Ingredients

300g brown rice

4–6 wholemeal tortilla wraps, to serve

1 tsp olive oil

400g–500g beef mince

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp chipotle paste

1 tbsp Cajun or fajita seasoning

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp cider vinegar

400g can black beans, drained but not rinsed

400g can chopped tomato

1 tomato, chopped

1 red onion, finely chopped

½ small pack coriander, chopped

1 lime, juiced

2 avocados, stoned and peeled

Natural yogurt, lime halves to squeeze over, and grated cheddar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the beef mince and fry for 15–20 minutes. At first, it will release some liquid; once this has evaporated, the mince will sizzle in its own fat and start to brown. Break it up with a wooden spoon so it caramelizes evenly.

Step 2: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for another 10 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add the crushed garlic, chipotle paste, Cajun or fajita seasoning, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add the drained black beans and chopped tomatoes. Stir everything together and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Meanwhile, place the brown rice in a medium saucepan with 600ml cold water and a pinch of salt if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the water is absorbed.

Step 6: Turn off the heat and leave the rice covered for another 10 minutes to steam. Stir before serving.

Step 7: For the guacamole, combine the chopped tomato, red onion, coriander, lime juice, and seasoning. Mash with the peeled avocados to make a chunky guacamole.

Step 8: Warm the wholemeal tortillas. Spread a layer of guacamole on each, followed by a generous portion of rice and the beef chilli mixture. Top with natural yogurt, a squeeze of lime, and grated cheddar if using.

Step 9: Wrap the tortillas tightly, halve them through the middle, and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef mince with extra black beans or cooked lentils.

Add extra spice by including chopped fresh chillies or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Use low-fat natural yogurt to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.

To save time, cook the rice and chilli in advance and reheat before assembling the burritos.

Storage

Store any leftover chilli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, or freeze for up to one month. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot before serving. Keep the guacamole separate and consume within a day for the best flavor and freshness. Assemble burritos just before eating to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice if preferred, though brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, add chopped fresh chillies or more chipotle paste when cooking the beef, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.