Leftovers don’t have to be boring. If you’ve got a bowl of leftover burrito filling sitting in your fridge, don’t let it go to waste. Whether your filling includes seasoned beef, chicken, beans, rice, veggies, or all of the above, there are dozens of ways to turn it into something new, exciting, and downright delicious.
In this guide, we’ll explore 18 creative ideas to use up leftover burrito filling. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a fun snack for a gathering, we’ve got you covered.
1. Make Breakfast Burritos
One of the easiest ways to reuse burrito filling is by turning it into a breakfast burrito. Just scramble some eggs, reheat your filling, and wrap it all up in a warm tortilla. Add some shredded cheese and hot sauce for an extra kick.
Tip: Freeze individually wrapped breakfast burritos for a quick grab-and-go meal.
2. Load Up a Quesadilla
Layer leftover burrito filling between two tortillas with a generous helping of shredded cheese, then grill it in a skillet until golden and crispy. A quesadilla is the perfect way to reinvent your leftovers and still enjoy those familiar Tex-Mex flavors.
Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
3. Make a Burrito Bowl
Skip the tortilla and throw your leftover filling into a bowl. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. A burrito bowl is low-carb and customizable—perfect for lunch or dinner.
Bonus: Add some tortilla chips for crunch or drizzle with lime juice for freshness.
4. Create Burrito-Stuffed Peppers
Turn bell peppers into edible bowls by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. Fill them with your leftover burrito mix and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
This method gives your leftovers a colorful and healthy twist.
5. Transform It Into a Taco Salad
Spread a bed of lettuce on a plate and spoon your burrito filling on top. Add crushed tortilla chips, salsa, avocado, and ranch or chipotle dressing. This is a quick and easy option when you want something lighter than a traditional burrito.
It’s everything you love in a burrito—just served with a fork.
6. Bake Burrito Casserole
Layer tortillas, your leftover filling, cheese, and a bit of enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Repeat until you run out of ingredients and bake until bubbly. It’s like lasagna, but Tex-Mex style!
This dish feeds a crowd and is ideal for meal prepping or potlucks.
7. Fill Empanadas or Pastry Pockets
If you have pie dough, puff pastry, or even crescent rolls, you can fill them with leftover burrito mix for a quick baked snack. These handheld pies are great for lunches or parties.
Add a touch of cheese or salsa inside for extra flavor. Seal, bake, and serve hot.
8. Use It in Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Cut zucchinis lengthwise, scoop out the center, and fill them with your burrito mixture. Top with cheese and bake until tender. This is a great low-carb, veggie-forward option.
Zucchini boats turn your leftovers into a gourmet-looking dish without much effort.
9. Make Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, layer on the leftover burrito filling, and top with shredded cheese. Bake until melted and bubbly. Add jalapeños, sour cream, or green onions after baking for that perfect bar-style snack.
Perfect for movie night or game day.
10. Create a Tex-Mex Pizza
Use flatbread or pizza dough as your base. Spread a thin layer of salsa, top with your burrito filling and cheese, and bake until crispy. Add fresh cilantro or avocado slices after baking.
Who says pizza has to be Italian?
11. Make a Burrito Omelet
Whip up a simple omelet and use the burrito filling as your stuffing. It’s a hearty breakfast that keeps you full for hours. Add a little salsa on top for extra flavor.
A protein-packed way to start your day.
12. Use It in Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb lunch or appetizer, wrap spoonfuls of the burrito mix in romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Add some crunchy veggies like shredded carrots or cabbage for texture.
Lettuce wraps offer freshness and crunch while giving your leftovers a healthy makeover.
13. Layer a Tex-Mex Dip
Mix leftover filling with a bit of cream cheese or sour cream and layer it with guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese in a serving dish. Serve with tortilla chips as a crowd-pleasing dip.
Ideal for parties, picnics, or potlucks.
14. Turn It Into Fried Rice
Heat some oil in a pan, toss in your burrito filling, and add cooked rice. Stir-fry with soy sauce and scrambled eggs for a unique Mexican-Asian fusion dish. You can even toss in some corn, scallions, or frozen peas.
Leftovers never looked (or tasted) so good.
15. Make Stuffed Avocados
Halve an avocado and remove a bit of the flesh to make room for the filling. Warm up your burrito mix and scoop it into the avocado halves. Top with cheese or a drizzle of lime crema.
A high-fat, nutrient-rich snack or lunch.
16. Fill Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes and burrito filling are a surprisingly delicious combo. Just slice open a cooked potato and stuff it full. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for extra flavor.
It’s comfort food with a twist.
17. Create Mini Tostadas
Fry small corn tortillas until crispy, then top with warmed-up burrito filling and your favorite toppings. These bite-sized delights are great for appetizers or finger food during gatherings.
Top with cilantro, lime juice, or queso fresco.
18. Make Freezer Burritos
If you still have a good amount of leftover filling, use it to make freezer burritos. Wrap portions in tortillas, then individually wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze and reheat as needed.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftover Burrito Filling
Before you get creative in the kitchen, make sure your leftover filling is properly stored. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3–4 days.
To reheat:
- Use a skillet with a touch of oil to preserve the texture.
- Microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Add a splash of water or broth if the filling seems dry.
If you’re unsure how long it’s been in the fridge, don’t risk it—always use your senses and food safety guidelines to avoid spoilage.
Why You Should Embrace Leftovers
It’s easy to think of leftovers as second-rate meals, but with a little creativity, they can become some of the best dishes you’ve ever made. Not only does repurposing leftover burrito filling save money and reduce food waste, but it also encourages you to experiment in the kitchen and try new combinations.
Instead of reheating the same burrito for the third time, imagine what else it could be—a crispy tostada, a hearty baked potato topper, or a cheesy nacho masterpiece.
Cooking is as much about reinvention as it is about preparation. And with flavorful burrito fillings like spiced beef, chipotle chicken, black beans, rice, and sautéed veggies, you’ve already got a versatile base for endless meal ideas.
