This mouthwatering Burrito Skillet is the ultimate weeknight wonder that brings all the flavors of your favorite burrito into one pan! Tender slices of sirloin steak, savory beans, melty cheese, and soft tortilla strips come together in a rich enchilada sauce to create a comforting dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving Mexican food but don’t want to fuss with rolling individual burritos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Quick and Satisfying: From prep to table in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Easy to adjust the heat level, protein, or add extra veggies based on what your family enjoys or what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar burrito flavors in an exciting new format will have everyone asking for seconds—it’s comfort food with a twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sirloin Steak: The star protein that cooks quickly while remaining tender. The thin slices ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious seasonings.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and prevents sticking to the pan while adding a subtle richness.
Spices (Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper): This powerful blend creates that authentic Mexican flavor profile without needing a pre-made seasoning packet.
Red Enchilada Sauce: The sauce ties everything together and provides that distinctive Mexican flavor. Choose mild for family-friendly meals or hot if you enjoy some heat.
Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and that classic burrito texture. The creamy interior of the beans contrasts beautifully with the meaty steak.
Mexican Cheese Blend: Creates that irresistible melty, gooey texture that makes this dish so comforting. The cheese also helps bind the ingredients together.
Flour Tortillas: Cut into strips, they soften in the sauce and provide the “burrito” element without needing to wrap anything. They add a wonderful texture and help absorb the sauce.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish. The pop of green also makes the dish more visually appealing.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo instead of steak. For a vegetarian version, double the beans or add crumbled firm tofu seasoned with the same spices.

Bean Alternatives

Pinto beans or refried beans work beautifully in this recipe if you don’t have black beans on hand. You could even use a combination for more texture variety.

Make It Veggie-Packed

Add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini along with the beans for added nutrition and color.

Tortilla Options

Corn tortillas can be substituted for a different texture and flavor profile, or use tortilla chips for a casserole-like version with more crunch.

How to Make Burrito Skillet

Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak

Heat your large skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced sirloin steak along with olive oil and all the seasonings (paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is nicely seared on the outside and mostly cooked through.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Beans

Pour in the can of red enchilada sauce and add the drained black beans to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the steak and beans are well-coated with the sauce. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly reduce.

Step 3: Incorporate Tortillas and Cheese

Add the tortilla strips to the skillet, gently folding them into the mixture so they’re coated with sauce. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and the tortilla strips have softened.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top, and serve immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is at its meltiest.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Slice the steak and cut the tortillas into strips ahead of time to make the cooking process even quicker.
Meat Temperature: For the most tender result, have your steak at room temperature before cooking and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking.
Layer the Cheese: Instead of adding all the cheese at once, try reserving some to sprinkle on individual servings for that Instagram-worthy cheese pull.
Control the Moisture: If your dish seems too saucy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it’s too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This Burrito Skillet pairs wonderfully with Mexican or cilantro-lime rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich skillet.

Toppings Bar

Set out bowls of diced avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, and extra cilantro so everyone can customize their plate.

Serving Style

Serve straight from the skillet for a casual family dinner, or transfer to a large serving dish for a more formal presentation. Either way, make sure to scoop deep to get all the layers of goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Burrito Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making the leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the tortilla strips may become a bit soggy when thawed. If planning to freeze, consider making the dish without the tortilla strips and cheese, then adding fresh ones when reheating. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. If the cheese isn’t as melty as you’d like, sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is recommended for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you could substitute flank steak, skirt steak, or even ribeye cut into thin strips. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, as fattier cuts might need a minute or two less to prevent toughening.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I make this milder?
This recipe is already fairly mild if you use mild enchilada sauce, but you can make it even gentler by using only half the amount of cumin and paprika. You might also want to add a tablespoon of tomato paste to maintain depth of flavor without the heat.

Can I make this ahead for a busy weeknight?
Yes! You can cook the meat with seasonings and combine with the beans and sauce, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture, then add the tortilla strips and cheese fresh to maintain the best texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in carbs?
For a lower-carb version, skip the tortilla strips and serve the meat and bean mixture over cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded lettuce. You could also use low-carb tortillas cut into strips if you still want that burrito element.

Final Thoughts

This Burrito Skillet is truly a game-changer for busy people who love Mexican flavors. It captures all the delicious elements of a traditional burrito in one convenient, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying meal with built-in leftovers, this recipe delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try the next time you need a quick dinner solution – your taste buds will thank you!

Burrito Skillet Recipe