If you are craving a flavorful, hearty meal that brings the best of Mexican comfort food right to your kitchen, this Carnitas Burrito Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, savory carnitas with fluffy cilantro lime rice, creamy chipotle guacamole, fresh tomato salsa, and melty cheese—all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla. Every bite bursts with vibrant textures and bold flavors that make this dish an instant favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a go-to that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Carnitas Burrito Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and freshness that perfectly complement one another.
- 8 large burrito-size flour tortillas: These provide a soft, sturdy foundation to hold all the delicious fillings without tearing.
- 1 recipe cilantro lime rice: Bright and zesty, this rice brings a subtle citrus aroma that lifts the burrito’s overall flavor.
- 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans (drained and warmed): Creamy and hearty, these beans add richness and protein, balancing the meat perfectly.
- 4 cups Carnitas: The star of the dish, slow-cooked pork that’s tender and packed with smoky, savory goodness.
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to add a gooey, creamy texture.
- 2 cups fresh tomato salsa: Fresh, tangy, and mildly spicy salsa that brightens every bite.
- 1 cup chipotle guacamole: Creamy with a smoky kick, this guac adds richness and a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream (optional): Adds cool creaminess that contrasts the bold flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of green color and fresh herbal notes.
- 2 to 3 medium tomatoes (Roma or vine), diced: Form the fresh base of the tomato salsa.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch to the salsa.
- 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped: Introduce a lively heat to balance the burrito’s richness.
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro: Freshness that brightens the salsa beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty lift to the salsa.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: The classic citrus pairing for Mexican dishes, enhancing flavor complexity.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Tortillas
Start by heating a large dry skillet over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet and warm it for about 15 to 20 seconds on each side until it becomes pliable and easier to fold. This simple step ensures your tortillas won’t crack when you roll your burritos, making for the perfect delivery system of all your fillings.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Tomato Salsa
While the tortillas warm, mix together diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, jalapeño peppers, and fresh cilantro in a bowl. Toss this vibrant mix with fresh lemon and lime juice and season with salt to taste. Let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and bring a refreshing zest to your burritos.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Now for the fun part! Lay each warmed tortilla flat and spread about half a cup of cilantro lime rice down the center. Add half a cup of the warm pinto beans using a slotted spoon to avoid extra moisture. Next, pile on about half a cup of tender carnitas, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Top this with a spoonful of your freshly made tomato salsa, a scoop of chipotle guacamole, and if you like, a dollop of sour cream along with some fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Roll the Burritos
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up from the bottom, tucking tightly to encase all those lovely layers inside. This technique locks in all the fillings so nothing spills out, allowing you to savor every delicious bite with ease.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your burrito in half for easy handling and serve immediately with extra salsa on the side. The combination of warm carnitas, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and cheesy goodness is sure to delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
How to Serve Carnitas Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime can elevate the presentation and add a pop of freshness. For an extra touch of creaminess, a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced avocado makes every bite richer and more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Carnitas Burrito Recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips and salsa, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or Mexican street corn for a festive touch. These sides complement the burrito without overpowering its bold flavors, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Try serving your burrito bowl-style by laying all the ingredients in a bowl instead of wrapping them; it’s a great option for a low-carb twist. Alternatively, grill the wrapped burrito in a panini press or skillet for a crispy exterior that adds delightful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover burritos should be tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh for up to three days, making lunchtime just as exciting as dinner. It’s best to store the guacamole and salsa separately to maintain their vibrant freshness.
Freezing
Wrap burritos individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly. Freezing preserves all the richness of the carnitas and the satisfying textures of the fillings.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, unwrap the burrito and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through and the tortilla is slightly crisp. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be mindful that the tortilla might become softer. Add fresh salsa or guacamole after reheating to brighten the flavors once again.
FAQs
Can I make this Carnitas Burrito Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the carnitas with grilled vegetables, seasoned tofu, or a hearty bean and rice combo to keep it delicious and satisfying while catering to a vegetarian diet.
What kind of cheese works best in this burrito?
Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese works wonderfully because they melt smoothly and add a mild, creamy flavor that complements the boldness of the carnitas and salsa without overpowering them.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare all the fillings and toppings in advance, keep them refrigerated, and just warm and assemble the burritos before serving for a fun and easy party meal that guests will love.
How spicy is the tomato salsa, and can I adjust it?
The salsa has a pleasant mild heat from the jalapeños, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by removing seeds or reducing fresh jalapeños, or by adding more if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I use another type of tortilla?
While burrito-size flour tortillas are ideal for their size and pliability, you can experiment with whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas depending on your preference and dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Carnitas Burrito Recipe is a spectacular way to bring fresh, vibrant, and deeply comforting Mexican flavors to your table with ease and enthusiasm. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to make and share. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the fun of creating your own mouthwatering carnitas burritos—you won’t regret it!
Print
Carnitas Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A deliciously hearty Carnitas Burrito recipe featuring warm flour tortillas filled with cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, tender carnitas, melted cheese, fresh tomato salsa, and creamy chipotle guacamole. Perfectly balanced with fresh sour cream and cilantro garnish, this burrito makes a satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Burritos
- 8 large (burrito-size) flour tortillas
- 1 recipe Cilantro Lime Rice (about 4 cups)
- 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and warmed
- 4 cups Carnitas (slow-cooked pulled pork)
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups Fresh Tomato Salsa (recipe below 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
- 2 to 3 medium (1 to 1½ pounds) 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 flour tortilla for 15 to 20 seconds per side until pliable and soft, making them easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay a warmed tortilla flat and spread about ½ cup of cilantro lime rice down the center. Add ½ cup of drained pinto beans using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid, then ½ cup of tender carnitas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese, then add a spoonful each of fresh tomato salsa and chipotle guacamole. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro leaves.
- Roll the burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then tightly roll from the bottom up, tucking the ingredients in securely to enclose the filling fully.
- Serve: Slice the burrito in half if desired and serve immediately with extra salsa on the side for dipping or topping.
- Prepare the Fresh Tomato Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro. Toss with fresh lemon and lime juice, then season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use flour tortillas that are burrito-sized for easier wrapping.
- The carnitas should be cooked and shredded prior to assembly; leftovers work perfectly.
- For the beans, warm and drain well to avoid a soggy burrito.
- You can substitute fresh tomato salsa with store-bought pico de gallo or salsa roja if short on time.
- Sour cream and fresh cilantro garnish are optional but add freshness and creaminess.
- Make the fresh tomato salsa ahead of time to allow flavors to blend.
