If you have been on the hunt for a wildly satisfying, packed-with-flavor meal that feels like a fiesta wrapped in a warm tortilla, then this Carnitas Burrito Recipe is your new best friend. Bringing together tender, juicy carnitas, creamy beans, vibrant cilantro lime rice, and the freshest homemade salsa, this burrito is all about layers of bold, comforting flavors and textures. Whether you are cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers a perfect balance of richness, spice, and zest in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role — from the soft flour tortillas that cradle the fillings to the zesty salsa that adds freshness. These simple but essential ingredients combine to create a burrito bursting with color, taste, and texture.
- Flour tortillas (8 large): Look for burrito-size tortillas that are soft and pliable to hold all the delicious fillings without tearing.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This flavorful rice adds a fresh, tangy base that balances the richness of the carnitas perfectly.
- Pinto beans (2 cans, drained and warmed): Creamy and hearty, they add body and a lovely texture contrast.
- Carnitas (4 cups): The star of the show – tender and savory slow-cooked pork that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese (3 cups shredded): Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy layer.
- Fresh Tomato Salsa (2 cups): Made with tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice — it brings brightness and a gentle heat.
- Chipotle Guacamole (1 cup): Creamy with a smoky kick, this enhances every bite with smooth richness.
- Sour cream (optional, 1 cup): Adds a cool, tangy note that complements the spices.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): A sprinkle of these fragrant leaves adds a burst of herbal freshness to finish.
- Tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, lemon and lime juice, salt: For making the fresh tomato salsa that ties everything together with zesty, bright flavors.
How to Make Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Tortillas
Start by heating a large dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15 to 20 seconds per side. This simple step ensures they become soft and flexible, making it easy to wrap when assembling your burritos without cracking or tearing.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out a warm tortilla and spread about half a cup of cilantro lime rice right down the center. Next, add half a cup of warmed pinto beans — using a slotted spoon helps reduce excess liquid for a perfect texture. Then pile on half a cup of those succulent carnitas, followed by a generous handful of shredded cheese. Top it all with a spoonful each of your fresh tomato salsa and chipotle guacamole. If you love a creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves.
Step 3: Roll the Burritos
This step is where your masterpiece takes shape. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward to encase the fillings. Then, starting at the bottom edge closest to you, roll the tortilla tightly upward until the entire filling is snugly wrapped inside. This technique helps keep all those layers intact and ready to savor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your burritos in half for easier eating or keep them whole if you prefer. Serve immediately with extra salsa on the side for dipping — this adds a fresh, zesty burst with every bite that makes the dish shine.
How to Serve Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves scattered over the top add an herby pop of flavor and vibrant green color that makes these burritos even more inviting. If you like a little extra tang, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens all the savory elements.
Side Dishes
Pair your carnitas burrito with a simple side salad or classic Mexican street corn for a balanced, festive meal. Refried beans or a bowl of warm tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole also complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your carnitas burrito into a burrito bowl by skipping the tortilla and layering rice, beans, carnitas, salsa, guacamole, and cheese in a bowl. Alternatively, grill the wrapped burrito in a panini press for a crispy, golden exterior that adds a delightful crunch and extra warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover carnitas burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, all those delicious layers stay moist and flavorful for your next meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, individually wrap burritos in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen burritos keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, unwrapped to ensure the tortilla crisps slightly but does not become soggy. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but heating in shorter bursts helps keep the tortilla from getting chewy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While corn tortillas are delicious, they tend to be smaller and less flexible for large burritos. For this recipe, flour tortillas work best to hold all the fillings securely. However, if you’re aiming for a lighter option, smaller corn tortilla tacos with carnitas are a great alternative.
Is the carnitas pork already cooked, or do I need to prepare it from scratch?
This recipe assumes you have cooked carnitas ready to go. You can either use store-bought carnitas or make your own by slow-cooking pork shoulder until tender. Using prepared carnitas saves time and makes this recipe quick and approachable for any night of the week.
What can I substitute if I don’t have chipotle guacamole?
If you don’t have chipotle guacamole on hand, plain guacamole or mashed avocado with a pinch of smoked paprika and lime juice makes a tasty substitute. This keeps that creamy, smoky balance that pairs so well with the carnitas.
Can I make the fresh tomato salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tomato salsa can be made a few hours or even the day before. Just cover and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best brightness and texture.
Are there any vegetarian options for this burrito recipe?
Yes! You can swap the carnitas for spiced and roasted vegetables or seasoned tofu for a hearty vegetarian version. Pinto beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, and cheese create a filling and flavorful base that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
This Carnitas Burrito Recipe is pure comfort food with a fresh, lively twist that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones. So go ahead, give this delicious creation a try — your taste buds will thank you for the fiesta of flavors wrapped in every bite!
Print
Carnitas Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This delicious Carnitas Burrito recipe features tender, flavorful carnitas wrapped in warm flour tortillas with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, melted cheese, fresh tomato salsa, chipotle guacamole, and optional sour cream and cilantro garnish. It’s a satisfying Tex-Mex meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Burrito Ingredients
- 8 large (burrito-size) flour tortillas
- 1 recipe Cilantro Lime Rice
- 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and warmed
- 4 cups Carnitas
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups Fresh Tomato Salsa (or store-bought pico de gallo or salsa roja)
- 1 cup Chipotle Guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Fresh Tomato Salsa Ingredients
- 2 to 3 medium tomatoes (Roma or tomatoes on the vine), cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Warm the tortillas: Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for 15 to 20 seconds per side until they become pliable and easy to fold without cracking.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay each warm tortilla flat and spread about ½ cup of cilantro lime rice down the center. Add ½ cup of pinto beans using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid. Next, top with ½ cup of tender carnitas, then a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese. Add a spoonful of fresh tomato salsa and chipotle guacamole. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
- Roll the burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom up to enclose all the fillings securely.
- Serve: Slice each burrito in half if desired, and serve with extra salsa on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- To make the fresh tomato salsa, combine chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, lemon juice, lime juice, and salt in a bowl and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- The carnitas can be prepared ahead or store-bought to save time.
- Use flour tortillas that are large and pliable for easy rolling.
- Customize the burrito fillings by adding or omitting sour cream and cilantro as preferred.
- Warm tortillas gently to avoid tearing when rolling.
