Welcome, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into the world of Mexican cuisine with the ultimate Carnitas Burrito Recipe. This easy carnitas burrito is stuffed with everything you could possibly want: crispy pork carnitas, cilantro rice, cheese, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce. Whether you’re a fan of classic burritos or you’re simply craving a hearty meal, this carnitas burrito will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary journey with this flavor-packed dish!
Introduction
When you think of comfort food, a carnitas burrito likely comes to mind. This iconic Mexican dish is beloved for its combination of rich flavors and satisfying textures. The beauty of the carnitas burrito lies in its versatility—whether you’re enjoying it for a casual dinner or packing it for lunch, it always delivers a perfect bite. What makes this recipe even more special is the use of pork carnitas, which are slow-cooked until tender, then crisped to perfection. For fans of both Mexican cuisine and burritos, this is a must-try dish that celebrates the art of simple, flavorful cooking.
If you love experimenting with Mexican dishes, check out other flavorful recipes like Ultimate Cowboy Casserole or Sausage Balls Recipe to expand your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients for The Ultimate Carnitas Burrito
To make this carnitas burrito, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
- 2 cups cilantro rice (or substitute with white rice or Spanish rice)
- 2⅔ cups shredded carnitas (use slow-cooked or Dutch oven carnitas)
- 1 cup beans (pinto or black beans)
- 2 cups pico de gallo (substitute with diced tomatoes or salsa)
- 1 cup guacamole
- 2 cups lettuce (shredded)
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas, and for a vegetarian version, replace the carnitas with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
How to Make The Ultimate Carnitas Burrito – Step by Step
Step 1: Warm the tortillas.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and warm one flour tortilla at a time. This step ensures that the tortilla is soft and pliable, making it easier to wrap the burrito.
Step 2: Assemble the burrito.
Place the warm tortilla on a plate. Down the middle, spread ¼ cup of cheese, ¼ cup of cilantro rice, ⅓ cup of carnitas, 2 tablespoons of beans, ¼ cup of pico de gallo, 2 tablespoons of guacamole, and ¼ cup of shredded lettuce.
Step 3: Roll the burrito.
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it from the bottom to the top, securing all the fillings inside. You can toast the burrito on each side in a skillet over medium heat for an added crispy texture.
Step 4: Serve.
Cut the burrito in half if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes like chips and salsa, Mexican street corn, or a fresh side salad.
Helpful Tips for The Ultimate Carnitas Burrito
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly made guacamole and pico de gallo add a bright, refreshing flavor to the burrito.
- Prep in advance: You can prepare the carnitas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat before assembling your burritos.
- Customize your fillings: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or even a drizzle of chipotle sauce for extra heat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Carnitas Burrito
- Slow-cook the carnitas: For the most tender and flavorful pork carnitas, cook them low and slow in a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Once cooked, crisp them up in a hot skillet for that signature texture.
- Avoid overfilling: While it’s tempting to stuff your burrito to the brim, overfilling can make it difficult to roll. Stick to the suggested quantities for a perfectly wrapped burrito.
- Toast the burrito: Toasting the burrito in a skillet gives it a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and melty.
Serving Suggestions for The Ultimate Carnitas Burrito
Pair your carnitas burrito with:
- Mexican Street Corn: A delicious side of grilled corn topped with mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
- Chips and Salsa: A classic, crunchy side dish to complement your burrito.
- Fresh Margaritas or Lime Agua Fresca: For a refreshing beverage that pairs well with the rich flavors of the burrito.
Nutritional Information
This carnitas burrito recipe provides a balanced meal with plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Each burrito offers approximately:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
Storage and Leftovers for The Ultimate Carnitas Burrito
If you have leftovers, wrap the burritos in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, unwrap the burrito and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a crispier finish.
For longer storage, you can freeze the burritos. Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 3-4 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for The Ultimate Carnitas Burrito
Q1: Can I make this burrito gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas, and ensure that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q2: How do I make the carnitas crispy?
After slow-cooking, shred the pork and heat it in a hot skillet with a little oil until crispy.
Q3: Can I freeze the burritos?
Yes, you can freeze these burritos for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
Q4: What other fillings can I add to my burrito?
Feel free to get creative! You can add roasted vegetables, sour cream, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Related Recipes for Carnitas Lovers
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this journey into making the Ultimate Carnitas Burrito. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that combines crispy carnitas with fresh and flavorful ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this burrito will surely impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your own variations with us—happy cooking!
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Carnitas Burrito Recipe: The Ultimate Easy Mexican Meal
Description
Welcome, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into the world of Mexican cuisine with the ultimate Carnitas Burrito Recipe. This easy carnitas burrito is stuffed with everything you could possibly want: crispy pork carnitas, cilantro rice, cheese, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce. Whether you’re a fan of classic burritos or you’re simply craving a hearty meal, this carnitas burrito will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary journey with this flavor-packed dish!
Ingredients
- 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
- 2 cups cilantro rice (or substitute with white rice or Spanish rice)
- 2⅔ cups shredded carnitas (use slow-cooked or Dutch oven carnitas)
- 1 cup beans (pinto or black beans)
- 2 cups pico de gallo (substitute with diced tomatoes or salsa)
- 1 cup guacamole
- 2 cups lettuce (shredded)
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the tortillas.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and warm one flour tortilla at a time. This step ensures that the tortilla is soft and pliable, making it easier to wrap the burrito.
Step 2: Assemble the burrito.
Place the warm tortilla on a plate. Down the middle, spread ¼ cup of cheese, ¼ cup of cilantro rice, ⅓ cup of carnitas, 2 tablespoons of beans, ¼ cup of pico de gallo, 2 tablespoons of guacamole, and ¼ cup of shredded lettuce.
Step 3: Roll the burrito.
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it from the bottom to the top, securing all the fillings inside. You can toast the burrito on each side in a skillet over medium heat for an added crispy texture.
Step 4: Serve.
Cut the burrito in half if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes like chips and salsa, Mexican street corn, or a fresh side salad.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly made guacamole and pico de gallo add a bright, refreshing flavor to the burrito.
- Prep in advance: You can prepare the carnitas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat before assembling your burritos.
- Customize your fillings: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or even a drizzle of chipotle sauce for extra heat.
