Recipes

Mexican Burritos - Build Your Own (Serves 4)

Base serves 2 with leftovers — slide to scale the ingredients.

Interactive family meal where everyone builds their perfect burrito. Features a flavorful cilantro lime rice base, seasoned proteins, and all the classic toppings.

Ingredients

Rice Base:

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
  • 2¼ cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt

Beans:

  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 2 tbsp water or broth to thin

Peppers & Onions:

  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper

Protein Options:

Ground Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper

OR Shredded Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Vegetarian Option:

  • Use beans as protein, or add plant-based meat crumbles

Toppings Bar:

  • 8-10 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
  • 1 avocado, diced (or guacamole)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Make Cilantro Lime Rice:

  • Rinse rice until water runs clear
  • In a pot, combine rice, water/broth, butter, and salt
  • Bring to boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes
  • Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes covered
  • Fluff with fork, stir in lime juice and cilantro

2. Prepare Beans:

  • In a small pot, warm black beans over medium heat
  • Add cumin, garlic powder, and salt
  • Mash slightly with a fork or potato masher (optional, for creamier beans)
  • Add water/broth if too thick

3. Cook Peppers & Onions:

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Add peppers and onions, cook 8-10 minutes until softened and slightly charred
  • Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper
  • Set aside

4. Cook Protein:

For Ground Beef:

  • In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (5-7 minutes)
  • Add garlic, spices, salt, and pepper
  • Add ¼ cup water and simmer 2-3 minutes until absorbed

For Shredded Chicken:

  • Season chicken with spices, salt, and pepper
  • Cook in skillet with oil over medium heat until cooked through (6-8 minutes per side)
  • Let rest 5 minutes, then shred with two forks

5. Warm Tortillas:

  • Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in 300°F oven for 10 minutes
  • OR wrap in damp paper towel and microwave 30-45 seconds

6. Set Up Toppings Bar:

  • Arrange all components in bowls on counter or table
  • Let everyone build their own burrito!

How to Build a Burrito:

  1. Warm tortilla on a plate
  2. Add rice down the center
  3. Add beans
  4. Add protein of choice
  5. Add peppers & onions
  6. Add cheese, sour cream, salsa
  7. Add lettuce, tomato, avocado
  8. Fold sides in, then roll from bottom up

Notes:

  • Make ahead: Rice, beans, and proteins can be made ahead and reheated
  • Leftovers: Great for burrito bowls the next day (skip the tortilla)
  • Kid-friendly: Toddlers can have a deconstructed burrito bowl with plain rice, beans, and cheese
  • Time saver: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken
  • Vegetarian option: Black beans plus plant-based meat crumbles, or extra veggies
  • Meal prep: Components keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated

Estimated Time:

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 30 minutes
  • Total: 45 minutes (but most can cook simultaneously)