Steak Burrito Recipe – How to Make a Juicy, Flavor-Packed Homemade Burrito
Introduction
There are few meals that bring together bold flavour, satisfying textures and comfort in one handheld wrap quite like the steak burrito. Imagine juicy slices of perfectly seasoned and seared steak nestled within a warm flour tortilla, accompanied by cheese, beans, rice and fresh toppings. When the components come together right, the dish hits rich and savoury notes, balanced by a hint of brightness from cilantro or lime. For home cooks seeking to impress or simply treat themselves to something indulgent yet homemade, a steak burrito delivers big on taste while still allowing creativity in how it is built. Whether you are feeding a hungry family, planning a casual weeknight dinner or prepping for lunch boxes, this recipe offers both versatility and flavour. The key lies in picking quality steak, prepping good fillings, and wrapping with care so each bite is unified, not messy. I want to guide you through how to make a steak burrito that tastes restaurant-style but comes together in your kitchen, and along the way share tips and nutritional insight so you feel confident serving it.

Ingredients Needed
Here is a table listing the key ingredients along with approximate calorie counts for each major component. Note that exact calories will vary based on portion sizes and brands.
| Ingredient | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|
| 8 oz (about 225 g) steak (lean cut) | ~ 450 kcal |
| 2 large flour tortillas | ~ 330 kcal (165 each) |
| 1 cup cooked white rice | ~ 200 kcal |
| ½ cup cooked black beans | ~ 110 kcal |
| ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese | ~ 220 kcal |
| ¼ cup sour cream | ~ 120 kcal |
| ½ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo | ~ 40 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking) | ~ 120 kcal |
| Optional toppings (avocado, jalapeños, cilantro) | ~ 80 kcal |
Total approximate calories per burrito (with above quantities): ~ 1670 kcal (for two burritos this total divided by two ~ 835 kcal each).
These numbers serve as a guideline for you to adjust portion sizes and make it lighter or more indulgent as you prefer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the steak and seasonings
Choose a lean but flavourful cut such as flank, skirt or sirloin. Trim excess fat if desired and cut into slices or strips for faster cooking. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You may also optionally add a little cumin, paprika or garlic powder for extra depth.
2. Cook the rice and beans
Begin cooking your rice according to package instructions so it is ready when the steak is done. For beans, rinse and heat them gently in a small saucepan with a splash of water, a pinch of salt and optional cumin or chili powder to give them flavour.Don’t forget to explore Shrimp Burrito_ for more inspiration.
3. Sear the steak
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pan is hot and shimmering, add the steak strips in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side (you should hear a good sizzle), then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until you reach your desired doneness (medium rare to medium works well). Remove the steak and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing or chopping into bite-sized pieces. Resting helps juices redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.
4. Warm the tortillas and assemble fillings
Warm your flour tortillas briefly on a dry skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp cloth. Lay one tortilla flat and in the centre place a line of rice, then beans, then sliced steak, shredded cheese, sour cream and salsa. Add any optional toppings such as avocado slices, jalapeños or chopped cilantro.
5. Fold and roll the burrito
To roll properly: fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then holding the folded sides in place, roll from the bottom up to encase the fillings. Make sure to keep a tight roll so nothing falls out. If you like, you can place the rolled burrito back into the skillet seam side down for 1-2 minutes per side to crisp the tortilla slightly and lock in the fillings.
6. Serve immediately
Slice the burrito in half at an angle for a nice presentation and serve while warm so the cheese is melted and the fillings still warm.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Choose your steak cut: While flank or skirt steak give great flavour and texture, you can also use sirloin or rib-eye if you prefer richer beef. Just adjust cooking time if the cut is thicker.
- Switch out the tortilla: For a lighter version use a whole wheat tortilla or even a lower-carb wrap. You can also go for a corn tortilla if you favour a different texture.
- Go extra veggies: Add sautéed peppers and onions, grilled zucchini strips or spinach for more bulk, colour and nutrients.
- Alter the beans and rice: Use brown rice for extra fibre or replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter version. Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans as desired.
- Change the cheese and sauce: Use a flavourful queso fresco, pepper jack or skip cheese altogether if you want a lighter feel. Sour cream can be replaced or complemented with Greek yogurt for tang and protein.
- Make it spicy or mild: Add pickled jalapeños, fresh chopped chilies or a smoky chipotle sauce to ramp up heat. For milder, go heavier on cilantro, lime juice or even a mild avocado crema.
- Make it vegetarian or plant-forward: Use grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu in place of steak and keep the rice, beans and toppings to maintain structure and flavour.

Nutritional Information
Here are some general nutritional insight notes to consider when enjoying a steak burrito:
Serving Suggestions
A steak burrito pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes and drinks. Consider the following for a complete meal:
- Fresh pico de gallo or chopped tomato and onion with lime, on the side for brightness.
- A side of crisp corn tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa adds crunch and freshness.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers or corn provide colour, texture and balance.
- A light green salad with cilantro-lime vinaigrette helps cut the richness.
- For drinks: a chilled glass of iced tea with lemon, sparkling mineral water with lime or a fresh aguas frescas (e.g., watermelon or cucumber-mint) work well.
- Dessert idea: Fresh fruit like pineapple or mango slices compliment the lime and cheese in the burrito and can end the meal on a lighter note.
Steak Burrito Recipe – How to Make a Juicy, Flavor-Packed Homemade Burrito
Course: Blog2
servings15
minutes15
minutes835
kcalIngredients
8 oz (225 g) steak (flank, skirt, or sirloin)
2 large flour tortillas
1 cup cooked white rice
½ cup cooked black beans
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
Directions
- Prep the steak: Trim excess fat and cut into strips. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional spices like cumin or paprika.
- Cook rice and beans: Cook rice as per package instructions. Heat beans in a small saucepan with a pinch of salt and optional cumin or chili powder.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak strips 2-3 minutes per side until desired doneness. Rest 2 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble burritos: On each tortilla, layer rice, beans, steak, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and optional toppings.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use lean steak cuts like flank or skirt for tender, flavorful results.
Adjust toppings and fillings to your preference for a lighter or spicier version.
Burritos can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently to retain juiciness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of steak works best for a steak burrito?
Lean cuts like flank, skirt or sirloin are excellent because they cook quickly and slice easily into strips. Choose a cut that you feel comfortable cooking and adjust for thickness.
Can I make the steak ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the steak ahead (even a day before) and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the burrito. Pre-cut slices will speed up assembly.
Can the burrito be made ahead and frozen?
You can wrap the burrito in foil, freeze it, and then when ready, unwrap and heat in an oven or grill to warm through and crisp the tortilla. For best texture, add fresh toppings like salsa or avocado after heating.
Is it possible to make a lighter version?
Absolutely. Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, reduce or omit rice, use brown rice, choose low-fat cheese or yogurt instead of sour cream. Add extra vegetables and control portion sizes of cheese and toppings.
How do I prevent the tortilla from falling apart or leaking?
Warm the tortilla so it is pliable before filling. Avoid over-filling. Roll tight and fold the sides in before rolling the bottom up. Optionally crisp the burrito seam side down in a skillet to seal and strengthen the wrap.
What toppings or sauces should I avoid if I want a cleaner ingredient list?
Avoid heavy creamy sauces, overly processed cheese mixes or highly salted store-bought beans. Use fresh salsa, plain black beans, real cheese and fresh herbs/citrus for more natural flavour.
Conclusion
A steak burrito is more than just a convenient wrap – it is a satisfying fusion of bold flavours and textures that can be crafted at home with care and intention. With the right steak, fresh fillings and thoughtful toppings you can elevate this dish from quick meal to memorable feast. As you make it your own – customising rice, beans, cheese, sauces and tortilla types – you find the balance that fits your taste and nutritional goals. Invite friends or family, serve it warm with fresh sides, and enjoy the rich, comforting pleasure that this meal brings.
