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Home » Recipes » Beef » California Burrito + VIDEO

California Burrito + VIDEO

Last Updated April 18, 2022. Originally Posted March 4, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

California Burrito - Grilled carne asada with french fries and all the fixings wrapped inside. It's incredibly TASTY and absolutely DELICIOUS!
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A California Burrito is a real San Diego treat. Grilled carne asada with french fries and all the fixings wrapped inside. It is incredibly tasty and absolutely delicious. WITH VIDEO and step-by-step pictures. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

Hands making a heat shape with the California Burrito inside the heart.

California Burrito – I was born and raised on authentic Mexican food. Anything Mexican-inspired was sacrilegious until I moved to San Diego.

Here, in America’s Finest City is where I first tasted Carne Asada Fries, learned about the two kinds of seals – the marine kind in La Jolla and the guys who defend the US in Coronado.

This is also where I had my first DELICIOUS California Burrito. It was love at first bite!

If you have never had one, you’re in for a real foodie fiesta straight from the heart of San Diego.

More Mexican Grilled Recipes:
Carne Asada Nachos
Alambre de Res
Grilled Pork Chops Adobo

Ingredients for the California Burrito.

How to Make It


These are the ingredients for the meat marinate.

  • Olive Oil
  • Lime Juice
  • Salt
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Pepper
  • Garlic

What makes San Diego so unique is that we are a border city. Our food is highly influenced by Mexico and the fact that we have great produce all year long.

We also have the Pacific Ocean, military bases, and close to perfect weather all year long.

Our food in San Diego is AMAZING, just like this California Burrito.

Beef still in its wrapper on a blue plate.

Outside Skirt Steak by Rumba Meats. You can find it online you can order online. (AFFILIATE)

It arrives straight to your door. It’s packed with dried ice. So it arrives super cold.

 Vacuum sealed beef package on a blue plate.

Rumba Meats comes vacuum sealed. That means it stays fresher longer.

The convenience alone of having meat delivered to your home is totally worth it.

Or, look for this cut of steak at the grocery store in the meat department.

More Mexican Beef Recipes:
Durango Burritos
Caldo de Res
Barbacoa de Res

A collage of meat marinating in a plastic bag.

Using a plastic bag is a lot easier to clean, but you can also marinate the meat in a glass container and put plastic wrap over it too.

  • Add all the marinating ingredients into the plastic bag.
  • Add the outside skirt meat to the bag.
  • Mix well.
  • Place the meat in the refrigerator for minimum 4 hours.

Marinating the meat overnight is best. The flavors will not develop as fully if you marinate the meat less than 4 hours.

Great Idea! Marinate the meat the night before, then take out and cook. Makes cooking easier and faster.

French fries for a California Burrito on a baking sheet.

Heat up the oven. It’s fry time. French fries, that is.

  • Heat the oven.
  • Bake the fries according to frozen package instructions.

Oven baked fries work great for California Burritos. However, you can fry them as well.

Yes, you can use sweet potato fries instead. They will add some sweetness.

Skirt steak grilling on a black cast iron grill skillet.

Cook on each side for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare meat. Look for the grill marks before turning.

(130 to 135 degrees on an instant-read thermometer)

How to Cook Skirt Steak in the Oven:

  • Place the steak on a baking sheet.
  • Broil for about 5-6 minutes. You will see the meat change to a golden brown.
  • Flip and place under the broiler for another 5 minutes for medium-rare.
  • Let rest before slicing.

Sliced skirt steak on a green cutting board.

  • Once it is done cooking, let the meat REST. 10 minutes.
  • Tent it with aluminum foil while you’re doing this.

If you cut into the meat while it’s fresh off the grill, the juices will run out, leaving you with a dry chunk of a meat.

No bueno.

Slice it as thinly as possible.

Filling ingredients for the California Burrito.

Filling Ingredients

  • Refried Beans
  • Red Salsa or Green Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Sour Cream

You can use as many or as little of these as you like.

Other ingredients you can add:


Bacon
Yellow nacho cheese
Mexican rice
Pico de Gallo
Grilled pineapple

A burrito-sized tortilla with all the fillings for the California Burrito in the center.

Time to assemble our California Burrito:

  • Spread a thin layer of refried beans
  • Add a healthy portion of the sliced meat
  • Add a healthy portion of the french fries
  • Guacamole
  • Mexican red salsa or Salsa verde, whatever you prefer
  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded cheese

You’re going to need a very large tortilla. Look for the burrito-size tortilla at the store.

If you can’t find them, use a regular-sized tortilla, but add less of the fillings.

A California Burrito cut in half, and one half is sitting on the other half.

Freezer Instructions:


Let the carne asada and the filling cool. (If they are warm when you assemble, the tortilla will get soggy).
Roll up the burrito as per the instructions.
Wrap it up in foil paper as tightly as possible.
Add to a large freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible.
The burrito will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to Cook from Frozen

Bake: Remove the California Burritos from the foil and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 35-40 minutes in 400 degrees.
Test the inside. If it needs more cooking, place back inside the oven for another 5 minutes.

Microwave: Remove the California Burritos from the foil paper.
Microwave for 4 minutes, or until warm. For a crispy tortilla texture, place under the broiler or pan sear for a few minutes.


A California Burrito is a real San Diego treat. Grilled carne asada with french fries and all the fixings wrapped inside. It is incredibly tasty and absolutely delicious. WITH VIDEO and step-by-step pictures. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

What to Serve with It


Ensalada de Nopales
Pickled Jalapenos
Arroz Blanco Mexicano
Chiles Toreados

Sink your teeth into this AMAZING California Burrito! It’s mouthwatering and heavenly in every bite.

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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

Hands making a heat shape with the California Burrito inside the heart.

California Burrito

California Burrito - Grilled carne asada with french fries and all the fixings wrapped inside. It's incredibly TASTY and absolutely DELICIOUS!
5 from 20 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican American
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 771kcal
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

  • For the Marinade:
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • Juice of 4 limes or 6 key limes
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 Outside Skirt Steak
  • 4 burrito-sized tortillas
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup Refried Beans
  • 1 package of frozen French fries
  • ½ cup Sour Cream
  • ½ cup guacamole
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ½ cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  • In a sealable plastic bag, add all the ingredients for the marinade and the skirt steak.
  • Seal the plastic bag.
  • Mix well to coat the meat.
  • Marinate for a minimum of 4 hours.
  • Overnight is best.
  • Grill meat to desired doneness.
  • 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Slice the meat as thinly as possible.
  • Bake french fries as per package instructions.
  • Warm up the tortillas.
  • To the center of the tortilla:
  • Add a layer of refried beans.
  • Top with a healthy portion of the sliced grilled meat, french fries, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese.
  • Roll up the burrito.
  • Slice in half.
  • Serve with extra salsa or guacamole.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

If you can't find a burrito-sized tortilla, use a regular tortilla and add less of the fillings.
Use your best judgement when adding the filling. If you add too much, you will have a hard time rolling up the burrito. 

Nutrition

Calories: 771kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1451mg | Potassium: 702mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1406IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

Filed Under: Beef, Summer

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lynndee

    February 26, 2021 at 6:36 am

    I have never tried cooking steak in the oven. Thank you for the tips and idea. Will try that next time.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      April 27, 2021 at 11:37 am

      So glad you enjoyed this!

      Reply
  2. Amy Liu Dong

    February 26, 2021 at 6:53 am

    5 stars
    A good, healthy, and tasty recipe and will definitely make this for everyone.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      April 27, 2021 at 11:24 am

      What’s not to love? Healthy and delicious!

      Reply
  3. Monica Simpson

    February 26, 2021 at 9:16 am

    Fries and steak inside a tortilla!? I need to try this NOW.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      April 14, 2021 at 11:35 am

      So good! Hope you try it

      Reply
  4. Kita Bryant

    February 26, 2021 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow this looks so delicious! I would love to try this burrito!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      April 14, 2021 at 11:35 am

      It’s amazing. Hope you try it!

      Reply
  5. Lavanda Michelle

    February 26, 2021 at 6:20 pm

    5 stars
    That burrito looks extremely delicious. Probably the best loking burrito I’ve seen in my life, no exaggeration!! Ill most definitely attempt to make it as good as you made it look. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      April 14, 2021 at 11:34 am

      Thanks so much! Hope you try it

      Reply
  6. Lavanda Michelle

    February 26, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    This California Burrito looks so good. I love that is it so easy to make. I think I will fix this for my family Sunday!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      March 9, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this!

      Reply
  7. Tammy

    February 27, 2021 at 6:07 am

    5 stars
    I love hand food like this and adding one of my fav foods. Fries!!!!!! OMG. Another must try.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      March 2, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      So good right? We love this one too

      Reply
  8. Marysa

    February 27, 2021 at 6:09 am

    My daughter loves burritos, and I would love to try something different like this recipe. Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      March 2, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      It is delicious! Glad you enjoyed this

      Reply
  9. Catalina

    February 27, 2021 at 10:45 am

    5 stars
    I would like to wake up with this California burrito for tomorrow’s brunch. Looks so inviting!

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      March 2, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      Inviting and delicious!

      Reply
  10. rika

    March 1, 2021 at 11:22 am

    5 stars
    This burrito makes me so hungry! I love burrito, I’ll be making this for dinner tonight.

    Reply
    • Maggie U

      March 2, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      Burrito’s are the best! Hope you try it

      Reply
  11. Brittany

    August 9, 2021 at 6:48 am

    What would you recommend if I can’t get outside skirt steak at my grocery store? They have inside skirt steak, ribeye, NY strip, etc. Would a different cut be okay?

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:10 am

      The meat is basically carne asada. Inside skirt steak is not as flavorful as outside skirt, but they both have good marbling. I would use inside if you can’t find outside. Or, if you can’t find skirt at all, try flank or thinly sliced beef tenderloin or short loin steaks. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  12. Yes

    March 25, 2022 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    This was the most magnificent burrito i have ever sat on and it crevasse right through my couch.

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      April 18, 2022 at 10:43 am

      lol. Yes. It’s a pretty amazing burrito. Thanks!

      Reply
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