Savory Mexicali Pork Burritos
Experience the rich, bold flavors of the Southwest with these Savory Mexicali Pork Burritos. This hearty dish features a mouthwatering blend of tender, shredded pork, creamy pinto beans, and a medley of spices, creating a filling that's perfect for wrapping in warm flour tortillas. Packed with protein and flavor, this recipe not only makes delicious burritos but can also be transformed into tacos, tostadas, or enchiladas, making it an incredibly versatile dish for meal preparations. Ideal for batches and freezer meals, you can prepare this ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Use a slow cooker for convenience - set it and forget it! Perfect for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts, this dish is worthy of sharing with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork roast
3 lb (well trimmed of fat)
dried pinto beans
1 lb (do not presoak)
water
4 cups
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cumin seeds
2 tablespoons
chili powder
2 tablespoons
dried oregano
5 teaspoons
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon
whole tomatoes
28 ounces (with juice)
diced green chilies
7 ounces
salt
1 tablespoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
flour tortillas
24-36 (warmed)
grated cheese
to taste
chopped onion
to taste
olives
to taste
salsa
to taste
sour cream
to taste
guacamole
to taste
chopped lettuce
to taste
tomatoes
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
Place the trimmed pork roast into a large Dutch oven and ensure it fits snugly within the pot.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the dried pinto beans, garlic, cumin seeds, chili powder, oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, whole tomatoes with their juice, diced green chilies, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well to combine.
4
Pour the mixture over the pork roast, distributing the ingredients evenly.
5
Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid or aluminum foil to prevent moisture from escaping.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the pork is easy to shred. You can also cook this overnight for added convenience. Remember to check occasionally and add extra water if the mixture seems too dry.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, stir the mixture well, allowing the meat to break apart.
8
Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine. The mixture should achieve a consistency similar to chili.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
10
To assemble your burritos, warm your tortillas and place one on a plate. Add a generous scoop of the Mexicali filling, then top with your choice of grated cheese, chopped onions, olives, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped lettuce, and fresh tomatoes.
11
Fold in the edges of the tortilla and roll it up loosely. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Mexicali Pork Burritos?
Savory Mexicali Pork Burritos are a hearty Southwest-inspired dish featuring a blend of tender shredded pork, creamy pinto beans, and bold spices wrapped in flour tortillas.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 3 lb boneless pork roast that has been well trimmed of fat.
Do I need to soak the pinto beans before cooking?
No, the dried pinto beans should not be presoaked for this specific slow-cooking method.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C) for a slow-cooking process.
How long does it take to cook the pork and beans?
The dish typically takes between 7 to 8 hours in the oven until the beans are tender and the meat is easy to shred.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a slow cooker for added 'set it and forget it' convenience.
What spices are used to season the Mexicali filling?
The filling is seasoned with cumin seeds, chili powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for batch cooking and meal preparations because it can be made ahead of time.
Can I freeze these burritos?
Absolutely, this recipe is highly recommended for freezer meals to be enjoyed throughout the week.
What is the best way to shred the pork?
Once cooked, you can use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces or stir the mixture vigorously so the meat breaks apart.
What consistency should the final mixture have?
After shredding and stirring the pork back into the pot with the beans and juices, it should have a consistency similar to chili.
Can I use this filling for other dishes?
Yes, the versatile Mexicali filling can also be used to make tacos, tostadas, or enchiladas.
How many burritos does this recipe make?
The recipe yields enough filling for approximately 24 to 36 flour tortillas.
What should I do if the mixture looks too dry while cooking?
You should check the pot occasionally and add extra water if the mixture appears to be drying out.
Can I cook the pork roast overnight?
Yes, cooking the roast overnight in the low-temperature oven or a slow cooker is a convenient option.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of whole tomatoes, which should be added along with their juice.
Are there green chilies in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 7 ounces of diced green chilies for added flavor and texture.
How do I prevent moisture from escaping during the long bake?
Ensure you cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid or use aluminum foil to seal it.
What are the recommended toppings for the burritos?
Common toppings include grated cheese, chopped onions, olives, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and fresh tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a bold flavor with some heat from cayenne pepper (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) and green chilies, but spice levels can be adjusted to taste.
Should the tortillas be warmed before filling?
Yes, warming the flour tortillas makes them easier to fold and more pleasant to eat.
How do I fold the burritos?
Place the filling in the center, fold in the edges of the tortilla, and then roll it up loosely.
What size Dutch oven is recommended?
A large Dutch oven is required, and you should ensure the pork roast fits snugly inside.
Can I adjust the seasonings after cooking?
Yes, once the meat is shredded and mixed, you should taste it and adjust the salt or other seasonings as necessary.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 minced garlic cloves for the best flavor profile.
Is this a good dish for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food that is perfect for busy households.
What makes this dish 'Southwest' style?
The combination of pinto beans, cumin, coriander, and green chilies reflects traditional flavors of Southwest cuisine.
Can I use ground pork instead of a roast?
The recipe is designed for a whole roast to achieve a shredded texture; ground pork would significantly change the consistency and cooking time.
How much water is needed for the cooking liquid?
The base recipe requires 4 cups of water to cook the dried beans and the pork roast together.
Are the beans supposed to be soft or firm?
The beans should be cooked until they are tender, which usually occurs after the 7-8 hour baking window.