Burritos Recipe
Burritos are a popular Mexican dish that are enjoyed by many people around the world. A burrito typically consists of a large flour tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients such as beans, rice, meat, vegetables, cheese, and salsa.
The origins of the burrito are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Northern Mexico, where it was a popular food among cattle ranchers. The word “burrito” actually means “little donkey” in Spanish, and some believe that the dish was named after the pack animals that the ranchers used to carry their food.
Today, burritos come in many different varieties, with a wide range of fillings and toppings to suit different tastes. They can be served as a quick and easy meal, or as part of a larger feast with other Mexican dishes. In this recipe, we will show you how to make delicious, homemade burritos that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Burritos Recipe Brief explanation
Burritos are a popular Mexican dish that consists of a flour tortilla that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as rice, beans, cheese, meat (such as beef, chicken or pork), vegetables, and salsa. The filling is typically wrapped tightly in the tortilla to create a cylinder shape and can be eaten by hand or cut into smaller pieces. Burritos can be served hot or cold and are a great option for a quick and easy meal or snack. They are also customizable, allowing you to create your own unique combination of ingredients.
Burritos Recipe Importance
There are several reasons why making homemade burritos is worth the effort. First and foremost, making your own burritos allows you to customize the filling to your own liking, so you can make them as spicy or mild, as meaty or vegetarian, or as cheesy or healthy as you want.
Secondly, making burritos at home can save you money compared to buying them from a restaurant. Restaurant burritos can be quite expensive, especially if you want extra toppings or guacamole. By making your own burritos, you can control the cost of the ingredients and make a large batch that can last for several meals.
Finally, making burritos at home can be a fun and rewarding cooking experience. It allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you create a delicious meal from scratch.
Burritos Recipe ingredients and tools needed
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving
Tools:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Can opener
- Large pot or rice cooker (if cooking rice from scratch)
- Oven or microwave-safe dish (for heating tortillas)
- Aluminum foil (optional for keeping burritos warm)
Note: These ingredients and tools are just a suggestion, and can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and the recipe you are following.
Burritos Recipe Step-by-step instructions for prepping the ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rice and beans separately according to package instructions, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef or shredded chicken to the skillet, and cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked rice and beans to the skillet, and stir to combine with the meat and spices.
- Turn off the heat, and set aside the skillet.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface, and spoon the rice and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla, leaving about 2 inches of space at the edges.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes on top of the rice and bean mixture.
- Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, and then fold in the sides to create a rectangular shape.
- Roll the burrito up tightly, and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Brush the tops of the burritos lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the burritos hot, with additional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if desired.
Burritos Recipe special techniques or tips
- Season the beef: Be sure to season the ground beef well with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to add flavor to the filling.
- Cook the filling thoroughly: Make sure the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender before filling the tortillas. This will ensure that the filling is flavorful and evenly cooked.
- Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave before filling them to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Build the burrito: Place the filling in the center of the tortilla, leaving enough room on the sides to fold. Add the cheese and any other toppings before folding the burrito.
- Wrap tightly: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly to keep the filling from falling out.
- Serve with toppings: Top the burritos with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any other toppings you like to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
- Keep them warm: If you need to make the burritos ahead of time, wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them warm until ready to serve.
Burritos Recipe Timing and temperature information
- Cook the beef: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir the beef occasionally to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté until they are tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the beans and rice: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and the cooked rice, along with the chili powder and cumin. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in the oven or microwave until they are warm and pliable, which should take about 30 seconds in the microwave or 5-10 minutes in the oven.
- Fill the tortillas: Place a scoop of the beef and bean mixture in the center of each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Add any additional toppings, such as salsa or guacamole.
- Roll the burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla in towards the center, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a cylinder shape.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the burritos immediately, or wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them warm until ready to serve.
Burritos Recipe how to test for doneness
Since the ingredients for the burrito are already cooked and the primary goal is to heat everything through and melt the cheese, there is not much need to test for doneness.
However, to make sure that the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted, you can check the burritos after they have been in the oven for about 10 minutes. You can use a spatula to gently lift one of the burritos from the baking sheet and check the bottom of the tortilla. If it is golden brown and crispy, the burrito is likely done. You can also check the cheese to see if it has melted completely. If it has not melted completely, you can continue to bake the burritos for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully heated and the cheese is melted.
Once you are satisfied with the doneness of the burritos, you can remove them from the oven and serve them hot. Enjoy!
Burritos Recipe Suggestions for serve
- Add toppings: Serve the burritos with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Make a burrito bowl: Skip the tortilla and serve the beef and bean mixture over a bed of rice, topped with cheese and other toppings.
- Serve with chips and salsa: Serve the burritos with a side of tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
- Add a salad: Serve the burritos with a side salad, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, for a balanced meal.
- Make a burrito bar: Set out bowls of different fillings and toppings so everyone can customize their own burrito. This is a great option for a party or gathering.
- Serve with Mexican rice and beans: Serve the beef burritos with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Burritos Recipe Tips for presentation and garnishing
- Cut the burritos diagonally in half to show off the filling and toppings inside.
- Arrange the burritos on a platter, and garnish with additional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or diced red onion.
- Serve the burritos with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping or drizzling.
- Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to create decorative swirls of sour cream or guacamole on top of the burritos.
- For a festive touch, you can serve the burritos on a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage, or sprinkle chopped tomatoes and cilantro over the top.
- To add some heat, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or hot sauce on top of the burritos.
- Use colorful plates and napkins to add a pop of color and make your presentation more eye-catching.
Remember that presentation is important because it can make your burritos more appealing and appetizing to your guests. With these tips, you can take your homemade burritos to the next level and impress your guests with a visually appealing and delicious meal.
Burritos Recipe Variations and Adaptations
- Chicken or pork burritos: Substitute ground chicken or pork for the ground beef to switch up the protein in the filling.
- Vegetarian burritos: Skip the meat and use additional vegetables and beans to create a vegetarian filling.
- Breakfast burritos: Add scrambled eggs, crumbled breakfast sausage, and cheese to the filling for a delicious breakfast version of the burrito.
- Seafood burritos: Substitute cooked shrimp or fish for the ground beef to create a seafood-inspired filling.
- Grilled burritos: Grill the burritos for a few minutes on each side after rolling them up to add some char and crispness to the tortilla.
Burritos Recipe Ideas for modify
- Vegetarian burrito: Instead of meat, use roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms as the filling. You can also add some cooked quinoa or tofu for protein.
- Breakfast burrito: Add scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and hash browns to the filling. Top with salsa, cheese, and avocado for a delicious breakfast burrito.
- Fish burrito: Use grilled fish such as cod or tilapia as the filling. Add some cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and flavorful fish burrito.
- Spicy burrito: Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
- Sweet potato and black bean burrito: Use roasted sweet potatoes and black beans as the filling, and add some corn and cilantro for a delicious vegetarian burrito.
- Gluten-free burrito: Use a gluten-free tortilla or wrap as the base, and fill it with your favorite ingredients.
- Vegan burrito: Use a vegan cheese substitute or omit the cheese altogether, and use avocado or guacamole as a creamy topping.
Burritos Recipe Summary and its key features
Variations and adaptations
- Make vegetarian or seafood versions of the burrito.
- Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a breakfast burrito.
- Grill the burritos for extra crispness and char.
- Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to make a low-carb version.
Burritos Recipe Final thoughts and suggestions for readers
Making homemade burritos is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and filling meal. With a little bit of prep work and some simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and customizable meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Here are some final thoughts and suggestions for readers:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your perfect burrito. There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing a burrito to suit your tastes.
- Make sure to prep all of your ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought ingredients such as pre-cooked chicken or canned beans to save time and effort.
- Don’t forget to garnish your burritos with toppings such as cilantro, avocado, or sour cream to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Enjoy your homemade burritos with friends and family for a fun and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy.
Remember, making homemade burritos is a fun and easy way to enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and see how easy it is to make delicious burritos right in your own kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of beef in this burrito recipe?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef. You could also use shredded cooked chicken or beef, or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just be sure to warm them up before filling them to prevent them from cracking.
What toppings go well with beef burritos?
You can add any toppings you like, but some popular options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. You could also add hot sauce, jalapeños, or shredded cheese.
How can I reheat leftover burritos?
You can reheat leftover burritos in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds. To reheat in the oven, wrap the burrito in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. To reheat on the stovetop, wrap the burrito in foil and heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
