Ingredients
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, shredded (from 1 small or 1/2 medium zucchini)
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 can refried beans (14.5 oz.)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup salsa (heat level to your liking)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice; microwaveable rice can be used)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 burrito-sized tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Shred the zucchini and then squeeze it dry using paper towels, repeating the process about twice with 3 pieces of paper towel to remove as much excess liquid as possible. This prevents sogginess in the burritos.
- Cook the aromatics and beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a medium-large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until almost translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the shredded zucchini, ground beef, garlic salt, cumin, and chili powder. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add salsa and reduce liquid: Stir in 1 cup of salsa and continue cooking until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. This enhances flavor and consistency.
- Prepare rice and cheese: While the meat mixture cooks, prepare 2 cups of your preferred cooked rice (brown or white) and shred 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Assemble burritos: Lay out a tortilla and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of refried beans along the edge to help seal the burrito. Add about one-eighth of the meat mixture, rice, and a handful of shredded cheese to the center. Roll the tortilla tightly to form a burrito shape. Repeat this process for all 8 burritos.
Notes
- Shredding and squeezing the zucchini thoroughly is key to avoid watery burritos.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the burritos healthier and less greasy.
- Burritos can be wrapped individually in foil and frozen for meal prep convenience; simply reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Salsa heat level can be adjusted according to taste preferences.
- Microwavable rice is a convenient shortcut for cooking rice quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Fat