Authentic Mexican Burrito Recipe Easy Beef or Chicken

I’ve discovered that creating an authentic Mexican burrito is like embarking on a delicious adventure! The Mexican burrito stands out as e hero of Mexican cuisine with a blend of bold flavors and seasonings all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It truly embodies the essence of traditional Mexican cooking.

As I’ve honed my recipe, I’ve learned that the secret to an authentic Mexican burrito lies in the quality of its ingredients and the cooking method.

A sizzling skillet with grilled meats, rice, beans, and fresh salsa, wrapped in a warm tortilla with a side of guacamole and lime wedges

The tenderness of the seasoned beef, the creamy beans, the fluffy rice, and the balance of cheese and spices keep me in foodie heaven! In sharing my authentic Mexican burrito recipe, I invite others to share in the happiness of a deliciously flavorful meal, too!

There’s a certain satisfaction in rolling up the perfect burrito, knowing it is packed with layers of texture and taste, ready to offer a bite of Mexico in every mouthful.

Key Takeaways

  • Making an authentic Mexican burrito involves selecting and balancing traditional ingredients.
  • The burrito is a flavorful reflection of traditional Mexican cuisine in a consumable package.

Ingredient List

A wooden cutting board with fresh ingredients: tortillas, rice, beans, meat, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. A handwritten recipe card lies next to the ingredients

When I’m whipping up an authentic Mexican burrito, my kitchen becomes a hub of vibrant flavors. Here’s what I use to make that perfect, traditional roll of deliciousness:


  • Tortillas: I always start with large, soft flour tortillas. They’re sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without breaking.



  • Proteins: For the filling, I opt for variations such as chicken, pork carnitas, carne asada, or ground beef — all rich in iron and protein.



  • Beans: I use either refried or black beans. Pinto beans work great too, especially when slow-cooked until tender. They’re a good source of fiber and protein.



  • Rice: A scoop of flavored Mexican rice adds substance and soaks up the juicy flavors.



  • Vegetables: I include sautéed onions, a dollop of pico de gallo, fresh diced tomatoes, and crisp lettuce for that crunch and freshness.



  • Fats and dairy: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy texture and provides calcium. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle some sour cream for extra richness.



  • Seasonings and herbs: Cumin, oregano, taco seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice brighten up the flavors.



  • Extras: To garnish, I’ll add slices of creamy avocado or a spoonful of guacamole. Both are packed with healthy fats and vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C.



  • Sauces: Salsa or hot sauce provides that signature kick.


Here’s a quick glance at my go-to ingredients:

IngredientPurposeNote
Flour TortillasBaseEssential for wrapping
Chicken/Beef/PorkMain ProteinChoose based on preference
BeansProtein & FiberRefried or whole, adds creaminess
Mexican RiceFillerFlavored with tomato and spices
CheeseCreaminessShredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
VegetablesFreshnessLettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro
SeasoningsFlavorCumin, taco seasoning, salt, pepper
Salsa/GuacamoleFlavor EnhancerAdds zest and creamy texture

With these ingredients, I’m always ready to roll up a feast that promises satisfaction in every bite!

Preparation and Cooking

When I’m cooking up an authentic Mexican burrito, it all comes down to the prep—cooking the fillings just right, warming the tortillas, and nailing the fold. It’s a dance of flavor and technique that turns simple ingredients into something sublime.

So let me break down how I wrap and grill for that perfect burrito experience.

Wrapping and Folding Techniques

I start by laying out a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Size matters here, so I make sure it’s big enough to hold all the goodies without tearing.

I spoon in my fillings, typically some seasoned beef that’s been browned and flavored with black pepper and other spices, and a scoop of Mexican rice.

Now for the magic part—the fold. I tuck in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it from the bottom up, snug but not too tight, to keep all that flavor packed in.

Grilling and Heating Tips

No one likes a cold burrito, so I always give mine a quick grill or heat in the pan with a bit of oil to get that golden, crisp exterior.

It’s got to sizzle—that’s when I know it’s getting that characteristic texture that makes tacos envious.

When reheating, I wrap the burrito in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven to keep it from drying out. And serving? I go straight off the grill to the plate, maybe with a side of toppings for that extra kick.

Authentic Mexican Burrito Recipe

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Packed with ground beef or chicken and vibrant spices, it’s the perfect dish for a hearty and delicious meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or chicken

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup cooked rice

  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

  • 1/2 cup salsa

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

  • 4 large flour tortillas

  • Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream

  • Guacamole

  • Diced tomatoes

  • Shredded lettuce

  • Jalapeño slices

  • Hot sauce

Directions

  • Prepare the Filling:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices meld.
  • Add Additional Ingredients:
  • Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Assemble the Burritos:
  • Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet until pliable.
  • Place a portion of the filling in the center of each tortilla.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
  • Roll the Burritos:
  • Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up from the bottom to encase the filling completely.
  • Optional:
  • For a crispy exterior, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and place the burrito seam-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the burritos with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeño slices, and hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

A sizzling skillet holds a steaming, overstuffed burrito. Fresh ingredients spill out, showcasing the layers of flavor and texture in this authentic Mexican recipe

Here are some quick answers to help you master the traditional Mexican burrito.

What are the key ingredients for a traditional Mexican burrito?

The essentials include warm flour tortillas, Mexican rice, your choice of protein such as beef or chicken, beans—often pinto or black, and fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. Don’t forget the cheese for that gooey goodness.

How do I prepare a simple yet authentic Mexican burrito at home?

Start by warming the tortillas. Layer on a spoonful of beans, a helping of Mexican rice, and your cooked protein. Then, add fresh vegetables and top it off with cheese before rolling it up tightly.

Can I make an authentic Mexican chicken burrito, and how?

Absolutely! Cook chicken with traditional spices like cumin and chili powder, then mix it with beans and rice. Wrap it up in a tortilla with some fresh veggies and cheese, and you’ll have an incredible Mexican chicken burrito.

What’s the secret to creating the best beef burrito like the ones in Mexico?

For that authentic taste, season your beef with garlic, salt, cumin, pepper, and paprika. The key is to sauté onions until they’re translucent and then cook the beef with these aromatic seasonings.

What are some tips for making a Mexican style burrito that’s vegetarian friendly?

Swap the meat with grilled vegetables, tofu, or tempeh seasoned with Mexican spices. Don’t skip on the beans and rice—they’re the base that brings the burrito together. Lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado add freshness and texture.

What are the techniques to achieve that authentic restaurant-quality burrito taste?

Use quality ingredients and don’t rush the cooking process.

Season your fillings generously. Balance your flavors with acidity from lime juice or salsa.

For the meat, cook it until it’s well-browned to develop deep flavors.