1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. California Style Burrito

California Style Burrito

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

The California burrito is like a dream come true for anyone who loves french fries Tender marinated carne asada shares space with hot crispy fries right inside the burrito Melted cheese gets all gooey while rich avocado crema adds this amazing creaminess Fresh salsa adds a perfect kick of flavor and brightness making every bite better than the last Its big its bold and its totally worth making at home No need to visit San Diego when you can wrap up this amazing creation in your own kitchen and customize it just how you like
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:51:57 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A close-up of two grilled burritos filled with meat, pineapple, and topped with guacamole, served alongside fresh tomatoes and pineapple chunks. Pin it
A close-up of two grilled burritos filled with meat, pineapple, and topped with guacamole, served alongside fresh tomatoes and pineapple chunks. | cookingkeys.com

These California burritos bring back such wonderful memories of my time in San Diego! I fell in love with them at a tiny taco shop near the beach, and recreating them at home has been pure joy. That incredible combination of crispy fries and tender carne asada wrapped in a warm tortilla it's like sunshine and comfort food rolled into one!

What Makes These Special

This isn't your ordinary burrito! Those seasoned fries tucked inside create this amazing contrast of textures, while the marinated carne asada adds such incredible flavor. When my friend tried these for the first time, she couldn't believe we'd been eating burritos without fries all these years! That creamy avocado sauce brings everything together in the most perfect way.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • The Stars:
    • Fresh steak
    • Russet potatoes
    • Ripe avocados
    • Large tortillas
    • Sharp cheese
  • The Magic Touch:
    • Citrus juices
    • Fresh herbs
    • Smoky spices
    • Cool sour cream
    • Zesty salsa

Creating Burrito Magic

Perfect Carne
Watching that marinated steak sizzle on the grill fills the backyard with the most incredible aroma! The way it gets those beautiful charred edges while staying juicy inside is pure magic.
Crispy Fries
Those potatoes turning golden and crispy in the oven smell amazing! The spices create such a wonderful Mexican twist on classic fries.
Final Assembly
Rolling everything together into one perfect package is so satisfying. Each ingredient finds its perfect place!
Two tortillas filled with seasoned beef, pineapple, and cilantro, sitting on a wooden board, with additional garnishes and a bowl of salsa in the background. Pin it
Two tortillas filled with seasoned beef, pineapple, and cilantro, sitting on a wooden board, with additional garnishes and a bowl of salsa in the background. | cookingkeys.com

My Burrito Secrets

Want to know what makes these burritos extra special? Marinate the steak overnight it makes such a difference in flavor. Double-cook those fries until they're super crispy they'll stay crunchier inside the burrito. And here's my favorite trick: warm your tortillas and let them rest under a kitchen towel they become so pliable and perfect for rolling!

Perfect for Sharing

These burritos are absolutely perfect for gatherings! I love setting up a little assembly line and letting everyone build their own. It's such fun watching people's eyes light up when they realize there are fries inside. My teenagers always invite their friends over when they know California burritos are on the menu!

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep so many components ahead of time! Marinate the steak, make the avocado crema, and even cook the fries in advance. Then when you're ready to eat, just grill the steak and assemble. Though honestly, in our house, they disappear so quickly that make-ahead isn't usually necessary!

Customize Your Way

While this version is classic San Diego style, feel free to make it your own! Sometimes I'll add pico de gallo for extra freshness, or chipotle sauce for some heat. My friend makes hers with sweet potato fries absolutely delicious! The joy of cooking is in making each recipe perfectly suited to your taste.

A close-up of two grilled burritos filled with seasoned meat, pineapple, tomatoes, and guacamole, resting on a wooden surface. Pin it
A close-up of two grilled burritos filled with seasoned meat, pineapple, tomatoes, and guacamole, resting on a wooden surface. | cookingkeys.com

West Coast Love

These California burritos have become such a beloved tradition in our home! They remind me of warm beach days and that amazing San Diego food scene. Every time I make them, it's like sharing a piece of California sunshine with friends and family. Who knew that putting fries in a burrito could bring so much joy to the table?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes a California burrito different?

A California burrito is unique because it includes French fries inside the burrito along with carne asada. This San Diego creation differs from traditional Mexican burritos by combining American and Mexican flavors.

→ Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, these burritos freeze really well for up to 3 months. Just wrap them individually in foil and store in a freezer bag. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

→ What's the best way to warm the tortillas?

The best way is to wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This makes them soft and pliable for easy rolling without breaking.

→ Can I substitute the avocado crema?

Yes, you can use regular guacamole and sour cream instead. The avocado crema just combines these flavors into one sauce for easier assembly.

→ How do I keep my burritos from getting soggy?

Make sure to let the carne asada and fries cool before assembling. Also, avoid adding too much wet ingredients, and if freezing, make sure everything is completely cool before wrapping.

California Style Burrito

A hearty San Diego favorite packed with grilled carne asada, crispy fries, cheese, and creamy avocado sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (8-10 burritos)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8-10 large flour tortillas (burrito size).
02 2-3 cups mixed cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
03 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced (optional).
04 2 large ripe avocados.
05 1 cup sour cream.
06 1/4 cup mayo.
07 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
08 1/2 teaspoon salt.
09 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
10 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
11 1 batch prepared carne asada.
12 1 batch Mexican-style french fries.
13 1 batch fresh salsa or store-bought.

Instructions

Step 01

Blend avocados, sour cream, mayo, lime juice, salt, cumin and garlic powder until smooth. Keep cold until needed.

Step 02

Heat grill to medium. Cook pineapple slices 6-8 minutes each side until they get nice char marks. Chop and set aside.

Step 03

Wrap tortillas in foil, warm in 350°F oven for 10 minutes until soft.

Step 04

Layer each tortilla with carne asada, hot fries, cheese, avocado sauce, salsa and grilled pineapple if using.

Step 05

Fold sides in, then bottom up and roll tight to seal.

Step 06

Heat oiled skillet over medium-high. Toast burritos until golden on all sides.

Notes

  1. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  2. Let fillings cool before assembling for freezing.
  3. Can substitute avocado sauce with regular guacamole and sour cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill.
  • Blender.
  • Skillet.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.
  • Eggs (in mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g