Making Homemade Carnitas Burritos is a great way to indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. The tender shredded carnitas, combined with the Mexican red rice, refried beans, and cheesy goodness make a tasty meal.
» You might also like this Smoky Basil Oaxacan Mezcal Cocktail.
Carnitas Burritos is a popular Mexican dish that consists of a large flour tortilla filled with tender, slow-cooked shredded pork known as “carnitas,” along with various other flavorful ingredients such as Mexican rice, beans, and cheese.
I always make extra so I can easily reheat the meat and use it for burritos the next day. These burritos are great for meal-prepping lunch. The carnitas stay delicious and juicy when reheated, so it’s just as good the next day.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe requires you to make all of the separate ingredients using our other recipes. You’ll find the recipe for each at the links provided. You’ll need to make carnitas, Mexican red rice, and refried beans.
- Carnitas – We like to make our own carnitas. You can use our recipe or your own if you prefer.
- Mexican Red Rice – We have a tasty recipe for this. Try our version, which is so good in this carnitas burrito. If you don’t like red rice you could also try cilantro-lime rice.
- Refried Beans or Black Beans – To make the refried beans, you can follow our homemade version here, or you can buy canned refried beans or black beans.
- Shredded cheddar cheese or queso fresco – You can really use any other type of melting cheese in this burrito, but I prefer to use cheddar, queso fresco, Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese.
- Cilantro – Use fresh cilantro that’s been cut just before using for the most aroma and flavor. If you don’t like cilantro, you can use fresh parsley or skip the herb altogether.
How to Make a Carnitas Burrito
I’m assuming that you’ve already made all of the separate components and are assembling them all here.
Heat the tortillas slightly on a skillet. Make sure all the ingredients are heated, as well.
Fill the burritos with equal amounts of the carnitas, red rice, refried beans, and cheese. Top with cilantro and hot sauce. Fold the burrito, tucking in the ends and rolling tightly.
Additional Helpful Tips
- Warm the tortillas on a griddle or skillet before assembling to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
- Leave a border around the edges of the tortilla when filling to avoid spills while rolling.
- Fold and roll the burritos tightly to keep the fillings intact and ensure easy eating.
- Make extra carnitas, rice, and beans to have ready-to-go ingredients for quick burrito assembly throughout the week.
- Be mindful not to overstuff the burritos; it can make folding and eating more challenging.
- Offer various toppings like fresh salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, or lime wedges for everyone to personalize their burritos.
How to Store
To maintain freshness it is best to store the different ingredients separately. It is best to consume them within 3-4 days, or you can freeze the carnitas for up to 3 months.
You can store the burrito assembled but be mindful that the tortilla may become soggy whilst storing.
How to Reheat
Microwave: This is the quickest and easiest way to reheat individual burritos. Remove any foil or plastic wrap, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Oven: To reheat multiple burritos at once, preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each burrito in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until they are heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made carnitas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-made carnitas from the store to save time. Just make sure they are fully cooked and shredded before assembling the burritos. Butcher Box has a really great pre-made carnitas you can buy in their meat subscription.
Can I use brown rice instead of Mexican red rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for a healthier option, but Mexican red rice adds a unique flavor to the burritos that brown rice just can’t compare with. I urge you to use the Mexican red rice.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork for the carnitas?
You can use any meat that you prefer, such as shredded chicken or beef. Carnitas translates as “little meats” and is often made with different cuts of meat besides pork.
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Homemade Authentic Carnitas Burrito
Ingredients
- 4 burrito-size tortillas
- 1 pound (455 g) carnitas shredded (see recipe)
- 2 cups (472 g) cooked Mexican red rice see recipe
- 1 cup (240 g) refried beans or black beans drained and heated (see recipe)
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (4 g) cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat the tortillas slightly on a skillet. Make sure all the ingredients are heated, as well.
- Fill the burritos with equal amounts of the carnitas, red rice, refried beans, and cheese. Top with cilantro and hot sauce. Fold the burrito, tucking in the ends and rolling tightly.
Nutrition
