California Burritos are a must eat before you die burrito!
California Burritos are arguably the best burritos in the world. They are stuffed with thinly sliced, tender marinated Carne Asada, cheese, salsa, avocado crema and the best part – Mexican French Fries!!! These California Burritos are also freezer friendly, for an easy bake and serve dinner!
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What is a California Burrito?
Patrick adoresย carne asadaย burritos, but he doesn’t just devour carne asada burritos every week, he devours carne asada burritos WITH French Fries, also known asย Californiaย Burritos, and a staple for hungry surfers.ย They are the best burritos as far as these San Diegans are concerned and have a special place in San Diego culture, just like the fish taco.ย
The California Burrito begins with a huge flour tortilla topped with juicy, marinated andย spice rubbed, grilled steak, then piled high with bakedย Mexican Street Fries,ย loads of cheese, guacamole, and sour creamย – think fiesta cheesy steak and potatoes with all the fixins!
After I conjured up my favorite carne asada recipe, I knew California Burritos were next on theย make ASAP list. ย And they should be at the top of your make ASAP list!
Who invented the California Carne Asada Burrito?
If you’ve never heard of a California Burrito even if you live in California – you are not alone.ย California Burritos originated in San Diego at one of the -berto’s restaurants in the 1980s and are uniquely San Diegan.ย ย The Fresh MXN chain (formerly Santana’s) also claims to be the originator of the California Burrito but my money is on -berto’s.
No matter who invented the original California Burrito, the important thing is YOU can make your own California Burrito recipe at home!ย Your family and friends will LOVE you for it.
California Burrito Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
How to make a California Burrito
These California Burritos have a few components, but each are easy to make. You can take the time while the carne asada is marinating to make the avocado crema, French fries and prep any desired toppings.
step 1: Marinate carne asada
- Whisk together ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, chili powder, onion powder, pepper, cayenne pepper. Add 3 tablespoons to a freezer bag and reserve the rest for later. Add olive oil, reduced sodium soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, brown sugar and liquid smoke.
- Add steak and seal bag, removing excess air. Marinate in the refrigerator 4-12 hours.
STEP 2: make avocado crema
- Add 2 avocados, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, cumin and garlic powder to your blender and process until smooth.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
step 3: make french fries
Toss sliced potatoes with olive oil, cornstarch and seasonings.
Spread potatoes evenly over prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes then toss, and stir and rearrange fries in a single layer and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If you like crispier fries, then broil until golden and crispy.
STEP 4: grill pineapple and carne asada
- Grill pineapple for 6-8 minutes per side or until lightly charred and caramelized. Chop pineapple and discard each core. (If you have room on your grill, grill pineapple alongside carne asada)
- Grill marinated/rubbed carne asada for 5-6 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 130-135 degrees F for medium rare or around 140 degrees for medium. Grill time will vary depending on thickness of your steak and desired level of doneness.
- Meanwhile, wrap tortillas in foil and place in a preheated 350F degree oven for 10 minute so they are warm and pliable (optional but recommended).
STEP 5: assemble
- To assemble, layer carne asada in center of each burrito followed by, fries, cheese, avocado crema, salsa then pineapple. Fold in top and bottom and roll tightly in burrito style.
- Optional: To brown burritos as pictured, lightly grease a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium high heat. Add burritos one at a time, rotating as each sides turns golden.
- Garnish burritos with extra avocado crema, salsa and hot sauce to taste.
Recipe Tips
Our Favorite Cali Burrito Toppings
California Burritos shouldn’t need many toppings because they are bursting with flavor, but I love mine with extra avocado crema or sour cream, salsa and hot sauce. Here’s some more options:
What to serve with a Carne Asada Burrito
Serve your California Burritos withย Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice,ย ย black beans, a big pile of chips and eitherย homemade salsa, or salsa verde and you have a restaurantย quality meal in the comfort of your own home!
For extra sides for hosting, your guest will love:
How to Store
How Do I FREEZE California BURRITOS?
California Burritos freeze extremely well:
โข Cool Filling:ย Let carne asada and French Fries cool otherwise you will end up with soggy tortillas.
โข Assemble:ย Assemble California Burritos per instructions.
โข Foil:ย ย Wrap individualย burritos up tightly in foil.
โข Freeze:ย ย Freeze burritos in a single layer on a baking sheet.ย This will help them freeze faster and not get squished.
โข Store:ย Add frozen burritos to a large freezer size bag, remove excess air and seal.ย Freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I thaw California Burritos?
โข Bake:ย ย Remove frozen California Burritos from foil and place on a baking rack.ย Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until completely warmed through and toasted.
โข Microwave:ย Remove chicken burritos from foil.ย Microwave for approximately 4 minutes or until warmed through.ย If you want to crisp up your microwaved burritos, then you can broil in the oven or pan sear per instructions.
This California Burrito is waiting for youย andย isย ready to become your new cheesy, meaty, avocado, salsa, French Fry, pineapple packed new obsession!
Looking for more BURRITO Recipes?
Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos
Smothered Buffalo Chicken Burritos
Beef Bean Cheese Burritos
Breakfast Burritos
Wet Burritos
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Ingredients
- 8-10 burrito size tortillas
- 1 Recipe Best Carne Asada
- 2-3 cups Sharp cheddar/Pepper Jack combination or Mexican cheese blend, approx. ¼ cup per burrito
- 1 Recipe Mexican Street Fries
- 1 Recipe Fire Roasted Restaurant Blender Salsa or store bought
- 1 pineapple peeled and sliced (optional)
Avocado Crema
- 2 large avocados
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Marinate carne asada according to recipe directions.
- Prepare French Fries according to directions. Set aside.
- Grease grill and preheat to medium. Grill pineapple for 6-8 minutes per side or until lightly charred and caramelized. Chop pineapple and discard each core. (If you have room on your grill, grill pineapple alongside carne asada)
- Grill marinated/rubbed Carne Asada according to directions.
- Meanwhile, wrap tortillas in foil and place in a preheated 350F degree oven for 10 minute so they are warm and pliable (optional but recommended).
- To assemble, layer carne asada in center of each burrito followed by, fries, cheese, avocado crema, salsa then pineapple. Fold in top and bottom and roll tightly in burrito style.
- Optional: To brown burritos as pictured, lightly grease a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium high heat. Add burritos one at a time, rotating as each sides turns golden.
- Garnish burritos with extra avocado crema, salsa and hot sauce to taste.
Notes
To FREEZE California BURRITOS:
- Cool Filling:ย Let carne asada and French Fries cool otherwise you will end up with soggy tortillas.
- Assemble:ย Assemble California Burritos per instructions.
- Foil:ย ย Wrap individualย burritos up tightly in foil.
- Freeze:ย ย Freeze burritos in a single layer on a baking sheet.ย This will help them freeze faster and not get squished.
- Store:ย Add frozen burritos to a large freezer size bag, remove excess air and seal.ย Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake:ย ย Remove frozen California Burritos from foil and place on a baking rack.ย Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until completely warmed through and toasted.
- Microwave:ย Remove chicken burritos from foil.ย Microwave for approximately 4 minutes or until warmed through.ย If you want to crisp up your microwaved burritos, then you can broil in the oven or pan sear per instructions.
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ยฉCarlsbad Cravings Original
Joshua Hampton says
Wow. Those burritos are amazing. The idea of putting fries in a burrito is just so good. Can’t wait to try this in my kitchen.
Jen says
Thank you so much Joshua! French fries make everything better!! I hope you love them ๐
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Jen! We love grilled pineapple! We grow a lot of tomatoes and peppers and put up canned salsa using the overflow. We’ve made peach and pineapple salsa and some salsa with black beans and/or corn added. These look amazing! ๐
Jen says
Hi Dorothy! Oh my goodness – your salsas sound Ah-mazing! There is nothing like fresh salsa – especially with pineapple! This burritos would be even more amazing with one of your salsas! Enjoy!!
Lorrie says
Keep them coming! We moved from Oceanside to Portland a year ago and are jonesin’ for all these recipes. Carne Asada fries like Primo Market in downtown Oceanside could be your next project. Hint, hint! ๐
Jen says
Sorry Lorrie, I thought I had responded to your comment earlier but I think I just read it and smiled ๐ I actually have Carne Asada Fries already made and ready to share and after reading this it sounds like it should be sooner rather than later ๐ A big hello from Carlsbad to Portland!!
Michelle Forbes says
Yessss!! Sadly, I had to leave the Oceanside/Carlsbad area about 25 yrs ago, leaving a big piece of my heart there. More so probably as I reside in the midwest. I miss so many things, but nothing as much as all the “Bertos”(as you call them)! I have been completely deprived of a real carne asada burrito ever since. Although, my attempts have def led to many humorous ends and strange dishes brought my way! I can’t begin to tell you how happy it made me to come across this page!โบ
Jen says
Hi Michelle, welcome to my site! I think you’ll really love these California Burritos! I hope my recipes can fill your belly and your heart with a taste of home! Sending you a big hug from Carlsbad!
Caroline says
Visiting Carlsbad in July. Which restaurant is the one you mentioned with the best burritos?
Jen says
Hi Caroline, that’s awesome you’re visiting Carlsbad – welcome! My favorite Mexican food is The Taco Stand in Encinitas – it’s casual with a line always out the door: http://www.letstaco.com/ The place we get the Local Carlsbad Burrito with pineapple is called Los Tacos in Carlsbad: http://www.goodtacos.com/