These became a staple after my youngest requested potatoes in his burrito and we never looked back. Now it is my go-to when friends drop in hungry and I want something fun but unfussy.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey or a plant-based alternative: for a hearty filling and easy protein swap
- Frozen tater tots: for crisp texture and classic potato flavor I use the kind that gets extra crunchy in the oven
- Shredded cheddar cheese: for a sharp punch and reliable melt look for blocks to grate fresh if you can
- Shredded Monterey Jack: for smooth gooeyness pick a block of real Monterey Jack if possible
- Sour cream: to add creaminess and balance the spice use full fat for richness
- Taco Bell chipotle sauce: for smoky spicy flavor this sauce brings everything together I always taste and adjust so the spice hits just right
- Salt and pepper: to season the beef without overpowering the other flavors
- Flour tortilla wraps: sturdy enough to hold all the filling and perfect for rolling choose oversized for easy assembly
- Diced tomatoes: for a fresh contrast when topping your burritos ripe and red give the sweetest bite
- Chopped green onions: add brightness and mild onion flavor pick ones that are firm and bright green
- Fresh cilantro: for a pop of color and herbal aroma go for leaves without any yellowing
- Extra sour cream and chipotle sauce: for serving everyone will want more for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Tater Tots:
- Get your oven hot based on the tater tot bag directions. Spread out the tots on a baking sheet for maximum crispiness. Bake until golden brown and crunchy because this will keep them from getting soggy inside the burrito.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks until you see rich browning and no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper during this stage for the best flavor. Drain off any grease to keep the filling balanced.
- Mix the Filling:
- Transfer the hot ground beef into a large bowl with the freshly baked tater tots. Crush the tots a little so they spread but leave some big pieces for texture. Add half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses so they begin to melt into the warm mix. Stir everything together until combined.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Lay each tortilla on a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave for about ten seconds. This makes them flexible and helps prevent tearing when you roll the burritos.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Spoon a hearty amount of the filling into the center of each tortilla making sure each gets both crispy tots and melted cheese. Drizzle with enough chipotle sauce for a smoky hit then top with a spoon of sour cream.
- Roll Up Burritos:
- Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling then fold the bottom edge up and over everything. Roll tightly from the bottom up to form a secure bundle that will hold its shape in the oven.
- Bake with Cheese:
- Arrange the burritos seam side down in a baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Slide the dish into the oven for five to ten minutes until the cheese bubbles and everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Carefully remove from the oven. Sprinkle over diced tomatoes green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve each burrito hot with extra sour cream and chipotle sauce for dipping
