The Carnitas Burrito from Chipotle features tender, slow-cooked pork carnitas, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh salsa, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla for a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Medium saucepan
- Rice cooker or additional saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil (optional, for warming tortillas)
- Serving spoon
- Ladle
- Large serving platter or plate
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900g) pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 large onion
- 1 orange
- 1 lime
- 2 cups (375g) long grain white rice
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for beans)
- 1/4 cup onion (for beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for beans)
- 1 cup tomato salsa (pico de gallo or salsa fresca)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large (burrito-sized) flour tortillas
Make sure to use 2 lb of pork shoulder for tender, flavorful carnitas and season it well with a blend of cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, and chili powder. Use fresh garlic, onion, and citrus like orange and lime to enhance the meat's taste. Choose long grain white rice combined with fresh cilantro and lime juice for the perfect cilantro-lime rice base. Black beans should be seasoned with cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder to complement the other ingredients. Your Carnitas Burrito from the Chipotle copycat menu will taste authentic and satisfying when all these elements come together wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla.
Instructions
- Cut pork shoulder into large chunks.
- Season pork with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, and chili powder.
- Sear pork in olive oil in a skillet or frying pan.
- Transfer pork to slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, juice from orange and lime to pork.
- Cook pork on low (slow cooker) for 8 hours or in Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours.
- Cook rice in rice cooker or saucepan according to package instructions.
- Stir cilantro, lime juice, and salt into cooked rice.
- Rinse and drain black beans.
- Sauté onion for beans in skillet until translucent.
- Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a splash of water to skillet.
- Simmer beans for 10 minutes; keep warm.
- Shred pork using tongs or forks.
- Grate Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Warm flour tortillas in skillet or wrapped in aluminum foil in oven.
- Place tortilla on large platter or plate.
- Layer rice, black beans, shredded carnitas, salsa, and cheeses onto center of tortilla.
- Fold sides of tortilla, roll up burrito tightly.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Carnitas Burrito from Chipotle copycat menu requires tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder with a blend of spices, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh salsa, and a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses wrapped in large flour tortillas. If you don't have a slow cooker, a Dutch oven works well for slow-cooking the pork on the stovetop or in the oven. When fresh tomatoes for salsa are unavailable, store-bought pico de gallo or salsa fresca makes a convenient substitute without sacrificing flavor. For a lighter option, you can swap the black beans for pinto beans or skip the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free burrito. To keep tortillas soft and pliable, warm them wrapped in aluminum foil or briefly heat in a skillet before assembly.
Tips
Ensure you sear the pork shoulder well in olive oil to lock in flavor before slow cooking for optimal tenderness. When cooking rice, remember to fluff it gently before mixing in fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt to keep it light and aromatic. For the black beans, saute onions first to enhance sweetness, then simmer with spices and a splash of water to meld flavors. Warm your flour tortillas properly to prevent tearing when rolling your burrito, making your assembly easier and your meal more enjoyable.
Nutritions
The Carnitas Burrito provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Tender pork shoulder delivers high-quality protein and iron, while black beans contribute additional fiber, plant-based protein, and antioxidants. Cilantro-lime rice offers carbohydrates for energy along with a small amount of vitamin C from fresh lime juice. Your meal also includes calcium and vitamin D from the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage
Store leftover Carnitas Burritos in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. To reheat, wrap the burrito in foil and warm in a 350degF oven for 15-20 minutes, or use a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through. You can also separate components like rice, beans, and pork for individual reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs for a leaner protein option while maintaining tenderness. For a smoky twist, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pork seasoning before slow cooking. Swap the white rice with cilantro-lime cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. To make the burrito spicier, mix diced jalapenos into the salsa or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before rolling.
Allergies
The Carnitas Burrito contains multiple common allergens such as dairy from shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses and gluten from the flour tortillas. Pork shoulder may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to pork or related proteins. You should be cautious if you have allergies to ingredients like garlic, onion, or specific spices such as cumin and oregano, which are also included in this flavorful dish.
Why this recipe?
The Carnitas Burrito from Chipotle is loved for its tender, slow-cooked pork combined with vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and customizable salsas. You get a balanced blend of savory, smoky, and spicy tastes that make every bite satisfying and crave-worthy. Recreating the copycat version at home lets you control quality, customize spices to your preference, and enjoy a cost-effective, delicious meal anytime. Trying to make it yourself is worth it because it captures the authentic Chipotle experience while offering flexibility in ingredient choices and portion sizes.