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Hi, I'm Hilda!

I'm the creator of Hilda's Kitchen Blog and the author of Mom's Authentic Assyrian Recipes.

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    You Are Here Home » Entree » California Burrito Recipe

    Published: May 22, 2019 Updated: Nov 10, 2020 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 8 Comments

    California Burrito Recipe

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    california burrito pin

    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!

    california burrito on a colorful plate

    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 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!

    burrito unwrapped

    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.

    Creamy Guacamole

    Prepare guacamole using my creamy guacamole recipe. Set aside until needed.

    creamy guacamole in a yellow bowl

    Carne Asada

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

    You can also skip the marinated meat if you're in a hurry and season some diced sirloin instead. See recipe notes for more information.

    diced carne asada for california burrito recipe

    Fries

    Deep-fry the fries in 375-degree F. oil until golden brown.

    How to Assemble A California Burrito

    To start, you need an extra-large tortilla, something comparable to the one pictured below. The approximate size is 12".

    large flour tortillas in a package

    Spread the large tortilla with some creamy guacamole and sour cream.

    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 with shredded Mexican cheese, salsa, or pico de Gallo. Finish off with cilantro and diced onions, if desired.

    burrito ingredients on an open tortilla

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

    folding a california burrito

    Dig in!!!

    burrito on a wooden cutting board

    Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

    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.

    • For a quicker option, 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.
    • To cut down on calories, use can also use smaller tortillas or use low carb tortillas instead.
    • I recommend softening the tortillas first by charring them quickly over a stove-top.
    cali burrito cut in half on a blue plate

    Related Recipes

    • Tamarind Margarita (Sweet and Tangy)
    • Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots
    • Mexican Spanish Rice
    • Mexican Bean Dip Recipe

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.

    You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

    California burrito on a plate

    California Burrito

    A San Diego Classic, the California Burrito is loaded with diced Carne Asada, fries, cheese & more!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Main Dish
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 1 Burrito
    Calories: 704kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 4 oz. Carne Asada (diced)
    • 20 French fries (less if using thicker fries)
    • 2 T. creamy guacamole
    • 2 T. sour cream
    • ⅓ cup shredded Mexican cheese
    • ¼ cup salsa
    • 1 T. cilantro (diced)
    • 1 T. onion (diced)
    • 1 large flour tortilla (Approx. 12")

    Instructions

    • Making a California Burrito isn’t hard, but it does require some planning ahead of time. This includes marinating the Carne Asada, cooking the french fries, making the salsa, and the Creamy Guacamole prior to assembly.
    • Begin by marinating the Carne Asada for a minimum of three hours.
    • Prepare Creamy Guacamole then cover and set aside until needed.
    • Fry or bake the fries in the oven.
    • Cook diced Carne Asada in a hot cast iron until slightly charred and cooked through.
    • Slightly char an extra large tortilla over a flame, to soften.
    • Smear tortilla down the center with creamy guacamole and sour cream.
    • Add cooked Carne Asada, and hot fries in the middle of the burrito.
    • Add shredded Mexican cheese, salsa (or pico de gallo), diced onion and cilantro.
    • Roll tightly into a burrito and microwave for a minute (to melt the cheese).
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • For a quicker option, 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.
    • To cut down on calories, use can also use smaller tortillas or use low carb tortillas instead.
    • I recommend softening the tortillas first by charring them quickly over a stove-top.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1burrito | Calories: 704kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 38g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MichaelM says

      April 16, 2021 at 2:50 pm

      I was introduced to Carne Asada burritos in San Diego 35 years ago... and if I think with my taste-buds, the only diff between this and what I knew back then is the "California Burrito" idea. Whooda thunk it back then: replace rice with FRIES in a fine burrito and make it *better*!!!

      Reply
    2. Mimmie says

      August 11, 2020 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      We just tried this recipe last night and it was incredibly, utterly delicious. We’ve actually tried other recipes for Cali burritos and they always weren’t as good as getting them from a restaurant. Your recipe was exactly what we were looking for and we think it’s EVEN better than ones we’ve had from San Diego! The carne asada tasted perfectly seasoned and the tip to cube the meat before cooking made it so much easier to cook indoors. This has made it to our favorite meals to make for our family now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        August 11, 2020 at 7:14 am

        Hi Mimmie, Wow, what a wonderful review to wake up to! I really appreciate you taking the time to come back and review/rate the recipe. I'm also really glad that your family enjoyed the burritos. God bless!

        Reply
    3. Terry smith says

      June 11, 2019 at 6:55 am

      5 stars
      Loved your California burritos. Thanks for having us over for dinner. Evan and Terry

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        June 11, 2019 at 7:33 pm

        Enjoyed having you and looking forward to more fun get-togethers in the future.

        Reply
    4. Kelly Methey says

      June 08, 2019 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      We had these burritos last night and they were fantastic! Hilda’s recipes are the best! Her marinated hot carrots are the perfect side to pair with the burritos. You won’t be disappointed! Yum!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        June 08, 2019 at 9:29 pm

        Glad you liked the #7 (I think that's what you called it) ? Come again!

        Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        June 10, 2019 at 2:35 pm

        Thanks, Kelly, so nice of you to review the recipe!

        Reply

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    profile photo-Hilda
    Hi, I'm Hilda!

    I'm the creator of Hilda's Kitchen Blog and the author of Mom's Authentic Assyrian Recipes.

    Are you looking for a little inspiration and perhaps some new recipes? Then let me show you how to use unique ingredients to make delicious ethnic dishes.

    More about me →

    Get My Cookbook!

    cook book on a wooden board

    Cinco De Mayo

    • Mexican Carne Asada Marinade
    • Mexican Bean Dip Recipe
    • Elote in a Cup | Mexican Street Corn
    • Roasted Salsa Recipe
    • Mexican Rice Bowl (Vegetarian and Meat Options)
    • Spicy Mexican Pickled Carrots

    Featured On

    featured on

    Popular Posts

    • Marinated Sumac Onions Recipe
    • Jerusalem Artichoke Recipe (Pickled Sunchokes)
    • Elk Jerky Recipe
    • Candied Figs | Preserved Figs
    • Easy Date Syrup/Date Molasses Recipe
    • Cabbage Dolma (Dolma't Chalama)

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