Steak Burritos

Steak burritos are a hearty, satisfying meal that brings bold, Tex-Mex flavors to your kitchen. Packed with tender, flavorful steak, rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and your favorite toppings, these burritos are as customizable as they are delicious. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for dinner, a portable meal for on-the-go, or a way to use up leftover ingredients, steak burritos are a perfect choice. With the right seasonings and simple techniques, you can create restaurant-quality burritos in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This steak burrito recipe is a combination of bold flavors and hearty ingredients. The smoky, seasoned steak pairs perfectly with the creamy beans, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can mix and match fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you like a classic burrito or prefer to spice it up with jalapeños and hot sauce, this recipe is a great base to build on. Plus, everything comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 burritos
• Serving Size: 1 burrito

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 600
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or skirt steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Burrito Fillings:

• 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inches)
• 1½ cups (300g) cooked white or brown rice
• 1½ cups (240g) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (100g) shredded lettuce
• ½ cup (50g) diced red onion
• ½ cup (50g) sour cream
• ½ cup (50g) guacamole or sliced avocado

Optional Toppings:

• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Hot sauce
• Fresh cilantro

Marinade (Optional):

• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Season the steak: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the steak. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice for added flavor.
2. Marinate (optional): If you have extra time, combine the marinade ingredients in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, add the steak, and let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.
3. Cook the steak: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.
4. Rest the steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Burrito Fillings

1. Cook the rice: If you don’t already have cooked rice, prepare it according to package instructions. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
2. Warm the beans: Heat the black beans in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. You can season them with a pinch of cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
3. Prepare the fresh ingredients: Dice the tomatoes and red onions, shred the lettuce, and get the cheese, sour cream, and guacamole ready.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

1. Warm the tortillas: Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20–30 seconds per side, or until warm and pliable. This makes them easier to fold.
2. Layer the fillings: Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Add a layer of rice in the center, followed by black beans, steak slices, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. Top with sour cream, guacamole, and any other toppings you like.
3. Roll the burrito: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, tucking in the fillings as you go. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Step 4: Serve

Slice each burrito in half, if desired, and serve immediately. Pair with extra salsa, guacamole, or a side of tortilla chips for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Ingredient Background

• Flank Steak: A lean, flavorful cut of beef that works beautifully for burritos. Skirt steak is another great option, offering a slightly fattier texture and bold flavor.
• Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are ideal for burritos because they’re soft, pliable, and large enough to hold the fillings. Opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier version.
• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a luxurious texture to the burrito and balances the flavors with its subtle nuttiness.

Technique Tips

• Cook Steak to the Right Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Overcooking can make the steak tough.
• Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas prevents cracking and makes it easier to roll a burrito without tearing.
• Avoid Overfilling: Resist the temptation to overstuff the burrito. Overfilled tortillas are harder to roll and may fall apart.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Burrito Bowls: Skip the tortilla and serve the fillings in a bowl with a drizzle of salsa or dressing for a low-carb option.
• Mini Burritos: Use smaller tortillas to create snack-sized burritos, perfect for appetizers or kids’ meals.
• Open-Faced Burritos: Serve the fillings layered on top of a tortilla for a plated version of the dish.

Additional Tips for Success

• Slice Steak Thinly: Cutting the steak against the grain ensures tender bites that are easy to chew.
• Customize to Taste: Add your favorite hot sauce, swap out beans for pinto beans, or use pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the steak and fillings in advance, then assemble the burritos when ready to eat.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Burritos: Replace the steak with grilled vegetables, black beans, or roasted sweet potatoes for a meatless version.
• Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and hash browns to the burrito for a breakfast-friendly twist.
• Spicy Steak Burritos: Use a spicy marinade for the steak and add fresh jalapeños or spicy salsa for extra heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Wrap assembled burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, remove any foil, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover fillings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Low-Carb Option: Swap the tortillas for large lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps.
• Lean Steak Cuts: Use sirloin steak instead of flank or skirt steak for a leaner option.
• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the veggie content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Burrito Bar: Set up a DIY burrito station with all the fillings and toppings, allowing guests to customize their burritos.
• Game Day: Serve mini burritos with a variety of dipping sauces for an easy-to-eat party snack.
• Lunchboxes: Wrap burritos in foil for a portable, mess-free meal.

Special Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan
• Sharp knife for slicing steak
• Aluminum foil for wrapping burritos

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover steak works perfectly. Just slice it thin and warm it up gently before assembling the burritos.

2. What can I use instead of black beans?
You can use pinto beans, refried beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute.

3. How do I keep my burritos from falling apart?
Don’t overfill the tortillas, and be sure to roll them tightly. Warming the tortillas also helps prevent cracking.

4. Can I grill the burritos after rolling them?
Absolutely! Lightly grill or pan-sear the burritos for a crispy exterior and melted cheese.

5. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, grilled or shredded chicken is a great alternative if you prefer poultry over beef.

6. What’s the best way to make this recipe spicy?
Add diced jalapeños, spicy salsa, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the fillings for an extra kick.

7. Can I make these burritos vegan?
Yes, use plant-based steak alternatives, omit the cheese and sour cream, and use vegan-friendly tortillas.

8. What sides go well with steak burritos?
Serve with tortilla chips and salsa, a side of Mexican rice, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Steak burritos are a versatile, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. From the tender, seasoned steak to the customizable fillings, this recipe offers something for everyone. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a party, these burritos are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a Tex-Mex classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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