Once upon a time, burritos were cheap, packed with flavor, and easy to get for just a few bucks. You could grab one on your lunch break and still have enough money left for coffee. But now, things are much different. Fast food restaurants sell burritos for £14 or £17, and this struck a nerve. It isn’t just about the burrito, but about how expensive food has become.
We are now living in a time when fast food is no longer fast or cheap; it feels like luxury. Although that £14/£17 burrito might taste amazing, it might be hard to enjoy when you think about the amount that went into buying it. For many people, spending that kind of money on one wrap of a burrito is just not sustainable, but like always, there is a solution.
You can turn this frustration into something better. You know how? DIY! You can make affordable, tasty, and practical copycat burritos at home. Whether you are feeding yourself or your family, the recipes in this article cost less than £3 per serving. Another good thing about these recipes is that you can freeze them. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever the burrito temptation hits.
This article will break down three copycat recipes inspired by your favorite fast-food chains, including Chipotle, Taco Bell, and well-known high-street UK-style burrito chains. We will include a general cost breakdown, prep tips, and freezer-friendly instructions.
Homemade Burrito: What You Will Need Before You Start
Burritos are one of the most meal-prep-friendly foods out there. They freeze well, reheat without going mushy, and they can be easily customized to your taste and preference. You can fill them up with rice, beans, and veggies, making them both filling and budget-conscious. Also, with a few clever swaps, you can create the flavors you love without the price tag you dislike.
Before getting into the recipes, below is a quick prep checklist:
- Foil or parchment paper for wrapping
- Freezer bags or containers
- A frying pan or skillet
- Rice cooker or saucepan
- A grater (for cheese, garlic, zest, etc.)
- Food scale for proportioning (this is optional).
Burrito Recipe 1: The Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito
Fast-Food Inspiration: Chipotle Chicken Burrito
Ingredients for 5 Burritos:
- 500g of boneless chicken thighs
- 250g of long-grain rice
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 1 lime
- 100g of grated cheddar cheese
- 5 large flour tortillas
- Seasonings: cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- 2 tablespoons of oil for cooking
Process
- Marinate and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, mix oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Coat the chicken and let it sit for 10 to 5 minutes. After the specified time, sear it in a hot pan until it is charred and cooked through. Let it rest before you start slicing.
- Cook the Rice: Add the zest and juice of one lime to your cooked rice for that signature Chipotle citrus kick.
- Assemble the fillings: Layer the rice, black beans, chopped chicken, diced onion, and cheese on each of your tortilla wraps.
- Wrap and roll: Tuck in the side, then roll lightly. You can wrap it in foil to store it in the freezer, or you can eat it right away.
Freezer Tip
Wrap your burrito tightly in foil, then place it in a Ziploc bag. When you want to reheat it, take it out and microwave it for three minutes. You can also toast it in a pan if you want a crispier exterior.
Burrito Recipe 2: The Crunchy Taco Bell Beef Burrito
Fast-Food Inspiration: Taco Bell Beefy Crunch Burrito
Ingredients for 5 Burritos:
- 400g minced beef
- 250g of cooked white rice
- 1 small bag of lightly salted tortilla crisps
- 100g of grated cheddar
- 1 packet of XR taco seasoning
- 5 large flour tortillas
- 100 ml of sour cream
- 1 small tin of sweetcorn
Method
- Cook the Beef: Fry the minced beef with taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer it until it is rich and slightly saucy.
- Crunch Time: Crush a handful of tortilla chips for each burrito. This will add a satisfying crunch that mimics Taco Bell’s signature style.
- Assemble the Fillings: Layer the rice, beef, corn, cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips on each tortilla.
- Wrap and Roll: Wrap your burritos tightly and toast them if you want.
Freezer Tip
Hold back the crisps if you want to freeze them. You can add them after reheating to maintain the crunch.
Burrito Recipe 3: The Cheeky Veggie Burrito Bar Style
Fast-Food Inspiration: UK High Street Burrito Chains
Ingredients for 5 Burritos:
- 1 can of kidney beans
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 courgette, chopped
- 250g of cooked brown rice
- 100g of grated cheddar
- 1 jar of salsa or chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp of smoked paprika, salt, and cumin
- 5 large tortillas
- Oil for roasting
Process
- Roast the Veggies: Chop the courgette and red pepper, then season with smoked paprika and oil. After this, roast them at 180°C for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Beans: Simmer the kidney beans with a few tablespoons of salsa or tomatoes and some cumin.
- Assemble the Fillings: Layer the rice, beans, roasted veggies, cheese, and salsa in each wrap.
- Wrap and Roll: Fold your burrito like a pro and enjoy the smoky-savoury veggie goodness.
Freezer Tip
This burrito is freezer-safe for up to two months. Whenever you are ready to eat it, just microwave or toast it.
Shopping List for All Three Burritos
If you want varieties instead of just one type of these three burritos at once, you can make a batch with the shopping list below. The ingredients below should be enough to make 5 of each.
Proteins & Dairy
- Chicken thighs (1kg)
- Minced beef (400g)
- Cheddar cheese (300g)
- Sour cream (100ml)
Pantry & Dry Goods
- Long grain rice (500g)
- Brown rice (250g)
- Black beans (2 cans)
- Kidney beans (1 can)
- Taco seasoning
- Tortilla crisps
- Tortillas (15 wraps)
Veggies & Fruit
- Red onion (2)
- Red pepper (1)
- Courgette (1)
- Lime (1)
- Salsa or canned chopped tomatoes (1 jar/tin)
- Sweetcorn (1 tin)
Spices
Garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, smoked paprika
Homemade Burrito Cost vs. Fast Food
Let’s compare the cost breakdown of the recipes above against fast food from your local fast-casual chain. When you order three burritos from your local fast-food restaurant, at £14 per burrito, you will spend £42. Making three burritos at home will cost you only about £8.
One major advantage is that you would not have to compromise on flavor or satisfaction when making your own burrito at home. At the end of the day, you won’t just be saving money. You will save time, reduce packaging waste, and avoid last-minute food delivery panic.
Conclusion
While a £14 burrito is a sign of the times, it doesn’t have to be your reality. With just a bit of prep and a stocked freezer, you can chase the burrito blues away. Whether you are cooking for yourself alone or for more people, these wraps are proof that flavor, fun, and food hacks can still fit into your budget. So, go make your burritos like a pro. See you in the kitchen!
