Start your day with this hearty breakfast burrito that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Packed with protein from eggs and sausage, fiber from beans, and healthy fats from cheese, it’s a balanced morning meal.
Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this filling breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or simply satisfying your cravings with minimal effort.
Breakfast Burrito
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or non-stick frying pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 bowl for beating eggs
- 1 spoon for spreading beans
- Microwave (optional, for warming beans)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 package fully cooked breakfast sausage links diced
- 6 large eggs beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup refried beans warmed
- ½ cup pico de gallo
- 6 large flour tortillas warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cooking Space: Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Place the butter, eggs, sausage, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, and tortillas within reach. Ensure your skillet, spatula, and microwave (if warming beans) are ready. Having everything organized will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free, especially since this recipe comes together quickly.
- Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan evenly. The butter will help prevent the eggs from sticking and add a rich flavor to your breakfast burrito filling. Watch carefully to ensure it doesn’t brown or burn.
- Scramble the Eggs: Once the butter is melted, pour the 6 beaten eggs into the pan. Using a spatula, gently stir the eggs for 2 minutes, making sure they don’t stick to the skillet. This initial cooking softens the eggs while keeping them tender. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the eggs to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Sausage Separately: Push the scrambled eggs to one side of the skillet, creating a separate space. Add the diced breakfast sausage to the other side of the pan. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully heated and slightly browned. This method ensures your eggs remain soft while the sausage gets a perfect sear.
- Combine and Finish Eggs: During the final minutes of cooking, gently fold the eggs and sausage together for a few seconds if desired, but keep most ingredients separated for easy layering in the tortillas. Taste the eggs and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Warm the Refried Beans: While the eggs and sausage are cooking, warm the refried beans. Place them in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway through. Warm beans spread more easily and blend seamlessly with the other fillings, adding a creamy texture and fiber-rich component.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Lay the 6 flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Warming the tortillas beforehand ensures they are pliable, which prevents tearing when you roll the burrito. You can warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin by spreading about 2–3 tablespoons of the warm refried beans in the center of each tortilla. Next, add a generous layer of scrambled eggs, followed by the browned sausage.Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and finish with 1/2 cup of fresh pico de gallo. Be mindful to leave a little space at the edges for folding.
- Fold and Roll the Burrito: To roll the burrito, first fold one side of the tortilla over the filling. Tuck in the ends gently, then roll the burrito tightly to secure all the ingredients. The goal is a snug roll that keeps everything in place, creating a neat and portable breakfast option.
- Serve or Store: Serve the burritos immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage—just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Notes
- Cut the scrambled eggs into small, uniform chunks for easier layering inside the tortillas.
- Warm refried beans before adding them to the burrito for a creamy texture and consistent flavor.
- Layer ingredients in the center of the tortilla, leaving space at the edges to fold and roll neatly.
- Use a medium heat setting to cook eggs and sausage to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with any preferred variety such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of spices like smoked paprika or cumin to the eggs or beans for a flavor boost.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
Chef’s Secrets For Maximum Flavor
To get the most flavor from your breakfast burrito, start by using high-quality ingredients.
Freshly cracked eggs and premium breakfast sausage make a noticeable difference in taste.
Cook the eggs gently over medium heat rather than rushing them on high; this keeps them tender and creamy.
For extra richness, consider adding a teaspoon of milk or cream when beating the eggs.
Don’t skimp on warming the beans—their warmth helps meld all the flavors together.
Layering the ingredients thoughtfully ensures every bite has a balance of protein, cheese, and pico de gallo.
Finally, consider lightly toasting the rolled burrito in the skillet for a crisp exterior—this adds texture without changing the core flavors.
Serving Suggestions For Any Occasion
Breakfast burritos are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and beverages.
Serve them with a fresh fruit salad or avocado slices for a nutritious balance.
A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce adds an extra kick for those who enjoy bold flavors.
These burritos are perfect for brunch gatherings, quick weekday breakfasts, or even a protein-packed dinner.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
They also work beautifully as on-the-go breakfasts; wrap in parchment paper and pair with a smoothie or fresh juice for a complete meal.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Breakfast burritos store exceptionally well when handled properly.
For short-term storage, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, remove any foil if using a microwave-safe wrap and microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For longer-term storage, place individually wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave or warm in a skillet.
Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can affect texture and flavor.
Keeping the fillings warm and tortillas pliable ensures each bite remains delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives such as tofu crumbles, tempeh, or a meat-free breakfast sausage. You can also add extra beans, sautéed vegetables, or mushrooms to maintain protein and flavor.
2. Can I prepare the burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them fully, wrap individually, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them; they reheat well in both the microwave and oven without losing taste or texture.
3. How can I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
Warm the tortillas before filling—they become more flexible and easier to fold. Leave space at the edges and fold carefully to avoid tearing. Using burrito-sized tortillas also helps accommodate the filling comfortably.
4. Can I use different cheese types?
Yes! Cheddar works beautifully, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend will work. Choose a cheese that melts well for a creamy texture inside the burrito.
5. Are these burritos healthy?
This recipe is high in protein and fiber, making it filling and nutritious. Using moderate cheese and high-quality sausage helps manage saturated fat content.
Beans provide additional fiber, while eggs supply essential nutrients and good fats, making it a well-balanced breakfast option.
