Armando’s Chunky Beef Burritos
Armando’s Chunky Beef Burritos is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 8. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Lovebeautymonique on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 3 hrs
Cost: $23.88 total, $2.99 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Beef Chuck (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 head Garlic (cloves peeled and minced)
- 2 Bay Leaves (dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 Jalapeño (seeded and sliced)
- 1 Beef Bouillon Cube (dissolved in water)
- 1 Chicken Tomato Bouillon Cube (dissolved in water)
- 1 Celery Stick (diced)
- 1 Small Onion (diced; half used for rice, half for beans)
- 1 tablespoon Mexican Oregano (crushed to release flavor)
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying rice)
- 1/2 cup Onion (diced for rice)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 4 cups Water (for rice cooking)
- 2 cups Pinto Beans (cooked, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup Lard (rendered; can substitute butter or oil)
- 1/2 cup Onion (diced for beans)
- 1/2 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth (adds moisture to beans)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 8 Flour Tortillas (10‑inch size, warmed)
- 1 cup Shredded Lettuce (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup Tomato (diced for garnish)
Instructions
Cook Chunky Beef
Place the cubed beef in a large stockpot, cover with water, add the head of garlic (halved), bay leaves, salt, pepper, sliced jalapeños, beef bouillon cube, chicken tomato bouillon cube, diced celery, the small onion, and crushed Mexican oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes until the beef is tender and the broth is flavorful.
Time: PT1H30M
Temperature: Boiling then simmer
Prepare Mexican Rice
In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté 1‑2 minutes, careful not to burn. Add the rinsed rice and fry, stirring constantly, until the grains turn light golden (about 5 minutes). Stir in the chicken tomato bouillon cube, a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add 4 cups water, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: Medium then low
Make Refried Beans
In a skillet, melt 1/2 cup lard over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the cooked pinto beans, season with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook for another 5 minutes. Mash the beans by hand, with a potato masher or in a blender, until a creamy consistency is reached. Stir in 1/2 cup low‑sodium chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes to keep the beans moist.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Assemble Burritos
Warm the flour tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. Dip each tortilla quickly in the beef broth to soak the edges. Place a generous spoonful of the tender beef, a scoop of Mexican rice, a spoonful of refried beans, and a handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese onto the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly, folding in the sides.
Time: PT10M
Melt Cheese and Broil
Pre‑heat the oven to 375°F. Place the assembled burritos on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 2‑3 minutes, watching closely, until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 375°F then broil
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the hot burritos to a serving platter. Sprinkle shredded lettuce and diced tomato over the top for freshness and color. Serve immediately with extra beef broth on the side if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be dairy‑free using vegan cheese
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Chuck: Stew beef, Sirloin
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Thyme
- Instead of Jalapeño: Serrano pepper
- Instead of Beef Bouillon Cube: Beef stock concentrate
- Instead of Chicken Tomato Bouillon Cube: Chicken broth
- Instead of Celery Stick: Carrot
- Instead of Small Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Mexican Oregano: Regular oregano
- Instead of Long Grain White Rice: Basmati rice
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: Fresh onion
- Instead of Pinto Beans: Black beans
- Instead of Lard: Butter, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Water with bouillon
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Cheddar, Mexican blend
- Instead of Flour Tortillas: Corn tortillas (gluten‑free)
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Saucepan
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Slotted Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Broiler
- Mixing Bowl
- Blender or Potato Masher
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the beef for the full 1 hour 30 minutes until tender.
- Frying the rice until lightly browned before adding liquid.
- Mashing the beans to a smooth, creamy texture without over‑processing.
- Baking the burritos just long enough to melt cheese, then broiling for a crisp top.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality beef bouillon for deeper flavor; homemade stock works even better.
- Crush Mexican oregano between your palms before adding to release its aromatic oils.
- For extra juiciness, reserve a cup of the beef broth and drizzle it over the burritos just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Beef is still tough after 1.5 hours.
Continue simmering, checking every 15 minutes. Adding a splash of water and covering tightly helps retain moisture.
Rice turns mushy.
Make sure to fry the rice until lightly browned and use the exact water‑to‑rice ratio. Let the rice rest uncovered after cooking to steam off excess moisture.
Refried beans are dry.
Add extra low‑sodium chicken broth or a bit of water while mashing until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
Cheese burns under the broiler.
Broil for no more than 3 minutes and keep the oven door slightly open. If needed, lower the rack a level.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store beef, rice, and beans separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assembled burritos can be kept refrigerated, covered, for 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked beef, rice, and beans individually in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat before assembling.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burritos at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the beef broth and tender beef a day ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently before assembling.
- Mexican rice and refried beans keep well in the fridge and can be reheated on the stovetop.
- Assemble burritos, cover with foil, and freeze; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos in Mexican cuisine?
Armando’s chunky beef burrito is a beloved street‑food staple from northern Mexico, where hearty meat‑filled tortillas are a lunchtime favorite. The dish reflects the region’s love for slow‑cooked, broth‑soaked beef that stays juicy inside a soft flour tortilla, often served with rice and beans as a complete meal.
What are the traditional regional variations of chunky beef burritos in Mexican cuisine?
In the north, the beef is often simmered in a rich broth with jalapeños and oregano, while in central Mexico the filling may include chorizo or be spicier with chipotle. Some regions swap flour tortillas for corn, and others add pickled carrots or radishes for extra crunch.
How is Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?
Traditionally the burritos are served hot, brushed with the cooking broth, and topped with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sometimes a squeeze of lime. They are often accompanied by a side of salsa verde and a cold cerveza.
What occasions or celebrations is Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos associated with in Mexican culture?
These burritos are popular at family gatherings, weekend picnics, and local festivals where portable, filling foods are needed. They’re also a common comfort food for everyday meals in Mexican households.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include beef chuck, Mexican oregano, jalapeños, beef and chicken bouillon, and Monterey Jack cheese. Substitutes can be sirloin for beef, regular oregano for Mexican oregano, and cheddar or a Mexican blend for the cheese without losing the core flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos at home?
Common errors include under‑cooking the beef (it will be tough), not frying the rice enough (resulting in mushy rice), over‑mashing beans (making them watery), and over‑broiling the cheese (causing a burnt layer). Follow the timing cues and keep a close eye during the broil step.
Why does this Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos recipe fry the rice before adding liquid instead of cooking it directly?
Frying the rice coats each grain with oil and creates a toasted flavor while forming a protective barrier that prevents the rice from absorbing too much liquid, resulting in fluffy, separate grains rather than a soggy mush.
Can I make Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Cook the beef, rice, and beans up to a day ahead and refrigerate in separate airtight containers. Assemble the burritos, cover with foil, and either refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the Mexican rice for Armando Style Chunky Beef Burritos?
The rice should be lightly golden from the initial fry, then cooked through with each grain distinct and slightly firm to the bite. After the 15‑minute simmer, the rice will be fluffy and the broth‑infused color should be a warm, golden‑tan hue.
What does the YouTube channel Lovebeautymonique specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lovebeautymonique focuses on home‑cooked comfort foods, especially hearty Mexican‑inspired dishes, with step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize flavor, technique, and approachable cooking for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Lovebeautymonique's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Lovebeautymonique blends traditional Mexican flavors with detailed explanations of each cooking step, often showing the science behind why certain techniques (like frying rice) work. The channel also highlights budget‑friendly ingredient swaps while staying true to authentic taste, setting it apart from channels that focus solely on quick shortcuts.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
