If you love burritos and you love barbecue, the brisket burrito might just be your new favorite meal. Packed with tender, smoky beef, melty cheese, and your favorite Tex Mex fillings, it’s the perfect way to turn leftover brisket or a fresh smoked cut into a hearty, flavor packed wrap.
This isn’t your average burrito it’s a comfort food mashup that’s easy to prep, even easier to customize, and 100% crave worthy. Whether you’re using freshly smoked brisket or leftovers from the weekend BBQ, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why brisket makes such an amazing burrito filling
- What ingredients you’ll need to build your perfect burrito
- Chef Lucas Benette’s expert tips for layering and folding
- Step by step instructions for making and reheating
- Fillings, sauces, and topping options
- FAQs for storage, cheese picks, and more
Why Brisket Makes the Ultimate Burrito Filling
Brisket is known for being rich, smoky, and melt in your mouth tender which makes it an ideal filling for burritos. When wrapped in a warm tortilla and combined with cheese, sauce, and sides like rice or beans, brisket becomes the star of a seriously satisfying handheld meal.
Whether chopped, shredded, or sliced thin:
- Brisket adds deep umami flavor to every bite
- Its juicy texture pairs beautifully with melty cheese
- It transforms simple burritos into a Tex Mex BBQ masterpiece
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whether you’re using freshly smoked brisket or leftovers from the weekend, making a brisket burrito is all about building bold layers of flavor. Here’s everything you need to make one from scratch or level up a store bought version.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups brisket, shredded or chopped
Use leftover smoked brisket or freshly cooked. Warm it gently before assembling. - 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inches)
Big enough to hold all your fillings without breaking. - 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime)
A fluffy base that soaks up flavor. - 1 cup black or pinto beans
Canned or home cooked. Drain well. - 1 cup shredded cheese
Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or queso for that perfect melt. - ½ cup BBQ sauce or chipotle sauce
For a smoky or spicy kick spooned on top or layered inside.
Optional Toppings & Add Ins:
- Sour cream or chipotle ranch
- Sautéed onions and bell peppers
- Corn or pickled jalapeños
- Fresh avocado or guacamole
- Lettuce, tomato, or green onions
- Fresh lime wedges for squeezing
Pro Tip: Use warm tortillas to prevent cracking when folding. Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Chef Lucas Benette’s Brisket Burrito Tips
According to Chef Lucas Benette, a brisket burrito isn’t just about what you put in it’s about how you build it. His goal? Create a burrito that’s packed with flavor, holds together perfectly, and stays delicious whether you’re eating it fresh or reheating later.
“The secret is warm ingredients, balanced layers, and a tight fold,” says Lucas.
1. Reheat Brisket Gently for Best Texture
Don’t microwave it dry. Instead:
- Add a splash of broth, water, or BBQ sauce to brisket
- Warm it in a pan on low heat until juicy and soft
- This prevents the meat from drying out and keeps the burrito moist
2. Build in Layers, Not Piles
Lucas recommends this layering order to keep everything even and foldable:
- Warm tortilla
- Thin spread of rice or beans
- Brisket
- Cheese
- Sauce
- Cold toppings like sour cream or guac
“You want each bite to taste the same not just one giant chunk of brisket at the bottom,” Lucas says.
3. How to Roll It Tight (Without Leaks)
- Fold in the sides first
- Roll the bottom edge over the filling
- Tuck and roll while gently pressing in the contents
- End with the seam side down
- Toast it in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side to seal and crisp
Make it portable: Wrap the finished burrito in foil or parchment for meal prep or lunch on the go.
How to Make a Brisket Burrito (Step by Step)
This brisket burrito recipe is quick, flexible, and perfect for using leftovers or making ahead. Follow these simple steps for a wrap that’s loaded with smoky flavor and perfect texture in every bite.
Step 1: Warm the Brisket
Place 2 cups of chopped or shredded brisket in a skillet with a splash of BBQ sauce or broth.
Heat over medium low, stirring occasionally until warmed through and juicy.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Wrap large flour tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds, or heat briefly in a dry pan.
This keeps them soft and foldable.
Step 3: Layer the Burrito
On each tortilla, layer the following (in this order for best folding):
- ½ cup rice (white or cilantro lime)
- ¼ cup beans (black or pinto)
- ½ cup warm brisket
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 1–2 tbsp sauce (BBQ, chipotle mayo, or sour cream)
- Optional toppings: corn, avocado, pickled jalapeños, green onions
Step 4: Roll It Up
- Fold in the sides
- Roll up from the bottom, tucking tightly as you go
- End with the seam side down
Step 5: Crisp or Serve Soft
Option 1 Soft Burrito
Serve immediately with salsa, chips, or lime wedges.
Option 2 Crisped Burrito
Place the burrito in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and sealed.
Meal Prep Tip: Make several burritos ahead of time, wrap in foil, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Burrito Building Table Fillings, Tortillas, and Sauces
The beauty of a brisket burrito? It’s totally customizable. Whether you want it smoky, spicy, creamy, or veggie packed you can build your burrito exactly the way you like it.
Here’s a quick reference table to inspire your next burrito build:
Brisket Burrito Customization Cheat Sheet
| Category | Options | Why Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Tortilla Type | Flour, whole wheat, spinach, gluten free | Choose your wrap based on taste or dietary needs |
| Brisket Style | Chopped, shredded, sliced thin | Shredded mixes best; chopped gives bite size texture |
| Sauce Choices | BBQ, chipotle mayo, sour cream, spicy ranch | BBQ for smoky, chipotle for heat, sour cream for cool |
| Rice Options | White, brown, cilantro lime, Spanish | Base filler that complements brisket flavor |
| Beans | Pinto, black, refried, or none | Adds texture, fiber, and balances meatiness |
| Cheese Varieties | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, queso fresco | Melty cheese keeps it gooey, queso adds sharp contrast |
| Add Ins | Corn, avocado, sautéed onions, pickled jalapeños | Add texture, freshness, or spice |
Try this combo: Cilantro lime rice, black beans, shredded brisket, cheddar, chipotle mayo, and avocado.
Keep it balanced: Aim for about 1 ½ to 2 cups of total filling per burrito for easy rolling.
FAQs About Brisket Burritos
1. What to put in a brisket burrito?
A great brisket burrito balances smoky meat, creamy textures, and bold flavor. Popular fillings include:
- Shredded brisket (chopped or pulled)
- Rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime)
- Beans (black, pinto, or refried)
- Cheese (cheddar, Jack, or queso)
- Sauce (BBQ, chipotle mayo, or sour cream)
- Optional extras: avocado, corn, sautéed peppers, jalapeños
Warm everything before assembling for the best flavor and texture.
2. Does Chipotle still have the brisket burrito?
Chipotle’s smoked brisket burrito was introduced as a limited time offering, so availability depends on current menu rotations and regional supply. As of now, it may not be on the permanent menu. Keep an eye on seasonal offerings or local promotions for its return.
3. What is the 3-2-1 rule for brisket?
The 3-2-1 method is a popular smoking technique, especially for pork ribs, but can be adapted for brisket:
- 3 hours of smoking unwrapped
- 2 hours wrapped in foil or butcher paper
- 1 hour unwrapped again to firm up the bark
For brisket, many pitmasters instead follow a low and slow approach (like 225°F for 10–12 hours) to maintain tenderness and moisture.
4. What to put in a wrap with brisket?
In a brisket wrap, keep the balance between rich meat and fresh, tangy elements. Great options include:
- Coleslaw or pickled onions for crunch
- Chipotle or ranch dressing for creaminess
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Shredded lettuce, tomato, or corn
- Cheese and salsa for Tex Mex flair
Tortilla wraps work best with thin layers and even distribution for easy folding.
Final Thoughts Bold, Easy, and Bursting with Flavor
From its smoky shredded meat to its melty cheese and sauce soaked rice, the brisket burrito is everything a comfort food should be. Whether you’re making it from scratch or reviving leftovers, it’s:
- Quick to assemble
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or freezer meal prep
Pair it with chips and salsa, a side salad, or enjoy it solo because when it’s loaded with brisket, every bite counts.
