these always take me back to those fun summer nights

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This is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table with a smile Even when there are picky eaters I have found building burritos together gets everyone excited and there are never any leftovers

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of beef works best?

Use ground beef with moderate fat content for juicy, flavorful filling.

→ Can I use frozen fries?

Yes, crinkle-cut frozen fries cook up crispy and work perfectly for this dish.

→ How do you keep the burrito crispy?

Grill the burrito seam-side down on a hot griddle for a golden, crunchy exterior.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Swap ground beef for a plant-based alternative and use the same toppings and sauce.

→ What sauce is used inside?

A homemade tangy sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices adds flavor.

→ Which cheese melts best?

American cheese slices melt smoothly and deliver the classic cheeseburger flavor.