Absolutely! Ground beef tortilla wraps are a weeknight dinner hero—fast, filling, and endlessly customizable. This recipe gives you a flavorful, juicy base that you can dress up however you like.
Here’s a classic, highly-rated recipe with pro tips for the best results.
Classic Ground Beef Tortilla Wraps
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
· 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat for best flavor)
· 1 medium onion, finely diced
· 1 bell pepper (any color), finely diced (optional)
· 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning OR 2-3 tbsp homemade mix (see note below)
· ½ cup water
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
· 6-8 medium flour tortillas (or large burrito-size)
· 1 cup shredded lettuce
· 1 cup diced tomatoes
· 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
· ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
· ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
· Other ideas: guacamole, sliced jalapeños, black olives, corn, cilantro, lime wedges.
Instructions:
- Cook the Aromatics:
· Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
· Add the diced onion (and bell pepper if using). Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
· Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef:
· Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
· Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. For extra flavor, let it get a slight brown crust in spots.
· Drain excess fat if desired (leaving a little adds flavor).
- Season & Simmer:
· Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir to coat evenly.
· Pour in the water and stir. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
· Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Tortillas:
· This is a CRUCIAL STEP for flexible, non-ripping wraps!
· Stovetop: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
· Microwave: Stack tortillas on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds.
· Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Assemble Your Wraps:
· Place a warm tortilla on a plate.
· Spoon a generous line of the beef mixture down the center, leaving space at the edges.
· Top with cheese (so it melts a little from the hot beef), lettuce, tomatoes, and any other toppings.
· Add a dollop of sour cream and salsa.
· Fold: Fold the sides in over the filling, then tightly roll from the bottom up. Place seam-side down.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success:
· Homemade Taco Seasoning (Quick & Better!): Mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1½ tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Use in place of the packet.
· Level Up Your Flavor: Add 1 tsp of ground cumin and 1 tsp smoked paprika to the beef with the seasoning. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lime juice at the end adds depth.
· Drain or Not? Draining fat is healthier, but leaving 1-2 tablespoons makes the filling richer.
· Make it a “Crunchwrap” Style: Use a large tortilla. Place filling in center, top with a tostada shell or crunchy tortilla chip layer, then fold the edges of the large tortilla over completely to form a hexagon. Grill seam-side down in a pan until crisp.
· Meal Prep: The beef filling keeps perfectly for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat and assemble fresh wraps for lunch or dinner.
Customization Ideas:
· Lower Carb: Use large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Iceberg) or low-carb tortillas.
· More Veggies: Add a handful of spinach or corn to the beef while it simmers. Use sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
· Different Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
· Cheesesteak Style: Skip taco seasoning. Use sautéed mushrooms & peppers, and top with provolone cheese.
· Breakfast Wrap: Scramble eggs with the seasoned beef, add potatoes, and use cheese and hot sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, juicy, handheld heaven! This recipe is a blank canvas, so make it your own.