Pizza Stuffed Burritos -

The concept of Pizza Stuffed Burritos came about from trying to find a creative way to combine two of my favorite foods: pizza and burritos. I wanted something that was easy to make, satisfying, and could be customized to suit different tastes. The result is this delightful recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of familiar pizza toppings encased in a soft tortilla creates a surprisingly harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings to make this recipe your own!

Ingredients:

For the filling

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
3 oz pepperoni, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
⅓ cup pizza sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
⅓ cup bacon, crumbled
8 large flour tortillas

For the topping

2 cups pizza sauce
2½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 oz pepperoni slices
¼ cup bacon, crumbled

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the burritos are heated evenly, the cheese melts perfectly, and the tortillas become slightly crispy without burning. While the oven is preheating, prepare a large skillet for cooking the ground beef.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef. As it browns, use a spatula to crumble it into smaller pieces. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked, ensuring there are no pink pieces remaining. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy filling. Proper cooking of the ground beef is crucial for food safety and the overall texture of the burritos.

Step 3: Add the diced yellow onions, diced green bell peppers, and chopped pepperoni to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Continue cooking until the vegetables have softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. This process infuses the vegetables with the savory flavors of the beef and pepperoni, enhancing the overall taste of the filling.

Step 4: Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking the garlic until fragrant releases its aromatic oils, which contribute to the depth of flavor in the filling.

Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the cheeses are fully incorporated. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture, while the mozzarella cheese provides the classic cheesy flavor. The Italian seasoning enhances the pizza flavor, and the bacon adds a smoky, savory element.

Step 6: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Scoop the ground beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, leaving some space at the ends for rolling. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to tear.

Step 7: Roll up the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Placing the burritos seam-side down helps prevent them from unrolling during baking.

Step 8: Pour the remaining 2 cups of pizza sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring each burrito is well-coated. Sprinkle generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon for added flavor and visual appeal. The sauce and cheese topping create a delicious, melted layer that enhances the pizza flavor.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and just starting to brown around the edges. Keep an eye on the burritos to prevent them from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check them periodically.

Step 10: Once the burritos are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

COOKING Rating:

Easy

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these Pizza Stuffed Burritos with a side salad, coleslaw, or a simple tomato soup for a complete meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh basil for extra flavor and presentation. For a fun twist, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

To make ahead, assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or top with jalapeño slices.
Customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, or sausage.
Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or cottage cheese.
Ensure the baking sheet is greased well to prevent the burritos from sticking.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes)

Calories: Approximately 550-650 per serving

Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving

Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving

Conclusion

These Pizza Stuffed Burritos are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of pizza and the convenience of a burrito. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fun family dinner or a creative way to use up leftover ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delightful combination of cheesy, savory, and comforting flavors in every bite!

Questions and Answers about this recipe

Q1: Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! To make these burritos vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef, pepperoni, and bacon. You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. Ensure that the pizza sauce you use is vegetarian-friendly, as some may contain meat products.

Q2: Can I prepare these burritos in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the burritos in advance. Assemble the burritos up to the point of baking, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add the topping, and bake as directed. This makes them a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.

Q3: What other toppings can I add to these burritos?

A: The possibilities are endless! You can add any of your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms, black olives, diced tomatoes, onions, or sausage. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to get creative and customize the filling to suit your taste preferences.

Q4: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Certainly! While this recipe calls for ricotta and mozzarella cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well. Using different cheeses can add unique flavors and textures to the burritos, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Q5: How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

A: To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, make sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked ground beef and avoid overfilling the tortillas. Tucking in the sides of the tortillas as you roll them helps to create a tighter seal and prevents the filling from seeping out. Additionally, placing the burritos seam-side down on the baking sheet helps to keep them intact during baking. If you’re preparing the burritos in advance, wait to add the pizza sauce and cheese topping until just before baking to avoid the tortillas becoming soggy from the moisture.