Culture & Lifestyle • Food

Burrito

A burrito is a Mexican and Tex-Mex food made by wrapping a flour tortilla around a filling, typically including meat, beans, cheese, rice, and vegetables.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A burrito is a Mexican and Tex-Mex food made by wrapping a flour tortilla around a filling, typically including meat, beans, cheese, rice, and vegetables. Britannica describes it as a cylindrical food item of Mexican and American origin, and notes that it differs from a taco because the tortilla is wrapped rather than folded.

Definition

A burrito is a folded or rolled flour tortilla enclosing a savory filling. Standard dictionary definitions emphasize meat, beans, and cheese, though many variations exist.

Origins

Reference sources place the burrito’s roots in Mexico, with northern Mexico often cited as the likely region of origin. The exact history of the modern burrito is disputed, and some sources note that earlier Mexican usage may have referred to a rolled taco-like food.

Ingredients and variations

Common burrito fillings include beef, chicken, pork, beans, rice, vegetables, salsa, and dairy-based condiments. Regional and restaurant versions can vary widely, including breakfast burritos and other specialty forms.

The burrito is most often distinguished from the taco by its enclosed, cylindrical wrapping. Britannica also notes that a deep-fried burrito is called a chimichanga.

Key facts

A burrito is made by wrapping a flour tortilla around a filling.
Typical fillings include meat, beans, cheese, rice, and vegetables.
It is commonly associated with Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
The burrito differs from a taco because the tortilla is wrapped, not simply folded.
The word burrito is Spanish for 'little donkey'.

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Canadian context

Burritos are widely available in Canada through Mexican, Tex-Mex, and fast-casual restaurant chains, and they are commonly adapted to Canadian tastes and ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

What is a burrito?

A burrito is a food made by wrapping a flour tortilla around a filling such as meat, beans, cheese, rice, or vegetables.

Where did burritos come from?

Burritos are generally associated with Mexico, especially northern Mexico, though the exact origin of the modern burrito is not certain.

How is a burrito different from a taco?

A burrito is wrapped around its filling in a sealed cylindrical form, while a taco is typically folded rather than fully wrapped.

What does the word burrito mean?

In Spanish, burrito means "little donkey."

What is a chimichanga?

A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito, according to Britannica.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/burrito
Supports: Definition, ingredients, distinction from taco, chimichanga note, and likely northern Mexican origin.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/burrito
Supports: Basic definition as a Mexican food made with a folded tortilla and fillings.
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burrito
Supports: Definition of burrito as a flour tortilla rolled or folded around a filling.
Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/burrito
Supports: Definition and etymology note that burrito means little donkey.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrito
Supports: Summary of modern burrito usage, common fillings, and note that the precise origin is not currently known.