California Burrito Recipe (A San Diego Classic)

Name: California Burrito
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 oz. Carne Asada ((diced)); 20 French fries ((less if using thicker fries)); 2 tbsp creamy guacamole; 2 tbsp sour cream; ⅓ cup shredded Mexican cheese; ¼ cup salsa; 1 tbsp cilantro ((diced)); 1 tbsp onion ((diced)); 1 large large flour tortilla

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I'm so excited to be sharing my California Burrito Recipe with you! Have you tried a California Burrito? This humongous burrito is filled with cubed Carne Asada, hot french fries, creamy guacamole, Mexican salsa, and more! If you prefer seafood, check out my Crispy Tilapia Fish Burritos Recipe!

What is a California Style Burrito?

Although it's known as the California Burrito, the only place you can get your hands on one is in Southern California, and more specifically, San Diego.

My neighborhood is littered with taco shops, but Estrada's is my favorite! They make a mean California Burrito!

Sure, Montana has a lot to offer, Mexican food is not one of them. With this in mind, I decided to deconstruct the California Burrito. My goal was not only to figure out how to make one but to perfect the recipe.

Guess what? I believe I've done it! If your upcoming travel plans don't include San Diego, it's ok. Just follow my easy California Burrito recipe. It's sure to be a family favorite!

How to Make This Recipe

There are many components to making a California Burrito. It's easier to make some of these components ahead of time. This includes guacamole and salsa.

Step 1 | Prepare Creamy Guacamole

Prepare guacamole using my creamy guacamole recipe. You'll need avocados, sour cream, garlic, and lime juice. Set aside until needed.

Step 2 | Make Red Salsa or Pico de Gallo

Use store-bought red salsa, or make your own. I have a few recipes you can try. My Mexican Salsa or a spicier Roasted Salsa recipe.

mexican salsa in a bowl with a yellow rim and a sliced avocado on the side

Step 3 | Grill or Fry Carne Asada

Begin by marinating the Carne Asada for three to four hours. Dice marinated meat and cook in a heated skillet, over high heat, until the flank steak is cooked and slightly charred on the outside.

diced carne asada for california burrito recipe

Tip: You can skip the Carne Asada marinade used to marinate the flank steak (or skirt steak) if you're in a hurry. Instead, use seasoned diced sirloin. See recipe notes on the bottom of the page for more detailed information.

Step 4 | Bake or Fry French Fries

Deep-fry the fries in 375-degree F. oil until golden brown. A healthier option is to bake the fries in the oven or in an air fryer (paid link).

Step 5 | How to Assemble A California Burrito

To start, you need an extra-large burrito-sized tortilla, something comparable to the one pictured below. The approximate size is 12". Slightly char the tortilla over a flame, to soften.

Spread creamy guacamole and sour cream in the center of the tortilla.

tortilla with guacamole and sour cream in the center, blue background

Add cooked diced Carne Asada and a handful of hot, just-fried french fries.

california burrito ingredients on a large tortilla

Top the fries with shredded Mexican cheese (or cheddar cheese), salsa, or pico de Gallo. Finish off with cilantro and diced onions, if desired.

Microwave for one minute and roll tightly into a burrito (or roll first, then microwave).

Dig in!!!

Recipe FAQs

Who Invented the California burrito?

In my Easy Breakfast Burrito post, I discuss the origin of the burrito. But when it comes to the California Burrito, I'm happy to say it's a San Diego original!

It is believed that the first California Burrito Recipe was created in 1980. It was developed in an unknown Mexican Taco Shop in San Diego.

However, a chain, formerly known as Santana's, claims to be the creator of the first California Burrito Recipe.

Like the Carne Asada Burrito, a Cali burrito is an experience that should not be missed by any San Diego tourist.

After all, New York has its Thin-Crust Pizza, Chicago its Deep-Dish, and Philadelphia the Philly Cheesesteak. However, San Diego is known for Mexican food.

What Comes on a California Burrito?

The California Burrito stands out from other burritos, and easily distinguished by one particular ingredient, potatoes. Or more specifically, french fries.

To make a California Burrito, you have to begin with the largest tortilla you can find. Next, you will need some creamy guacamole.

Marinated Carne Asada, salsa, sour cream, and shredded Mexican cheese are also essential. Pico de gallo, diced onion, and cilantro finish off this monster of a meal!

Making a California Burrito is like taking Carne Asada Fries (another San Diego classic) and wrapping them in a blanket of love.

If you can polish off one of these huge burritos, it will leave you stuffed, yet satisfied! Personally, I cut the burrito in half and make two meals out of it... yes, it's that big!

How do you Make A California Burrito?

This California Burrito recipe is pretty simple, but it does require some planning. This includes marinating the Carne Asada and frying the french fries.

Not only that, but you also need salsa (or pico de gallo), and creamy guacamole. All these ingredients should be prepared prior to assembling the burrito.

Pro Tips

If you're in a hurry, use diced sirloin, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder instead of marinated Carne Asada.
If you're watching calories, cook the french fries in the oven, according to directions on the bag instead of frying them. You can also use an air-fryer.
To cut down on calories, use can also use smaller tortillas or low-carb tortillas instead.
I recommend softening the tortillas first by charring them quickly over a stove-top.
Some people like to add refried beans or rice to their California Burritos. Personally, I don't think rice goes well in this recipe. However, refried beans or even chorizo beans would be complimentary in a California Burrito.
Love extra spicy food? Toss in some freshly sliced or pickled jalapenos!

cali burrito cut in half on a blue plate

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