Burritos are one of the most versatile and satisfying meals out there. They’re warm, flavorful, filling, and completely customizable. But there’s one burrito variation that stands out from the rest: the 7-layer burrito. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes packed into a soft tortilla—without the need for meat. Whether you’re vegetarian, hosting a party, or just craving something hearty, this classic Mexican-American creation is a go-to favorite.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to build a 7-layer burrito, including ingredient tips, preparation strategies, and serving suggestions that take this humble wrap from ordinary to unforgettable.
What Is a 7-Layer Burrito?
The 7-layer burrito is a popular meatless version of the traditional burrito, made famous by fast-food chains like Taco Bell. It features seven distinct layers of ingredients, typically including:
- Refried beans
- Mexican rice
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
While that’s the standard version, home cooks often make slight variations by adding hot sauce, jalapeños, or even crunchy tortilla strips for added texture.
What makes this burrito so special is its balance of creaminess, freshness, and heartiness—all rolled into one.
Why People Love the 7-Layer Burrito
There are a few key reasons this burrito has remained a fan favorite for decades:
- No meat needed: It’s fully vegetarian, making it ideal for meatless Mondays or plant-based diets.
- Easy to prep ahead: You can prepare most ingredients in advance for quick assembly later.
- Budget-friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or affordable produce.
- Flavor-packed: Every bite is a combination of creamy, spicy, savory, and fresh.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down the step-by-step process of how to build one yourself.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start assembling, make sure you have the following ready:
- Large flour tortillas (burrito-sized, at least 10–12 inches wide)
- Refried beans (canned or homemade)
- Mexican rice (cooked and seasoned)
- Guacamole (store-bought or fresh)
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a healthy alternative)
- Shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg for crunch)
- Diced tomatoes (plum or Roma are ideal)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
Optional add-ins:
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Jalapeño slices
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strips for crunch
You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Step 2: Warm the Tortilla
This might seem minor, but a cold tortilla is prone to cracking and tearing when folded. To avoid this:
- Wrap your tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 15–20 seconds.
- Alternatively, heat it on a dry skillet for 10 seconds on each side.
This makes the tortilla soft, pliable, and easier to roll.
Step 3: Add the Refried Beans
This is your base layer, and it’s crucial. The beans provide protein and create a sturdy foundation for the other layers.
Spread about ¼ to ⅓ cup of refried beans in the center of your tortilla, forming an oval shape that runs horizontally. Don’t spread it all the way to the edges—leave about 2 inches of space around the perimeter for folding.
If you’re feeling creative, mix in some cumin, garlic powder, or hot sauce to boost the flavor of your beans.
Step 4: Add the Mexican Rice
Next, spoon in about ¼ cup of warm Mexican rice on top of the beans.
Mexican rice is usually made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder. If you’re using plain white or brown rice, you can stir in a bit of tomato paste and taco seasoning for a quick fix.
The rice adds heartiness and a hint of spice, rounding out the base of the burrito.
Step 5: Add Guacamole
The third layer is all about creaminess and bold avocado flavor. Use about 2 tablespoons of guacamole and spread it evenly across the rice.
You can use store-bought guac, but homemade is always better. To make a quick batch:
Mash 1 ripe avocado with a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, some chopped cilantro, and minced onion.
This layer provides healthy fats and a refreshing contrast to the heavier beans and rice.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream
Next, spoon on 2 tablespoons of sour cream and spread it gently over the guacamole.
This adds a cool and tangy richness that brings everything together. If you prefer a lighter or healthier option, plain Greek yogurt works surprisingly well here.
Be careful not to overdo this layer—too much sour cream can make the burrito soggy or cause it to burst when rolled.
Something to think about
A 7-layer burrito is more than just a meatless alternative—it’s a satisfying, flavor-packed experience in every bite. With the right balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh, you can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or hosting a group of friends, learning how to build a 7-layer burrito from scratch will always come in handy. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious.
So warm up that tortilla, stack your layers, and enjoy every bite of this delicious Mexican-American favorite.
