Carne Asada Burritos

If you love bold Mexican flavors but don’t love the restaurant price tag, these Carne Asada Burritos are exactly what you need. Tender citrus-garlic marinated steak, melty cheese, creamy refried beans, and fresh pico de gallo are wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and lightly toasted for that authentic street-style finish.

This easy steak burrito recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home using simple, affordable ingredients for a family favorite meal!

What is Carne Asada?

Carne asada means “grilled meat” in Spanish and typically refers to citrus-marinated flank or skirt steak that’s grilled over high heat and sliced thin against the grain. The marinade usually includes lime or orange juice, garlic, oil, and simple spices for bold, slightly smoky flavor.

It’s commonly used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and rice bowls, making it a popular street-style Mexican dish that’s quick to cook, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Flank Steak or Skirt Steak (excess fat removed) – I love using flank steak or skirt steak in this recipe but sirloin steak or round steak will work as well.  
• Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
• Soy Sauce – If you are out, see Best Soy Sauce Substitute for delicious flavor to the carne asada marinade
• Orange Juice – Substitute with lime juices, lemon juice or any citrus juices of your choice
• Cloves Garlic – See How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Chili Powder – If you are out, see The Best Chili Powder Substitute
• Cumin  – See Best Substitute for Cumin
• Ancho Chili Powder – Adds a hint of spicy, sweet and smoking flavor
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Simple spice addition

• Burrito-Sized Flour Tortillas – We like using large flour tortillas
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese – Use freshly shredded cheese
• Refried Beans – Use canned or homemade refried beans
• Pico De Gallo – Try this Easy Pico De Gallo Recipe that packed with flavor
• Cilantro– Chop into bite-size pieces. You can even add in chopped onion.
• Oil – Use oil of your choice – Avocado or olive oil are great options

Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe.

How to Make Carne Asada Burritos

Step 1 – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the carne asada ingredients except for the steak. 

Step 2 – Add the steak to the marinade and turn it a few times to make sure it’s completely covered with the marinade. 

Step 3 – Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours but no more than 8 hours. 

Step 4 – Preheat a grill over medium high heat.  Remove the steak from the marinade and let the excess marinade drip off the steak. Place directly on the grill and cook with the lid closed on the grill for 4-8 minutes per side until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 135-145 degrees F. 

Step 5 – Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.  Slice the steak thinly against the grain and chop into bite size pieces. 

Step 6 – Assemble the burritos. Lay the tortillas out on a work surface. Spread the refried beans evenly onto the middle of each tortilla. Layer evenly with the beef, pico de gallo, cilantro and shredded cheese. Then fold tortilla around the filling.  

Step 7 – Heat the oil in a large skillet or over a griddle. Place the burritos in the hot skillet and start cooking seam side down. You can also heat on a grill pan.

Step 8 – Continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes per each side until the burritos are sealed shut and browned slightly. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Burrito Filling – You can easily omit any toppings you don’t want or add in your favorites to make this burrito  your own. 
• Toasting Burrito – We recommend not skipping this step. This simple step holds the burrito together giving that extra crunch and holding its shape.
• Serving – This burrito is best served right after making it.

Flavor Variations

• Creamy Filling – Mix jalapeno ranch mixture, Copycat Qdoba Queso Recipe or even sour cream for a delicious and creamy filling.
• Spicy – For a hint of spicy drizzle hot sauce or add in ½ tsp of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Serve topped with guacamole and sliced jalapenos for a delicious steak burrito.
• California Burrito – Add in french fries and add in shredded lettuce for a California classic.

What to Serve with Carne Asada Burritos

These Carne Asada Burritos are best served with Queso Fundido and tortilla chips. Add a side of Mexican Rice and Crockpot Refried Beans for a complete meal idea.

We have even added a side of Black Bean Corn Salsa. For even more ideas, see Side Dishes for Burritos.