This Beefy 5-Layer Burrito recipe is stacked with warm refried beans, seasoned beef, nacho cheese, shredded cheddar, and sour cream — all wrapped in a soft tortilla (and yeah, it’s just as filling as it sounds). It’s quick, low-effort, and perfect for when you need something hearty but also don’t want to clean 10 pans.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 0 mins (just reheating stuff)
- Flavor: cheesy, savory, bold
- Great for: lazy lunches, binge-watch snacks, food that feels like a hug
Why I Like This Recipe
Honestly? I just wanted something warm, cheesy, and mildly ridiculous. So I grabbed what I had, microwaved some tortillas, and built a burrito that somehow ended up feeling like a full-on meal. No shame. No dishes either.
Ingredients
- 12 flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
- 3 cups refried beans
- 1 lb ground beef (seasoned – see below)
- 1½ cups nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup light sour cream
How To Make Beefy 5-Layer Burrito
- Warm the tortillas: Wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds at 50% power. This keeps them from cracking when you roll.
- Layer the first half: Take 6 tortillas. Spread nacho cheese sauce across the middle — leave about an inch at the edges.
- Top with second tortilla: Place another tortilla on top and gently press down. This forms the base for your burrito layers.
- Add the fillings: Smear refried beans down the center. Spoon over the cooked beef, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of cheddar cheese.
- Wrap and roll: Fold in the sides, then roll it tight from the bottom up. Keep an eye out for sauce trying to sneak out.

Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill — it’s tempting, but then it turns into a wrap disaster.
- Use warm fillings — cold beans don’t spread well.
- Press the second tortilla down gently before adding fillings. Helps keep things together.
- Shred your own cheese if you want that good melt.
- Keep a couple of paper towels nearby — this one gets a little messy.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Wrap extras in foil. Store up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave works, but oven or skillet gets the best texture. 350°F for 10 mins.
- Freezer: Yep, freeze them wrapped in parchment and foil. Reheat from frozen — 25 mins at 375°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need two tortillas for each burrito?
Technically no, but it adds that layered feel and keeps the nacho cheese tucked in. - Can I swap the beef?
Sure. Shredded chicken, turkey, black beans, whatever’s in the fridge. - Does this work with store-bought beef?
Yep. Just reheat and season a bit if it tastes bland. - Is it spicy?
Not unless your nacho cheese has a kick. Add hot sauce if you want heat. - How do I stop it from falling apart?
Wrap it tight. Start folding when the fillings are still warm — they bind better.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Using cold tortillas: They tear. Always warm them. Damp paper towels are your friend.
- Too much sour cream: Sounds weird, but it makes things slippery. Just a spoonful does the job.
- Skipping the press step: If you don’t press the two tortillas together before adding fillings, it’ll just split apart when you roll.
- Overstuffing: We’ve all done it. It never ends well. Stick to a modest scoop of each filling.
- Not sealing the edges: Tuck in the sides before the final roll. Keeps everything inside where it belongs.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 523 kcal
- Total Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
- Sodium: 1384mg
- Potassium: 304mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 26g
Beefy 5-Layer Burrito Recipe
Course: Mexican-AmericanCuisine: EasyDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes523
kcalA cheesy, beefy, bean-loaded burrito layered with nacho cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar — soft, warm, and dangerously satisfying.
Ingredients
12 burrito-sized flour tortillas
3 cups refried beans
1 lb ground beef (cooked & seasoned)
1½ cups nacho cheese sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup light sour cream
Directions
- Warm tortillas in microwave with damp paper towel.
- Spread nacho cheese on 6 tortillas.
- Top with second tortilla, press gently.
- Add beans, beef, sour cream, cheddar.
- Fold in sides, roll up tight, serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t skip warming the tortillas — it makes rolling easier.
- Layering two tortillas adds structure and texture.
- Use cooked, warm beef so everything layers smoothly.
- Serve with hot sauce or jalapeños if you want extra flavor.