Burrito skulls are the only spooky dinner recipe you’ll want this fall

With their cheesy smiles and savory fillings, burrito skulls are a delicious way to celebrate the season. The focus keyword burrito skulls fits naturally into this recipe that’s equal parts creepy and cozy.

Why I Can’t Stop Making These Cookies

• Quick win: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute celebrations.
• Flavor twist: A smoky chipotle in the filling adds subtle heat that keeps you coming back for more.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses simple staples like tortillas, beans, cheese, and spices you probably have on hand.
• Kid-friendly: Eyes and teeth made of sour cream, olives, or salsa encourage creativity and smiles.
• Seasonal appeal: Perfect for Halloween or fall dinner ideas that break the routine without breaking the bank.

What Type of Main Ingredient Should I Use?

Tortillas are the star here choose fresh, soft flour tortillas for the best texture and easy rolling. If you prefer, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free options to suit your diet. Frozen or refrigerated tortillas can work if thawed carefully; simply warm them briefly in a skillet or microwave to restore pliability. Avoid dried-out or brittle tortillas, which will crack and break when rolling.

For fillings like beans or meat, fresh cooked or canned drained and patted dry beans work well. If using cooked meat, ensure it’s chopped finely and cooled to keep the burrito skulls intact.

Options for Ingredient Alternatives

• Butter or oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free version.
• Cheese types: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully here.
• Milk options: Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk if adding cream or sour cream to fillings.
• Extracts or spices: Ground cumin, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder boost flavor without extra heat.
• Fresh vs dried fruit: If you want a hint of sweetness, dried cranberries or fresh diced apples can be folded in. Chill burrito skulls 15 minutes if using coconut oil in fillings to help ingredients firm up.

The Biggest Challenges While Baking

• Folding delicate ingredients last: Add any fresh herbs, olives, or sour cream right before wrapping to avoid sogginess.
• Butter temperature: If using melted butter in recipes, cool slightly before mixing to prevent greasy fillings.
• Avoid overmixing fillings: Keep beans chunky and cheese just combined to maintain texture.
• Fix dry dough or tortilla cracks with a small brush of water or oil to soften edges before rolling.
• Chill burrito skulls for 20–30 minutes before baking to help them hold shape and prevent bursting.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store assembled or baked burrito skulls at room temperature covered for up to 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap each burrito skull individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until hot through.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare fillings in advance and store separately in the fridge, then assemble right before baking. Thaw frozen assembled burrito skulls overnight in the fridge for easier baking the next day.

Estimated Nutrition

For the whole batch (makes 6 burrito skulls): approximately 1,800 calories, 70 g fat, 160 g carbs, and 60 g protein. Per serving (1 burrito skull): about 300 calories, 12 g fat, 27 g carbs, and 10 g protein. Nutrition varies slightly depending on cheese and meat choices.

Ingredients

• 6 large flour tortillas (10-inch / 25 cm)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115 g)
• 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or turkey (optional) (115 g)
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (40 g)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (40 g)
• 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sour cream (60 ml)
• Black olives, sliced for eyes
• Salsa, for serving
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, combine black beans, cooked meat (if using), diced bell peppers and onion, chipotle chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir gently to mix without mashing the beans too much.
3. Lay one tortilla flat and spread about 1/3 cup of filling in the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Shape the tortilla into a skull by folding edges inward to create cheekbones and jaw shapes, leaving some filling visible. Use fingertips to pinch and form eye sockets and nose shapes.
5. Place slice olives inside the eye sockets and use small dollops of sour cream for teeth or teeth outlines. Brush lightly with olive oil to help crisp the surface.
6. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, spacing burrito skulls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until tortillas are golden and cheese is melted. Serve warm with salsa and extra sour cream.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

• Add guacamole or pico de gallo on the side for a fresh contrast.
• Experiment with spicy chorizo instead of beef or turkey for more depth.
• For veggie-only, swap meat for sautéed mushrooms or corn.
• Underbake by a few minutes for gooey, melty cheese centers.
• Store any leftover sour cream and olives separately to keep burrito skulls fresh longer.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for color.
• Use mini tortillas for appetizer-sized burrito skulls at Halloween parties.

FAQs

Q: Can I make burrito skulls vegan?
A: Yes, substitute cheese with vegan shreds and use beans with veggies for filling. Sour cream can be replaced by dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream.

Q: How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
A: Pat dry any moist ingredients and chill burrito skulls before baking to keep them firm and crispy.

Q: Can I freeze these before baking?
A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze, then bake from frozen for best texture.

Save This for Later (Pinterest)

If you love spooky eats and easy weeknight meals, save this recipe for burrito skulls on Pinterest so you can bring this festive favorite back again and again!