Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 90% lean or higher)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wraps:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or guacamole for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef: The Foundation of the Filling
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet (preferably non-stick) over medium heat.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the beef to steam rather than brown. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
- Add Onion: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Drain Grease: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can do this by tilting the skillet and spooning out the grease, or by transferring the beef mixture to a colander or a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Season the Filling: Adding Depth of Flavor
- Add Spices: To the cooked beef and onion mixture, add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir Well: Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the beef is evenly coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more chili powder for heat, more cumin for earthiness, or more salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Assemble the Wraps: Building Layers of Deliciousness
- Lay Out Tortillas: Lay the large flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface, such as a cutting board or countertop.
- Spoon in Filling: Spoon a generous portion (about 1/2 cup) of the seasoned beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Spread it out slightly, leaving a border around the edges for folding.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef filling on each tortilla.
- Tip: For easier rolling, don’t overstuff the tortillas.
4. Fold the Wraps: Creating a Secure Package
- Fold in Sides: Fold in the left and right sides of each tortilla towards the center, overlapping the filling slightly.
- Roll Up: Starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll up the tortilla, tucking in the filling as you go, to form a secure wrap.
- Tip: Tuck in the filling as you roll to prevent it from spilling out.
5. Toast the Wraps: Achieving Crispy Perfection
- Heat Skillet: Heat a clean, large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place Wraps: Place the assembled wraps seam-side down in the heated skillet.
- Tip: Placing the wraps seam-side down helps to seal them and prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- Cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Adjust Heat: Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the tortillas from burning before the cheese is fully melted.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to carefully flip the wraps.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnishing and Savoring Your Creation
- Remove from Heat: Once the wraps are toasted and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate or cutting board.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish the wraps with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole, and a spoonful of salsa.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Cheesy Beef Wraps immediately while they are warm and the cheese is gooey.