This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Table of Contents
These loaded burritos bring together seasoned ground beef, savory Italian sausage, seared diced ham steak, rice, salsa, and plenty of melted cheese. They are big, hearty, and built for when you want something that eats like a full meal.
What makes this version work is the order. The ham steak gets seared first for flavor, then the beef and sausage cook in that same skillet, and the seasonings get bloomed with tomato paste before the salsa brings everything together. If you want to round out the plate, these burritos pair well with AB’s Ultimate Guacamole Recipe, Smoked Queso Dip with Ground Beef and Rotel, and Mexican Cornbread.`
🍽️ A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Recipe Name: Loaded Beef, Ham Steak, Italian Sausage & Cheddar Burritos
- ⏱️ Ready In: 45 minutes
- 👨👩👧👦 Serves: 6 burritos
- 🥣 Key Ingredients: Ground beef, Italian sausage, seared ham steak, rice, salsa, cheddar, mozzarella, flour tortillas
- 📖 Dietary Info: Not gluten-free; contains dairy
- 🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Every bite is loaded with seasoned meat, seared ham steak, melty cheese, and a toasted tortilla crunch.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef gives the burritos a hearty base and soaks up the spices, tomato paste, and salsa. Use your favorite blend, then drain only what you need so the filling stays rich without turning greasy.
Italian Sausage
Italian sausage brings extra seasoning, savory depth, and a little bit of that bold flavor that makes these burritos stand out from a regular beef burrito.
Ham Steak
Crispy ham steak adds smoky flavor and texture. Leaving a little ham steak drippings in the skillet helps season the onions and meat from the start.
Rice and Cheese
Cooked rice helps fill the burritos and balances the meat, while cheddar and mozzarella (I used colby jack) give you sharp flavor and that melty pull when the burritos are toasted.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ham Steak
Cook the ham steak in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer it to a cutting board, dice it into bite-size pieces, and leave the flavorful drippings in the skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sausage
Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the seasonings cook for a minute or two so the meat gets fully coated and the tomato paste deepens.
Step 4: Assemble, Toast, and Serve
Stir in the salsa and seared diced ham steak, then let the filling simmer briefly. Warm the tortillas, fill each one with rice, meat, colby jack, and roll tightly, and toast seam-side down until golden and crisp.
Tips & Tricks
- Warm the tortillas before filling so they roll tight without tearing.
- Do not skip the tomato paste step because it gives the meat mixture a deeper, richer flavor. For an easy beefy seasoning boost, add a light sprinkle of AB’s Steak and Burger Seasoning to the filling and adjust the salt to taste.
- Drain extra grease if needed, but keep the filling slightly juicy so the burritos do not eat dry.
- Toast the burritos seam-side down first to help seal them before flipping.
Variations
- Spicy Loaded Burritos: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, pepper jack cheese, or a pinch of AB’s Sweet Heat for a smoky-sweet kick.
- Bean and Corn Burritos: Stir in black beans and corn with the salsa for extra texture. For a homemade seasoning route, use Homemade Taco Seasoning as a guide.
- Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and serve with breakfast potatoes on the side.
- Lighter Version: Use lean ground beef, turkey sausage, and a smaller amount of cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, AB’s Ultimate Guacamole Recipe, or hot sauce.
- Add chopped cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeños for a fresh topping.
- Pair with tortilla chips and Smoked Queso Dip with Ground Beef and Rotel for a game-day plate.
- Serve with a simple side salad if you want something lighter next to the burritos.
- Add Mexican-style rice, beans, grilled vegetables, or Mexican Cornbread to make it a bigger dinner spread.
Notes
- The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated, then reheated before assembling the burritos.
- Leftover burritos keep well wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For the crispiest leftovers, reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes. Make the filling ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Assemble and toast the burritos when you are ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the burritos tightly and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can also wrap them individually and freeze them for longer storage.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes. Use breakfast sausage, chorizo, turkey sausage, or all ground beef if that is what you have on hand.
What is the best way to reheat these burritos?
Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, in a 350°F oven, or in an air fryer until warmed through and crisp on the outside.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes. Assemble the burritos, lightly spray the outside, and air fry at 375°F until the tortilla is crisp and the filling is hot.
If you tried these Loaded Beef, Ham Steak, Italian Sausage & Cheddar Burritos or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
Summarize and Save
Loaded Beef, Ham Steak, Italian Sausage & Cheddar Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed if using links
- 1 ham steak seared and diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup salsa plus more for serving
- 1 cup cooked rice warm
- 1 cup shredded colby jack
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- Diced jalapeños
- Diced bell peppers
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the ham steak until browned on both sides. Transfer it to a cutting board, dice it into small cubes, and leave the flavorful drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion to the same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, until the beef and sausage are browned and fully cooked through. Drain off excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring well, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the seasonings coat the meat evenly.
- Add the salsa and seared diced ham steak to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors come together and the filling stays juicy without being watery.
- Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave, in a dry skillet, or over a low flame until they are soft and flexible. Lay each tortilla flat, then add cooked rice down the center. Spoon the meat mixture over the rice and top with shredded cheese.
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll tightly into burritos. Place the burritos seam-side down in a hot skillet over medium heat and toast for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and lightly crisp. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, or hot sauce.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before rolling so they do not crack.
- Drain excess grease if the meat mixture looks oily, but leave enough moisture so the burritos stay juicy.
- Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on tortilla size, sausage brand, cheese, salsa, and optional toppings.
- Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This? Leave a comment below!
