traditional mexican burrito recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best traditional mexican burrito recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite traditional Mexican burrito recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m thrilled to see how much my family loves it. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also a great way to get everyone involved in cooking and enjoying a meal together. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option or a fun meal to serve at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

So, let’s dive in and explore the origins of this beloved dish and the key techniques that make it shine. As we all know, Mexican cuisine is rich in history and diversity, with each region offering its unique take on traditional dishes like the burrito. The word ‘burrito’ itself translates to ‘little donkey’ in Spanish, which is thought to refer to the way these large wraps were originally carried by vendors in Mexico City. When I first made this recipe, I was amazed by the depth of flavors that came together in each bite.

The combination of tender beef, creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and savory spices all melded together perfectly. And let’s not forget the tortilla – a crucial component that holds everything together while still allowing each ingredient to shine through. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding or subtracting ingredients as you see fit.

Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers! Prefer a vegetarian option? Simply swap out the beef for roasted vegetables or beans.

The possibilities are endless! In terms of cooking technique, there are a few key steps that set this recipe apart from other burrito recipes I’ve tried. First, you want to make sure your tortillas are nice and pliable before filling them up. Then, you’ll want to cook your beef until it’s nice and tender before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

Finally, assemble your burritos with care, making sure each one is evenly filled and tightly wrapped.

Traditional Mexican Burrito

4.9 from 643 votes

A classic Mexican burrito filled with seasoned beef, beans, rice, and cheese. Served with a side of salsa and guacamole.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

500g ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Beans

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder

For the Assembly

4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup guacamole
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh onions

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add ground beef to the skillet.
4Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
5Drain excess fat.
6Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8Remove from heat and set aside.
9In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1 tsp salt to a boil.
10Add 1 cup of rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
11In a mixing bowl, combine pinto beans, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp chili powder.
12Mash slightly with a fork and set aside.
13Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until soft and pliable.
14To assemble the burritos, lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board.
15Spread 2 tbsp of rice, 2 tbsp of beans, and 1/4 cup of beef mixture down the center.
16Sprinkle with 2 tbsp of cheese.
17Fold the sides over the filling, then fold the bottom edge up and over the filling, and roll tightly to form a burrito.
18Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
19Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through.
20Serve the burritos with salsa and guacamole on the side.
21Garnish with chopped cilantro and onions.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Traditional Mexican burritos are always a good idea for any occasion. They are easy to make, customizable, and delicious.

Plus, they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. I love serving them at family gatherings because they are a crowd-pleaser.

You can set up a burrito bar with all the fillings and let everyone customize their own burrito. This makes the meal interactive and fun for everyone.

Plus, it ensures that everyone gets exactly what they want. Traditional Mexican burritos are a great way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with your family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Burrito

Q1: What type of tortillas should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use large flour tortillas that can accommodate all the fillings without breaking or tearing apart. Look for tortillas that are labeled as "burrito-sized" or "large" – these will give you the best results.

Q2: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein source?

A: Absolutely! You can swap out ground beef for shredded chicken, beans, or even roasted vegetables if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Q3: How do I keep my tortillas from drying out?

A: To prevent your tortillas from drying out during assembly, make sure they’re stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap after use. You can also revive dry tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 10-15 seconds.

Q4: Can I make these burritos ahead of time and refrigerate them?

A: Yes, you can assemble these burritos up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover burritos?

A: To reheat leftover burritos, simply wrap them individually in damp paper towels or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 30-45 seconds per side until heated through.

Similar Posts