100+ Burrito Recipes

Burritos are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that have gained popularity all over the world. This savory meal is a portable, handheld, and easy-to-make option that can be customized to suit anyone’s taste. Whether you like spicy, saucy, vegetarian or meat-filled, there’s a burrito for you – which explains why they’re such a popular takeout meal across the globe. 

Carry on reading for a closer look at the history of burritos, traditional ingredients, and how to make your own. And the million dollar question – is it still a burrito without rice? What makes a burrito anyway?

History: where did burritos come from?

You’re unlikely to be surprised that burritos probably originated in Mexico. Northern Mexico, probably sometime around the 19th century, to be more specific. They were popularized by the Mexican cowboys, known as vaqueros, who needed a portable and hearty meal while working long hours on the range. The first burritos were simple and consisted of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling of beans, meat, and chilies. (Arguably, that’s a pretty good burrito today too!). 

Today, burritos are a bit more customizable and are a bit more hearty, but they’re still true to their roots. They can be found in various forms all over the world. In the United States, for example, burritos are typically made with rice, beans, cheese, and meat, and can be found in both fast-food chains and authentic Mexican restaurants. Everywhere from street food stands to Chipotle to independent takeaways and even restaurants serve these wrapped up bundles of deliciousness. They’re also popular in the UK and parts of Europe, but are particularly well known in America. 

Traditional Ingredients

The traditional burrito consists of a large flour tortilla filled with a mixture of beans, meat, rice, and other ingredients such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. The type of meat used can vary, but popular options include chicken, beef, pork, or fish. 

Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, with beans, tofu, or vegetables as the main protein.

What Makes a Burrito?

A burrito is defined by its large flour tortilla, which is filled with a variety of ingredients. It is typically rolled up tightly and can be served hot or cold. A good burrito should be well-balanced in flavor, with each ingredient complementing the others.

So is a Burrito Still a Burrito Without Rice?

While rice is a common ingredient in burritos, it is not a necessary one. Some burritos skip the rice altogether and focus on other ingredients. For example, a breakfast burrito might have scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes instead of rice.

What Do You Put on a Burrito?

The possibilities for what to put on a burrito are endless. Some popular options include:

– Meat: Chicken, beef, pork, or fish

– Beans: Black, pinto, or refried

– Rice: White or brown

– Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and avocado

– Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco

– Salsa: Mild, medium, or hot

Of course, these are just a few examples, and you can mix and match to create your perfect burrito. Or, you might opt for the burrito bowl, which is becoming more popular in recent years.

Burrito bowls are a deconstructed version of the burrito. Instead of a tortilla, the ingredients are served in a bowl and layered on top of each other. Burrito bowls are a popular option for those who prefer to skip the carbs or gluten in the tortilla, people who like eating their food with cutlery instead of fingers, or anyone who simply doesn’t want to roll up their tortilla.

Or you might be a fan of the breakfast burrito, which usually features some type of egg and meat or other breakfast food. Whatever your favorite type, all we know is that burritos are a hit with everyone – for good reason.