A burrito on a plate with guacamole and sour cream
This recipe is dedicated to my friend Sam, a young entrepreneur who is passionate about learning to cook (and eat). He asked me to teach him how to prepare Burritos...  so I had to learn how first!
Burritos for beginners

Burritos are a perfect example of how thoughtful layering and balanced seasoning can transform simple ingredients into a complete, satisfying meal. Originating in northern Mexico and popularized across the American Southwest, the burrito has evolved into a versatile format that accommodates countless fillings—rice, beans, vegetables, eggs, meats, and sauces—all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The key is in the construction: each component should be well-seasoned, properly cooked, and proportioned so the burrito eats neatly and delivers flavor in every bite.

Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a well-made burrito showcases both culinary technique and comfort.



This recipe is outstanding, and one of the best parts is how easily you can adapt the fillings to suit your preferences. Whether you lean toward classic beans and rice, roasted vegetables, braised meats, or breakfast favorites, the burrito becomes a blank canvas for creativity and flavor.



Burritos

Prep Time: 60 min

Cooking Time: 15 min

Yield: 4 portions


Ingredients       

4  ea                   Flour tortilla; 8 or 10 inch                                                                                   

1 C                      Cilantro Rice pilaf

1. C                     Tomato salsa/ chopped tomatoes

1  C.                    Black beans, stewed

1 C                      Ground beef, chili spices

4 Tbsp              Cheddar, shredded


4 Tbsp              Sour cream, salsa, hot sauce etc...


How to Prepare Burritos

A pot filled with rice and greens is being cooked
A close up of a tortilla with meat and rice on a cutting board.
A tortilla with meat rice and cheese on it
A person is rolling a burrito on a cutting board.


Step 1

Set up mise en place of the fillings you plan to roll into your burrito.



Warm a tortilla to soften for rolling, place the tortilla onto a clean surface.

Spread with cilantro rice, in the center being careful to leave room to roll the tortilla. Top with black beans, spicy cooked meat, etc...


Step 2

Add diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, etc... again, being careful not to overstuff or the burrito will crack/split.




Step 3

Roll the tortilla halfway; fold the left & right side in, then roll completely.


A burrito on a plate with guacamole and sour cream

Step 4

Split the burrito and place onto a plate with your favorite condiments, enjoy.





 

By Tom Griffiths January 16, 2026
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By Tom Griffiths January 16, 2026
I still remember cooking breakfast burritos with my son Daniel, for volunteer workers at church events—simple, hearty, and made to fuel a long day of service. The workers were always so appreciative. Years later, I served a crowd favorite, nicknamed “The Bacon-ator,” a breakfast superstar inspired by the over-the-top spirit of fast-food indulgence. We had a popular food booth at the local country fair, where we cooked hundreds of breakfast burritos each day-stuffed with Mexican cheeses, extra bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh salsa—nothing pre-made, nothing rushed. Every burrito was warm, fresh, and full of flavor. When food is made with love, even the most straightforward breakfast is memorable.
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Paella is a Mediterranean dish originating in the Valencia region of Spain. It is a humble meal, originally cooked on an open fire. I’ve enjoyed many wonderful paella meals in Spain. In Valencia I had a local paella with rabbit, snails and local beans. Short-grained rice is always used to prepare Paella, there are several great Spanish varieties like Bomba and Calasparra , prized for absorbing the delicious, flavorful stock and flavors of the ingredients without getting mushy. This is important for creating the dish's signature, crusty bottom layer called the socarrat. Paella is all about the rice!
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I still remember cooking breakfast burritos with my son Daniel, for volunteer workers at church events—simple, hearty, and made to fuel a long day of service. The workers were always so appreciative. Years later, I served a crowd favorite, nicknamed “The Bacon-ator,” a breakfast superstar inspired by the over-the-top spirit of fast-food indulgence. We had a popular food booth at the local country fair, where we cooked hundreds of breakfast burritos each day-stuffed with Mexican cheeses, extra bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh salsa—nothing pre-made, nothing rushed. Every burrito was warm, fresh, and full of flavor. When food is made with love, even the most straightforward breakfast is memorable. 
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