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Ultimate Steak Burrito Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make!

Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by Simon

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, then you’re going to love this steak burrito recipe! Imagine biting into a warm flour tortilla stuffed with tender, marinated steak, fluffy rice, creamy beans, fresh salsa, and gooey melted cheese. Sounds irresistible, right? Well, this recipe delivers all that and more!

A steak burrito is the perfect meal for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a filling lunch, or even something special for a gathering. It’s versatile, customizable, and can be prepped ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week.

What makes this steak burrito recipe truly outstanding is the perfect combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures. First, the juicy steak, seasoned to perfection, pairs beautifully with the softness of the tortilla and the creaminess of the toppings. Plus, the well-balanced blend of savory, tangy, and spicy elements ensures that every bite is both exciting and delicious.

Another great thing about this recipe? You don’t have to be a professional chef to nail it. With the right ingredients and a few expert tips, you’ll have restaurant-quality steak burritos made in your own kitchen.

So, if you’re ready to take your homemade Mexican food to the next level, keep reading!

Why This Steak Burrito Recipe Works

The key to a delicious steak burrito lies in the steak itself. In this recipe, the steak is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, lime juice, and garlic, ensuring that every bite is juicy and packed with flavor. Choosing the right cut—such as flank steak or skirt steak—also makes a huge difference in tenderness.

2. A Well-Balanced Burrito Filling

A great steak burrito isn’t just about the meat. It’s about creating a perfect balance of ingredients. This recipe includes:

  • Fluffy Mexican rice to add texture and absorb flavors
  • Creamy black or pinto beans for a rich and hearty bite
  • Fresh pico de gallo for a burst of brightness
  • Melty cheese to tie everything together
  • Avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess

3. Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best things about burritos is their flexibility. You can swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Want a low-carb option? Use a low-carb tortilla or turn it into a burrito bowl. Prefer extra spice? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.

4. Meal Prep Friendly

This steak burrito recipe is great for meal prepping. You can marinate the steak in advance, cook extra rice and beans, and store everything separately for easy burrito assembly throughout the week. It’s an ideal solution for busy schedules!

5. Better Than Takeout

Why spend money on takeout when you can make a fresher, healthier, and more flavorful steak burrito at home? This recipe rivals any restaurant burrito, and the best part is that you control the quality of the ingredients.

Now that you know why this recipe is amazing, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

Ingredients Breakdown

To make the ultimate steak burrito recipe, you’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some optional ingredients for customization.

For the Marinated Steak:

  • 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak – These cuts are ideal for burritos because they are flavorful and tender when marinated and cooked properly.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil – Helps to tenderize the meat and distribute the flavors.
  • 3 tbsp lime juice – Adds acidity, which helps break down the meat fibers for a more tender texture.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that deep, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin – A key spice in Mexican cuisine, giving the steak a warm, earthy taste.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the marinade.
  • 1 tsp chili powder – Gives the steak a mild heat kick.
  • ½ tsp onion powder – Enhances the umami flavor.
  • ½ tsp salt – Brings out the natural taste of the beef.
  • ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a little spice and depth.

For the Burrito Filling:

  • 4 large flour tortillas – Burrito-sized tortillas work best for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
  • 1 cup cooked Mexican rice – Use seasoned rice for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed – Adds a creamy texture and protein.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) – Melts beautifully inside the burrito.
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy and savory ingredients.
  • ½ cup pico de gallo – A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
  • 1 avocado, sliced or mashed – Optional, but adds richness and creaminess.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Hot sauce or chopped jalapeños – For extra spice.
  • Shredded lettuce – Adds crunch.
  • Pickled red onions – Gives a tangy flavor contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Marinate the Steak (30 minutes to overnight)

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the steak in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it for 4 hours or overnight.

2: Cook the Steak (10 minutes)

steak burrito recipe - grilled steak
steak burrito recipe – grilled steak
  1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
  3. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare: 130°F, medium: 140°F).
  4. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips against the grain.

3: Prepare the Burrito Fillings (10 minutes)

  1. While the steak is resting, warm the black beans and Mexican rice in separate pans or the microwave.
  2. Dice the avocado, prepare the pico de gallo, and shred the cheese.
  3. Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable.

4: Assemble the Burritos (5 minutes per burrito)

  1. Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
  2. Add a scoop of rice, followed by black beans, steak slices, cheese, and pico de gallo.
  3. Top with sour cream, avocado, and any other desired toppings.
  4. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top.
  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the burrito seam-side down and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
  3. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes to crisp the other side.

Now, your steak burrito is ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Steak Cut

  • Flank steak and skirt steak are the best choices for a burrito because they absorb marinades well and cook quickly.
  • If you prefer a more tender cut, ribeye works great but is richer in fat.

2. Don’t Skip the Marination

  • Marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes helps infuse it with deep flavors.
  • If you’re short on time, massage the marinade into the steak and let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature before cooking.

3. Cook to the Right Temperature

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking. Medium-rare to medium works best for tenderness.

4. Let the Steak Rest Before Slicing

  • Allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes helps retain juices, keeping it moist and flavorful.

5. Slice Against the Grain

  • Cutting the steak against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) makes it more tender and easier to chew.

6. Warm the Tortillas Properly

  • Cold tortillas tend to tear when rolling, so always heat them before assembling.

7. Don’t Overfill the Burrito

  • Adding too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause the burrito to fall apart. Stick to moderate portions.

8. Toasting Makes a Difference

  • Lightly crisping the burrito in a pan locks in the flavors and gives it a delicious texture.

Variants of the Steak Burrito Recipe

One of the best things about a steak burrito is how versatile it is! Whether you’re looking for a healthier version, a spicier kick, or a different twist, here are some delicious variations:

1. Low-Carb Steak Burrito Bowl

If you’re cutting back on carbs, ditch the tortilla and serve everything in a bowl! Pile up the steak, rice (or cauliflower rice), beans, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, and sour cream in a bowl for a nutritious, protein-packed meal.

2. Spicy Chipotle Steak Burrito

For an extra smoky and spicy twist, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the steak marinade. You can also drizzle chipotle mayo or hot sauce inside the burrito for a fiery kick!

3. California-Style Steak Burrito

Inspired by California’s famous burritos, this version includes French fries instead of rice, along with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. It’s an indulgent, crispy, and creamy combination!

4. Breakfast Steak Burrito

Turn this into a breakfast burrito by adding scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns. The steak provides a hearty protein boost to start your day.

5. Keto-Friendly Steak Burrito

Swap the flour tortilla for a cheese wrap or large lettuce leaves to keep it keto-friendly. Skip the beans and add extra avocado and cheese for healthy fats.

6. BBQ Steak Burrito

If you love smoky barbecue flavors, replace the steak marinade with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add caramelized onions and shredded cheddar for a Southern-style twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftover Steak Burritos

If you have extra burritos, you can store them properly to enjoy later without losing their flavor or texture.

  • Refrigeration: Wrap leftover burritos in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: To store burritos for longer, wrap them tightly in foil and then plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Steak Burritos Without Drying Them Out

  • Oven (Best Method for Crispy Burritos) – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), unwrap the burrito, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Skillet (For Crispy Edges) – Place the burrito in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, covering it with a lid to trap heat.
  • Microwave (Quickest Method) – Unwrap the burrito and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. If frozen, microwave for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.

Recipe Card

Steak Burrito Recipe

Recipe by SimonCourse: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

650

kcal

A flavorful, juicy steak burrito loaded with tender marinated beef, rice, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings—better than takeout!

Ingredients

  • For the Steak
  • 1 lb flank or skirt steak

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp lime juice

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • For the Burrito
  • 4 large flour tortillas

  • 1 cup cooked Mexican rice

  • 1 cup black or pinto beans, drained

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • ½ cup pico de gallo

  • 1 avocado, sliced or mashed

Directions

  • Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 4 hours or overnight).
  • Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  • Prepare Fillings: Warm up the beans and rice. Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
  • Assemble the Burrito: Lay a tortilla flat and layer with rice, beans, steak, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, and sour cream. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly.
  • Toast the Burrito (Optional): Heat a dry pan over medium heat and toast the burrito for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Slice in half and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Notes

  • Make It Crispy: Toast burritos in a pan for a golden, crunchy exterior.
  • Marination Tip: Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight gives the best results.

FAQs

How do I keep my burrito from falling apart?

Don’t overfill the tortilla! Also, warming the tortilla first makes it more flexible for rolling.

What’s the best way to make a burrito spicy?

Add jalapeños, hot sauce, chipotle mayo, or extra chili powder in the marinade for more heat.

Can I make this burrito ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and wrap in foil, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

What’s the best steak for burritos?

Flank steak or skirt steak works best due to their flavor and tenderness after marination.

How do I prevent a soggy burrito?

Drain excess liquid from pico de gallo and beans, and toast the burrito in a pan to create a barrier against moisture.

Can I make this burrito dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and cashew sour cream.

Final Thoughts

This steak burrito recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying meals. With juicy, marinated steak, fluffy rice, creamy beans, and fresh toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla, this burrito is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a casual get-together, it’s sure to be a hit!

What makes this recipe even better is its customizability—you can spice it up, go low-carb, or even turn it into a burrito bowl. Plus, by making it at home, you get better quality ingredients and more control over the flavors compared to restaurant versions.

If you love Mexican-inspired meals, you might also enjoy these related recipes:

Now it’s your turn! So, have you tried this steak burrito recipe yet? If so, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments. Plus, don’t forget to snap a pic to show off your creation. Let’s keep the burrito love going together!