This hearty Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito combines marinated beef, sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a satisfying way to start your day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada:
- 1½ lbs skirt steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp carne asada seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups frozen diced potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 6 eggs, whisked
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 4 (12-inch) flour tortillas
Directions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef strips with carne asada seasoning and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned. Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and tomatoes. Add the frozen potatoes and cook until tender, about 5-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the whisked eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until scrambled and set. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture back to the skillet with the eggs and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay the flour tortillas flat and sprinkle each with ½ cup of shredded cheese. Spoon the beef, vegetable, and egg mixture onto the cheese. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up to enclose the filling.
- Grill the Burritos: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down and cook until the tortillas are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 1163
- Total Fat: 63g (81% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 31g (156% DV)
- Cholesterol: 437mg (146% DV)
- Sodium: 3109mg (135% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 83g (30% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 7g (24% DV)
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 65g (129% DV)
- Vitamin C: 42mg (47% DV)
- Calcium: 641mg (49% DV)
- Iron: 9mg (50% DV)
- Potassium: 1043mg (22% DV)
The Allure of Carne Asada
Carne Asada, which translates to “grilled beef” in Spanish, is a Mexican dish that typically consists of marinated and grilled flank steak or skirt steak, known for its rich flavor and tender texture. In the context of the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito, the meat is seasoned with a variety of spices, grilled to perfection, and then sliced or chopped to create an easy-to-eat filling. The key to a great carne asada lies in the marinade, which often includes ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, and cumin. The combination of these ingredients adds depth and smokiness to the beef, which complements the other elements of the burrito.
Marinating the beef before cooking allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. The grilling process adds a smoky char, enhancing the overall taste profile of the carne asada. This savory meat acts as the centerpiece of the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito, providing a rich base that balances well with the other components of the dish.
Breakfast Burrito Ingredients: A Perfect Balance
The Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito is a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a complete breakfast option. The beef is paired with scrambled eggs, which provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the boldness of the carne asada. The sautéed vegetables—onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños—add freshness, sweetness, and a bit of heat, creating a well-rounded filling that is as flavorful as it is nutritious.
The addition of cheese, particularly a Mexican blend, helps bind the ingredients together while adding a rich, gooey layer of flavor. As the cheese melts during the cooking process, it creates a satisfying and indulgent texture that enhances the overall taste experience. Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, the burrito becomes portable and easy to eat, making it the ideal meal for anyone on the go.
This combination of ingredients not only creates a delicious flavor profile but also offers a variety of nutrients. The protein from the carne asada and eggs provides sustained energy, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals. The cheese adds calcium and fat, giving the burrito a satisfying richness. The tortillas provide carbohydrates for energy, making this dish a hearty and fulfilling breakfast or brunch option.
The Versatility of the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito
One of the best things about the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito is its versatility. You can easily customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you prefer a spicier burrito, you can increase the amount of jalapeños or add hot sauce for an extra kick. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can opt for leaner cuts of beef or use egg whites instead of whole eggs. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the carne asada with roasted vegetables, black beans, or even tofu.
Additionally, the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick meal throughout the week. Simply wrap the burritos in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, you can heat them up in the microwave or on a skillet for a few minutes to crisp the tortilla and melt the cheese.
This flexibility makes the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito not only a great dish for breakfast but also an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. It’s hearty enough to be enjoyed at any time of day and can easily be served as a satisfying meal for your family or guests.
The Nutritional Benefits of the Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito
The Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito is packed with essential nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day. The combination of protein from the carne asada and eggs helps to build and repair muscle, while the vegetables contribute dietary fiber and important vitamins like vitamin C and folate. Additionally, the burrito is a good source of calcium, which supports bone health, and iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the body. While this burrito is rich in nutrients, it’s important to note that it can be high in calories due to the use of beef, cheese, and tortillas. To make this dish a bit lighter, consider swapping out some ingredients.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Satisfying Start to Your Day
The Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of savory carne asada, scrambled eggs, and sautéed vegetables wrapped in a warm tortilla creates a satisfying, flavorful, and portable breakfast option that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress.