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Carnitas Breakfast Burrito - Hearty, Savory, and Satisfying

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked carnitas (homemade or store-bought), about 1 1/2 cups
  • Large flour tortillas (10–12 inch), 4–6 tortillas
  • Eggs, 6 large
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack), 1–1 1/2 cups
  • Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, 2 medium (or 2 cups frozen hash browns)
  • Onion, 1 small, diced
  • Jalapeño or serrano (optional), 1, minced
  • Fresh cilantro, small handful, chopped
  • Avocado (optional), 1, sliced
  • Salsa or hot sauce, to taste
  • Cooking oil (neutral or avocado oil)
  • Butter, 1 tablespoon (optional, for eggs)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Ground cumin and smoked paprika (optional)
  • Lime, 1 (optional, for a squeeze at the end)

Method
 

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel and dice into small cubes. Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a thin layer of oil. Add potatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, 10–12 minutes. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cumin and smoked paprika. Remove and set aside.
  2. Crisp the carnitas: In the same skillet, add the carnitas over medium-high heat. Let them sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to crisp, then toss. Cook until edges are browned and sizzling. If they seem dry, add a splash of water or a squeeze of lime. Set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil, then the diced onion and jalapeño. Cook until softened and lightly browned, 3–4 minutes. Stir into the potatoes or keep separate for layering.
  4. Scramble the eggs: Whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add eggs and stir gently until just set and still soft. Remove from heat—carryover heat will finish them.
  5. Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or over a low flame until pliable. Keep them wrapped in a clean towel so they don’t crack when rolling.
  6. Assemble: Lay a tortilla on a board. Add a line of potatoes, a scoop of carnitas, some onions/jalapeño, fluffy eggs, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and cilantro. Spoon on salsa or hot sauce. Don’t overfill.
  7. Roll it tight: Fold the sides in, then roll from the bottom up, tucking as you go. Aim for a snug, even cylinder.
  8. Toast the burrito: Place seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts. This step locks it together and adds crunch.
  9. Serve: Slice in half if you like. Add a squeeze of lime and extra salsa. Eat hot.