Huge Bacon Cheeseburger Burrito

So last weekend my buddy Mike came over to watch the game and I was stuck with zero ideas for food. Fridge had ground beef, some bacon from breakfast, and not much else. Got desperate and tried throwing burger stuff in a tortilla and holy crap - might be the best drunk food I've ever made. These massive burger burritos have basically replaced regular burgers at my house now.

I made these for my sister's kids last month and her 7 year old, who normally picks at his food for hours, inhaled one in about 3 minutes flat. Her husband hovered over the plate asking if there were "any more of those burger wrap things." Now I'm apparently on permanent burrito duty for family cookouts.

What You Need

• Ground Beef: Get the 80/20 stuff - need some fat or it'll be dry and sad. The lean stuff is for people who don't like flavor.
• Bacon: Cook it CRISPY - nothing worse than rubbery bacon in these. I usually cook a few extra pieces because somehow they "disappear" before making it into the burritos.
• Decent Cheese: Pre shredded works fine but honestly, grating your own tastes way better. Those anti caking agents in the bags make it melt weird.
• Fresh Stuff: The lettuce, tomato and onion keep it from feeling like you're just eating meat in a blanket. Chop everything smaller than you think - makes rolling way easier.
• The Sauce Trio: Ketchup, mustard AND mayo. Don't skip the mayo - it's the secret weapon that makes these taste like an actual burger.

Found out the hard way that if you forget the pickles, these taste like something's missing. My girlfriend couldn't put her finger on it but kept saying "these need something tangy" until I slapped my forehead and grabbed the jar from the fridge.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook That Meat Right

Break the beef up real small while it cooks - nobody wants giant meat chunks falling out the end. I use my wooden spoon to chop it up constantly. Drain the grease unless you want soggy tortillas and a mess down your shirt. Season aggressively - bland meat ruins everything.

Bacon Business

If your bacon isn't crispy enough to crumble easily, it's not done. Nobody wants to bite into a burrito and drag out a whole flabby piece of bacon. I usually cook mine in the oven on a rack (400°F for about 15 20 minutes) while I'm prepping everything else.

Tortilla Trick

Seriously, warm those tortillas up! Cold tortillas crack and split, and then you've got a lap full of burger stuff. I throw mine right on the burner for like 10 seconds per side watch them or they'll burn, but microwave works too if you're not feeling ambitious.

Build It Smart

Start with a schmear of mayo down the center - this creates a moisture barrier that helps prevent soggy tortilla syndrome. Then beef, bacon, cheese while the meat's still warm enough to melt it a bit. Fresh stuff goes on last so it doesn't get all wilted and sad.

Wrap Like You Mean It

Don't be stingy with filling but don't go crazy either. Fold in the sides first, then roll from the bottom, keeping everything tight. If stuff starts squeezing out the sides, you've overfilled. It happens to all of us, just eat the extra bits and adjust for the next one.

The Game Changer

Do NOT skip that final toasting step. Throwing these on a hot pan for a couple minutes takes them from "pretty good" to "where have these been all my life?" The contrast between the crispy outside and the softer inside is what makes these special.

First time I tried these, I rushed and didn't drain the beef properly. Ended up with grease running down to my elbow and a stain on my couch that took three rounds with the carpet cleaner. Some cooking lessons you only need to learn once.

What To Serve With 'Em

These monsters are pretty filling on their own, but if you need sides, keep it simple. Tater tots are perfect - continue the whole "eat with your hands" theme. Some people weirdos might want a side salad for balance or whatever. A cold beer is basically mandatory, or a Coke if that's your thing.

Switch It Up

This is basically a blank canvas for burger creativity. Want a mushroom swiss situation? Sauté some mushrooms, swap the cheese, boom. BBQ bacon burger? Add some sauce and those canned fried onions. My brother adds blue cheese and Buffalo sauce which sounds gross but is actually pretty awesome. For breakfast versions, throw a fried egg in there - game changer.

Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, these actually reheat pretty well. Wrap in foil and throw in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwave works too but the tortilla gets kind of soft and weird. I've also frozen these completely assembled but not crisped - just wrap tight in foil then plastic. Thaw in the fridge overnight before crisping them up.

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Started making these about a year ago and they've become my signature "dude food" that guys ask for when they come over to watch games. My roommate's girlfriend even requested them for her birthday dinner last month, which is when I knew I'd stumbled onto something special. Sometimes the best recipes come from having almost nothing in the fridge and being too lazy to go to the store.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these burritos up to the wrapping stage, then wrap each one individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, remove the foil and crisp them in a skillet as directed. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped (but not yet crisped) burritos for up to 1 month, then thaw in the refrigerator before crisping.

→ What can I substitute for the ground beef?

This recipe works well with many protein substitutions! Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version. You could also use chopped grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even chopped steak for a different flavor profile while maintaining the cheeseburger theme.

→ How can I make these burritos lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner), turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and light mayonnaise. You can also increase the vegetable content with more lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. Consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a little mustard as a substitute for some of the mayo.

→ What sides go well with these burritos?

These hearty burritos pair perfectly with classic burger sides like french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or potato chips. For a lighter option, serve with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. A pickle spear on the side adds a nice tangy crunch that complements the rich flavors of the burrito.

→ Can I add other burger toppings to the burrito?

Absolutely! Get creative with your favorite burger toppings. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, jalapeños, avocado or guacamole, different cheese varieties like pepper jack or blue cheese, or special sauce combinations. You can even add a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired variation or crispy hash browns for extra texture.