Bodacious Burritos!!

Homegaters!

While we're all caught up in the excitement of the hockey playoffs, there's another event happening this week that has our attention: the NFL Draft. Yes, when it comes to football, we're hardcore. We're all in with the pigskin. So it shouldn't surprise you to know that my pals and I are getting together to watch The NFL Draft. We need to see who our teams are going to take. For this event, I decided to make Bodacious Burritos!

I actually made these ahead of time and froze them because they take a little time to prepare and I wasn't going to have that kind of time during the week. I defrosted them in the fridge the night before and then reheated them in the oven for 30 minutes. These are pretty hearty and a half of a burrito was enough for me, but the hungrier souls will be able to scarf down a whole one with no problem. These burritos are meaty and cheesy. You can make them as spicy as you want - or not at all. With my crowd, I always have to have hot sauce on hand because things can't be too spicy with them. But whatever spice level you enjoy, these are going to be a hit at your next gathering.

Bodacious Burritos
(Serves 4)

2 lbs lean ground beef (or turkey)  
1 med/large onion, minced
3 tbs canola oil    
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tbs chili powder
2 medium red (or green) jalapeno,
minced (optional)
1 1/2 tbs dried cilantro (or 2 tbs of
fresh, minced)
2 tbs tomato paste
1 1/2 cups canned beans (red or black),
drained
2 cups pre-cooked rice (white or brown)
12 slices of cheddar (or American) cheese
4 burrito wrappers
4 sheets of aluminum foil
salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1.  Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees. In a large skillet or cast iron frying pan, heat the oil on medium heat and saute onions until translucent. Add the ground beef and brown. Break up the meat into small bits. Salt and pepper to taste.

2.  Add the garlic powder, chili powder, jalapeno, cilantro and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly and heat through.

3.  Add the beans and rice. Continue to heat through.

4.  Place 2 slices of the cheddar on a burrito wrap and add 1 cup of the burrito filling into the middle of the burrito wrap and then place another slice of cheese on top of that. Fold the sides over the filling, then fold the bottom of wrap over the filling and continue to roll up to the top of the wrap. Do this with the remaining wraps.

5. Wrap each burrito in aluminum foil, place on a sheet pan and place in oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted.

6.  Remove from oven, unwrap and serve with hot sauce on the side (optional).

And there you have it. These take a little while to prepare, but they are definitely worth it. As I said, you can make these ahead and freeze them. They're great for last-minute guests or a quick snack, lunch or dinner. Hope you try them.

Until next week, keep on homegating! See you then!