When it comes to crafting the perfect Mexican breakfast burrito, there’s a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients that makes this meal a beloved choice for many. Breakfast burritos are the perfect combination of eggs, proteins, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Whether you’re in a rush or looking for a weekend indulgence, Mexican breakfast burritos can be customized to suit any preference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a traditional recipe, explore some creative variations, and provide insights into making burritos healthier and perfect for meal prepping.
Why Mexican Breakfast Burritos Are a Must-Try
Breakfast burritos have become a popular morning staple, blending the flavors of classic Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a grab-and-go meal. Originally from Northern Mexico, these burritos have made their way into households and restaurants worldwide, especially in regions like the Southwestern U.S., where Tex-Mex cuisine thrives.
With ingredients like eggs, bacon, chorizo, and salsa verde, breakfast burritos are packed with flavor, nutrition, and versatility. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity: you can easily swap out ingredients, like switching bacon for sausage or adding fresh vegetables for a healthier twist.
Learn how to make burritos part of your regular meal prep and explore creative fillings in this step-by-step guide to Mexican omelettes for more inspiration.
Essential Ingredients for a Traditional Mexican Breakfast Burrito
A classic Mexican breakfast burrito starts with a handful of staple ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s a basic recipe that you can adjust based on your preferences:
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, scrambled
- 2 slices of bacon or chorizo (cooked)
- ½ cup cooked diced potatoes
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 large flour tortilla
- 2 tablespoons salsa (verde or roja)
- ¼ avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon or chorizo: Fry the bacon until crispy or cook the chorizo until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: Microwave or sauté diced potatoes until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scramble the eggs: Whisk the eggs in a bowl and cook them in a nonstick pan, scrambling them until just set.
- Warm the tortilla: Heat the tortilla in a skillet or over a flame until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the burrito: Add the scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, cheese, and salsa to the center of the tortilla. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro if desired.
- Fold and wrap: Tuck in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to create your burrito.
Want to spice things up? Add a touch of hot sauce or roasted pico de gallo for extra flavor. Check out this recipe for fajita chicken casserole to explore more Mexican flavors that complement your breakfast burrito.
Customizing Your Breakfast Burrito
The beauty of a breakfast burrito lies in its versatility. While the basic combination of eggs, cheese, and protein is classic, there are numerous variations you can try to match your tastes.
Popular Variations:
- Vegetarian Burrito: Swap out the meat for black beans, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add a little queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican touch.
- Chorizo Burrito: Use spicy Mexican chorizo instead of bacon for a rich, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese.
- Carne Asada Burrito: Replace breakfast meats with marinated and grilled carne asada. This steak version is often paired with roasted salsa and guacamole for a hearty meal.
- Healthy Burrito: Use egg whites, turkey bacon, and whole wheat tortillas. Add spinach, tomatoes, and avocado to keep it fresh and light.
If you love making variations of classic dishes, you might also enjoy experimenting with different breakfast concepts like Mexican chicken pinwheels, which use similar ingredients in a fun, portable format.
How to Fold a Burrito Properly
Folding your burrito properly is essential to keeping all those delicious ingredients tucked inside. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your burrito stays intact:
- Place the filling: Lay the tortilla flat, placing the filling in the center.
- Fold the sides in: Fold the left and right edges toward the center over the filling.
- Roll tightly: Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla upward, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Seal the burrito: For a cleaner finish, reheat the burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet for a minute or two to create a seal.
This folding technique will also come in handy when you’re preparing your burritos for freezing and reheating.
Meal Prep and Freezing Tips
One of the biggest benefits of Mexican breakfast burritos is how easily they can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for future meals. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast for the week or stocking up for busy mornings, freezing burritos is a great option.
Freezing Instructions:
- Allow the fillings to cool: This prevents moisture from building up and making the burrito soggy.
- Wrap individually: Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh in the freezer.
- Label and store: Place the burritos in a single layer in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, microwave the burrito (unwrapped) for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a crispier texture, pop it in a skillet after microwaving.
You can also prepare other delicious make-ahead dishes like slow cooker beef tips and noodles for a complete comfort food meal plan.
Nutritional Breakdown of Mexican Breakfast Burritos
The nutritional content of a Mexican breakfast burrito depends on the ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea of what to expect for a standard burrito:
- Calories: 400-600 per burrito
- Protein: 20-30 grams
- Carbs: 40-50 grams (from the tortilla and potatoes)
- Fat: 15-25 grams (from cheese, eggs, and meat)
For a lighter version, opt for whole wheat tortillas, egg whites, and leaner proteins like turkey bacon or grilled chicken.
Toppings and Side Dishes
A breakfast burrito can be enjoyed as-is, but adding toppings or pairing it with a side dish can elevate the meal.
Topping Ideas:
- Salsa Verde: Adds a tangy, spicy kick.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado complements the rich flavors of eggs and meat.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brighten up the dish.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a little extra heat.
If you’re looking for a side dish to complement your burrito, consider making a light Mexican street corn pasta salad or a refreshing tomato soup with cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is typically in a Mexican breakfast burrito?
A traditional Mexican breakfast burrito consists of scrambled eggs, bacon or chorizo, potatoes, cheese, and salsa. Variations can include vegetables, steak, and different cheeses.
How do I prevent my breakfast burrito from becoming soggy?
Allow the cooked ingredients to cool before assembling the burrito, and avoid adding too much salsa or other wet ingredients inside. Toasting the burrito in a skillet after wrapping can also help keep it from becoming soggy.
Can I freeze breakfast burritos?
Absolutely! Breakfast burritos freeze well and can be reheated for quick meals. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Conclusion
Mexican breakfast burritos offer endless possibilities for customization, whether you prefer a classic egg-and-bacon combo or are looking for a healthier alternative with fresh veggies and whole wheat tortillas. These versatile meals are perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend breakfasts. Don’t hesitate to try out new fillings or side dishes, like a flavorful fajita chicken casserole or Mexican street corn pasta salad.
Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, and remember that with a little prep, you can make these burritos a staple of your weekly meal plan!
PrintBest Mexican Breakfast Burritos: Easy Recipe & Variations
Mexican breakfast burritos are a versatile and flavorful meal that blends eggs, proteins (like bacon or chorizo), vegetables, and cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Originally from Northern Mexico, this convenient grab-and-go meal has gained worldwide popularity, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. These burritos can be customized with a variety of fillings and are perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 burrito
Ingredients
– 2 large eggs, scrambled
– 2 slices of bacon or chorizo, cooked
– ½ cup cooked diced potatoes
– ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
– 1 large flour tortilla
– 2 tablespoons salsa (verde or roja)
– ¼ avocado, sliced (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
– 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon or chorizo: Fry the bacon until crispy or cook the chorizo until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Microwave or sauté diced potatoes until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Scramble the eggs: Whisk the eggs and cook them in a nonstick pan, scrambling them until just set.
4. Warm the tortilla: Heat the tortilla in a skillet or over a flame until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the burrito: Add scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, cheese, and salsa to the center of the tortilla. Optionally, top with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
6. Fold and wrap: Tuck in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to create the burrito.
Notes
– Variations: You can customize the recipe by swapping bacon for sausage, using black beans or vegetables for a vegetarian option, or adding hot sauce for a spicy kick.
– Freezing: Burritos can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap before storing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying and scrambling
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 400-600
- Sugar: 3-5 grams
- Sodium: 800-1,200 mg
- Fat: 15-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5-10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Fiber: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 20-30 grams
- Cholesterol: 200-300 mg
Keywords: Mexican breakfast burrito, easy breakfast burrito, customizable burrito, breakfast meal prep, Tex-Mex burrito