If you are craving a hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal, this Steak Burrito Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Packed with tender marinated steak, zesty spices, creamy avocado, and fresh pico de gallo, each bite is a celebration of vibrant textures and bold tastes all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe combines simple, quality ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish that your family and friends will rave about every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward nailing this Steak Burrito Recipe. Each item, from the spices to the toppings, plays a crucial role in building those rich, layered flavors and ensuring the perfect texture and color harmony in every bite.
- 1 pound flank steak (or skirt/sirloin), thinly sliced: The star protein that gets infused with vibrant spices for deep flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade penetrate the steak and keeps it juicy while cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory aroma and a hint of sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the marinade with refreshing citrus notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy base to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle heat that awakens the palate.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth without overpowering the steak.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- 4 large flour tortillas (12 inch): Soft wraps to hold the delicious ingredients together.
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime): Adds tenderness and substance to each bite.
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts protein and brings a creamy texture contrast.
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- ½ cup pico de gallo (or chopped tomatoes): Provides freshness and a zesty kick.
- ½ cup avocado (sliced or guacamole): Creamy richness that balances the spices.
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt, optional): Adds coolness and smoothness to complement the heat.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Introduces a vibrant herbal note.
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional): For those who love an extra spicy punch.
How to Make Steak Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by creating a flavorful marinade that really seeps into the steak. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss the thinly sliced steak in this mixture until every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, allowing it to marinate for up to 2 hours will intensify those flavors even more.
Step 2: Cook the Steak to Perfection
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the marinated steak slices in the pan and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The goal is to get a nice caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. After cooking, let the steak rest for five minutes—this step is crucial for preserving that moisture. Then slice thinly across the grain if it’s not already sliced, ensuring maximum tenderness with every bite.
Step 3: Warm Your Tortillas
Nothing ruins a burrito like a stiff tortilla. So briefly warm each flour tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable. This makes the rolling process much easier and the burrito more enjoyable to eat.
Step 4: Layer the Burrito Fillings
Lay your warmed tortillas flat and start layering. Begin with a generous scoop of cooked rice, followed by black beans for a creamy, hearty base. Add your perfectly cooked steak next, then scatter the melted Mexican blend cheese over the top to add gooey richness. Spoon on fresh pico de gallo to brighten the flavors, then add creamy avocado or guacamole for that luscious texture. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if using. Each ingredient is key to achieving the authentic taste and texture you crave.
Step 5: Roll and Seal Your Burrito
Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly from the bottom up. For an extra touch of crispness and to seal the burrito so nothing escapes, place it seam-side down on a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. This little step adds a beautiful golden crust that’s just irresistible.
How to Serve Steak Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished burritos with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to enhance the vibrant flavors. A drizzle of hot sauce adds a delightful kick for spice lovers. Some grilled jalapeños or thinly sliced radishes can also add a fun crunch and heat contrast.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a side of Mexican street corn seasoned with chili powder and cotija cheese, or a crisp green salad dressed with lime and olive oil to balance the richness. Rice and beans served alongside offer a comforting, familiar touch, while chips with guacamole provide a satisfying crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the burrito in half at a diagonal and stacking the halves for a visually appealing presentation. Serve on a colorful platter with small bowls of extra toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a DIY flavor boost. You can also wrap your burrito in foil for casual picnics or lunchboxes, making it perfect to enjoy on-the-go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak, rice, beans, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps the ingredients keep their texture and flavor without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Fully assembled burritos can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months. To avoid watery burritos, consider freezing components like steak and beans separately and assembling fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat your burrito in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and the tortilla is crisp. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the tortilla too much, so a skillet gives the best texture and flavor revival.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, skirt steak or sirloin also work wonderfully. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it necessary to marinate the steak?
Marinating is key to infusing the meat with spices and tenderizing it, but if you’re short on time, seasoning the steak just before cooking is still a good option. You’ll miss some depth of flavor but the burrito will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace steak with grilled veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, or use plant-based protein alternatives. Keep the same seasoning and toppings to maintain the tasty style.
What can I substitute for the flour tortillas?
You could swap flour tortillas for large whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added nutrition or a different flavor profile. Corn tortillas are traditional but tend to be smaller and less flexible for burritos.
How do I make the burrito less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce or omit the chili powder and hot sauce. Using mild cheese and creamy toppings like guacamole and sour cream also helps balance spicy notes.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Burrito Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a get-together, it offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and enjoy the magic of making this delicious meal at home!
Print
Steak Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This steak burrito recipe features tender marinated flank steak cooked to perfection, wrapped in warm flour tortillas with a delicious combination of rice, black beans, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, and optional creamy and fresh toppings. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, this handheld meal is both satisfying and flavorful, ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak (or skirt steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Burrito Fillings
- 4 large flour tortillas (12 inch)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
- ½ cup pico de gallo (or chopped tomatoes)
- ½ cup avocado, sliced or guacamole
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely seared and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice thinly against the grain if not already sliced.
- Warm the Tortillas: Briefly warm each flour tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until the tortilla becomes pliable and easy to fold.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay each warmed tortilla flat. Layer on cooked rice, black beans, sliced steak, Mexican blend cheese, pico de gallo, and avocado or guacamole. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top if using. Add hot sauce according to your preference.
- Fold and Roll: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from one edge to the other to create a burrito. For a crisp finish and to seal the burrito, place it seam-side down on a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly browned and sealed.
Notes
- Marinating the steak longer will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use skirt or sirloin steak as alternatives to flank steak for different textures.
- Warm tortillas just before assembling to avoid tearing while rolling.
- Customize fillings by adding sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor.
- For a lower calorie version, omit cheese and sour cream or swap for low-fat Greek yogurt.
