Mexican burritos are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, known for their hearty fillings and bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal on the go or a satisfying dinner at home, burritos offer a versatile and delicious option. A burrito’s attraction is that it can be made with your preferred ingredients, so it’s a versatile food that suits a variety of palates. We’ll walk you through the process of making a delicious Mexican burrito that will wow you in this post.
What Is a Mexican Burrito?
A traditional Mexican burrito consists of a large flour tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients, typically including seasoned meat, beans, rice, cheese, and vegetables. After that, the tortilla is securely folded and wrapped around the fillings to form a meal that can be eaten on the go. Despite having their origins in Mexico, burritos are now a widely consumed food with endless varieties to suit a wide range of palates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Mexican burrito:
For the Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or pork (or a combination)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or Mexican-style)
- 1 cup cooked black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Lettuce, shredded (optional)
- Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
For the Tortillas:
- 4-6 large flour tortillas (10-12 inches)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, chicken, or pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook the meat until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Coat the meat evenly by sprinkling it with taco seasoning and tossing. Add the water (if specified in the spice packet) and cook until the sauce thickens, a few minutes. After turning off the heat, put the skillet aside.
2. Prepare the Other Fillings:
- While the meat is cooking, prepare the other fillings. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set it aside. Warm the beans in a small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
- If using salsa or pico de gallo, prepare it fresh or use a store-bought version. Chop the cilantro and slice the avocado and jalapeños if you’re using them. Shred the lettuce and cheese so they’re ready to go.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
- Warm the tortillas so they are more malleable and simpler to wrap. To do this, you may either microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds while covered in a damp paper towel, or you can cook them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface or plate. Start by adding a generous scoop of cooked rice to the center of the tortilla, followed by a scoop of beans. Next, add a portion of the seasoned meat.
- Layer on the other fillings—cheese, salsa, cilantro, avocado slices, and any other toppings you like. Be careful not to overfill the burrito, as this can make it difficult to wrap.
5. Wrap the Burritos:
- To wrap the burrito, fold the sides of the tortilla in towards the center, then fold the bottom edge up over the fillings. Roll the burrito up tightly, keeping the sides tucked in as you go. This helps keep all the delicious fillings inside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your burritos warm right away, and serve extra guacamole, sour cream, or salsa on the side for dipping. To make a crispy, lightly browned outside, you can toast the wrapped burrito for one minute on each side in a heated skillet.
Tips for the Perfect Burrito
- Customize Your Burrito: One of the best things about burritos is how customizable they are. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or try different combinations. Grilled vegetables, different types of beans, or even a spicy sauce can add a unique twist to your burrito.
- Make It Healthier: To lighten up your burrito, consider using brown rice instead of white, and opt for lean proteins like chicken or turkey. You can also add more veggies and skip the cheese or sour cream if you’re watching your calorie intake.
- Meal Prep Burritos: Burritos are great for meal prep! Make a batch, wrap each burrito in foil, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Not only can you easily make Mexican burritos at home, but they taste even better. You can make a burrito that tastes just as delicious, if not better, than what you’d get at your favorite Mexican restaurant with some fresh ingredients and a little creativity. Enjoy this timeless dish for lunch, supper, or even as a filling snack; it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Thus, gather your supplies, put on some gloves, and savor the mouthwatering taste of a homemade burrito from Mexico!
