Imagine tender, smoky beef rib meat wrapped up with fluffy rice, creamy avocado, melty cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and a swirl of tangy sauce—all snuggled comfortably in a toasted tortilla. This Smoked Beef Rib Burrito is everything you crave in comfort food: hearty, bold, and irresistibly delicious, with every bite bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re putting leftover smoked ribs to good use or making something special for friends, this burrito always delivers soothing Tex-Mex satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything complicated for these stellar burritos—just some fresh ingredients and a bit of smoky meat magic! Every item in this list is essential, each one adding a different layer of flavor, creaminess, or color that makes the Smoked Beef Rib Burrito shine.
- Smoked beef rib meat (2 cups, shredded): The true star—rich, smoky, and fork-tender, it’s what sets this burrito apart from all others.
- Flour tortillas (4 large): Soft and sturdy burrito-sized tortillas are perfect for wrapping all these hearty fillings.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): White, brown, or Mexican rice add pleasant chew and soak up all the big flavors.
- Black beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Nutty and satisfying, they bring extra protein, color, and southwestern flair.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Melts inside the burrito for gooey, craveable texture; choose your favorite or use a blend!
- Pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes (½ cup): Offers juicy brightness to light up the smoky, savory filling.
- Avocado (½, sliced): Buttery and cooling, avocado balances out the spices and barbecue flavor beautifully.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Adds wonderful tang and a bit of richness—don’t skip it for ultimate creaminess!
- Barbecue sauce or chipotle mayo (¼ cup, optional): For those who love a saucy burrito, this brings smoky or spicy notes that tie everything together.
- Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): A pop of green and herbal freshness in every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to heighten every ingredient within your burrito.
- Oil or butter for toasting (optional): Just a touch crisps up the outside for that golden, irresistible finish.
How to Make Smoked Beef Rib Burrito
Step 1: Warm the Tortillas
Start by gently warming your tortillas to make them soft and flexible—a crucial step for folding without tearing. You can pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds under a damp paper towel, or briefly toast them on a dry skillet. Flexible tortillas make burrito assembly way easier, especially when you’re packing them with delicious fillings!
Step 2: Layer On the Goodness
Lay each tortilla flat on your work surface. Smear a generous scoop of warm rice in the middle, followed by a ladle of black beans. Now pile on the juicy, smoked beef rib meat, letting all its smoky aroma take center stage. Sprinkle with cheese (so it melts a little from the warmth), then tumble on the pico de gallo or tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Drizzle on barbecue sauce or chipotle mayo if you want an extra flavor punch, then finish with salt, pepper, and vibrant chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Fold and Roll Your Burrito
Ready to wrap things up? Fold the sides of your tortilla inward over the fillings, then roll everything up firmly from the bottom, keeping all the layers nice and tight. Secure the seam underneath—the goal is a snug, burrito-shaped bundle. Don’t be afraid to press gently as you roll to keep it all together!
Step 4: Toast for Extra Crunch (Optional)
If you’re chasing that coveted crispy-on-the-outside, warm-and-melty-on-the-inside burrito, don’t skip this step. Place your Smoked Beef Rib Burrito seam-side down into a heated skillet with a splash of oil or butter. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and gorgeously crisp. This makes the burritos extra satisfying and helps seal in all that filling.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Slice each burrito in half with a sharp knife to reveal those picture-perfect layers, then serve warm with extra sour cream or salsa on the side. Take a moment to admire—and enjoy!—your homemade masterpiece.
How to Serve Smoked Beef Rib Burrito
Garnishes
Don’t forget those finishing touches! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, extra avocado slices, lime wedges, and a spoonful of salsa or hot sauce make each Smoked Beef Rib Burrito feel even more festive and restaurant-worthy. For added crunch, toss a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top or serve on the side.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with classic Tex-Mex sides: think Mexican street corn, a zesty cabbage slaw, grilled vegetables, or even a simple green salad. A side of seasoned tortilla chips and guacamole is always a hit, and black bean soup or refried beans make it even heartier. The Smoked Beef Rib Burrito is bold enough to handle strong, flavorful sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your burritos to the next level by wrapping them in foil for an easy-to-carry meal—perfect for picnics, tailgates, or busy lunches. For a festive dinner, slice them in halves or thirds and arrange them on a platter, drizzle with crema, and scatter some chopped pickled onions or jalapeños for color and tang. Burrito bowls are also a fun twist: serve all the fillings over rice and beans with tortilla chips for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Smoked Beef Rib Burrito, don’t fret—they hold up beautifully! Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days; just note that the avocado is best enjoyed fresh and may brown slightly over time.
Freezing
For a grab-and-go lunch later, freeze your assembled (but un-toasted) burritos wrapped snugly in foil, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave before toasting.
Reheating
To bring your Smoked Beef Rib Burrito back to life, unwrap from foil and reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through, or crisp up in a skillet over medium-low heat for a toastier finish. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for best results, then toast or warm as above.
FAQs
Can I make these burritos ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Smoked Beef Rib Burrito up to a day in advance; just wait to toast them until right before serving for the best crispness. Keep wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.
What are the best toppings if I want extra heat?
Spice lovers can add sliced jalapeños, pickled red onions, spicy chipotle sauce, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce right inside the burrito. You’ll get layers of flavor and heat in each bite!
Can I substitute the beef rib meat for another protein?
Definitely! While the smoked beef rib meat makes this burrito truly special, you can use pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer. Every version is delicious in its own way.
How do I keep the burrito from falling apart?
A key trick is not to overfill the tortilla and to warm it first so it’s nice and pliable. Fold the sides in firmly before rolling from the bottom and make sure to toast seam-side down to seal everything tight.
What’s the difference between barbecue sauce and chipotle mayo in the burrito?
Barbecue sauce brings a tangy, smoky sweetness that plays beautifully with the beef, while chipotle mayo adds creamy, slightly spicy depth. Try both and see which version you love—maybe even a drizzle of each for the ultimate Smoked Beef Rib Burrito!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with a Smoked Beef Rib Burrito. It’s easy, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready for burrito bliss!
Print
Smoked Beef Rib Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (optional toasting)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory goodness of a Smoked Beef Rib Burrito packed with tender smoked beef rib meat, flavorful rice, beans, cheese, and a medley of toppings, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients
Smoked Beef Rib Burrito:
- 2 cups smoked beef rib meat (shredded, bones removed)
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes
- ½ avocado (sliced)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce or chipotle mayo (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil or butter for toasting (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Warm the tortillas slightly. Lay each tortilla flat and layer with rice, black beans, smoked beef rib meat, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, and barbecue sauce or chipotle mayo if using. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cilantro.
- Roll the Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom into a burrito.
- Toast the Burritos: Optionally, toast the burritos seam-side down in a skillet with oil or butter until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes per side.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra sour cream or salsa on the side.
Notes
- Customize with jalapeños, sautéed onions, or grilled peppers for extra flavor.
- This recipe is great for using leftover smoked beef ribs. Wrap in foil for a portable lunch or tailgate treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
