There’s something magical about that first bite of a homemade 7 Layer Burrito — warm, pillowy tortillas filled edge-to-edge with creamy beans, zesty rice, crisp lettuce, gooey cheese, rich sour cream, tangy guacamole, and bursts of juicy tomato. This recipe brings all that Taco Bell nostalgia right into your own kitchen, but with even bigger flavor and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable Layers: Make your 7 Layer Burrito entirely your own by mixing and matching flavors, spice levels, and toppings to suit any craving.
- Meal-Prep Magic: Prep the rice, beans, and guacamole ahead—assembly is a total breeze for lunches or quick dinners all week.
- Satisfyingly Hearty: Bursting with vibrant veggies, creamy beans, and melty cheese, every bite hits all the right comfort food notes.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone can assemble their personal 7 Layer Burrito, making dinnertime fun and interactive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The iconic 7 Layer Burrito is built with simple staples that work together to create something totally crave-worthy. Every layer brings its own color, texture, and flavor, so don’t be tempted to skip a thing!
- Avocado oil: Adds richness and a mild, buttery flavor to both rice and beans, plus it’s perfect for pan-toasting your burrito!
- Garlic and onions: Sautéed at the beginning of both the rice and beans, they infuse everything with savory depth.
- White basmati rice: Fluffy and aromatic, it soaks up tomato and spices beautifully for that classic Mexican rice taste.
- Tomatoes & tomato paste: These bring freshness and a concentrated tomato flavor to the rice and as a finishing layer in the burrito.
- Cumin and chili powder: Earthy heat and warmth—absolutely essential for the true Tex-Mex experience!
- Organic pinto beans (roasted chili & lime, if you can find them): Creamy beans with a hint of zest form the hearty backbone of your burrito.
- Taco Bell mild sauce & taco seasoning: You get that spot-on nostalgic flavor right at home.
- Avocado, red onion, serrano chili, cilantro, lime, and salt: These simple guacamole ingredients add creamy, tangy brightness!
- Flour burrito tortillas: Thick, soft, and perfectly pliable, they hug all the delicious fillings together.
- Pepper Jack cheese: Melty with a touch of kick; substitute your favorite cheese if you like.
- Sour cream: Cool and tangy, this adds irresistible creaminess to every bite.
- Lettuce: Fresh and crunchy, it lightens up the rich layers.
Variations
The beauty of the 7 Layer Burrito is how easily you can swap, tweak, or add to each layer. Feel free to get creative and personalize your burrito to fit your mood, dietary needs, or what’s waiting in your fridge!
- Go vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream, and double-check your tortillas for plant-based ingredients.
- Add more veggies: Grilled peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or corn make fabulous extra layers for more flavor and color.
- Protein power: Sprinkle in some cooked chicken, tofu, or even crumbled tempeh for an extra protein hit.
- Spice swap: Craving more heat? Use a spicier taco sauce, hotter chilies, or even a shake of crushed red pepper in your rice.
How to Make 7 Layer Burrito
Step 1: Make Mexican Rice
Start by chopping your garlic, onions, and tomatoes. On the sauté function of your Instant Pot, cook the garlic in avocado oil briefly—just until fragrant—then add the onions, cooking until translucent and golden. Add your rinsed rice and toast it, then bring in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Next, season everything with salt, cumin, and chili powder for serious flavor, pour in the water, and pressure cook for 5 minutes with a natural release. You’ll have gorgeous, tomato-laced rice as the perfect burrito layer.
Step 2: Prepare Refried Beans
While the rice steams, get your refried beans ready. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the remaining chopped onions until soft and sweet. Add the canned pinto beans, Taco Bell mild sauce, and taco seasoning, and stir until everything is hot and thickened. The beans should be creamy and rich with a subtle smokiness from that signature sauce.
Step 3: Chop Toppings & Make Guacamole
Toss the lettuce and tomatoes with a quick chop for plenty of texture and freshness. For the guacamole, mash avocado with red onion, cilantro, serrano chili, garlic, a big squeeze of fresh lime, and salt to taste. The result is zingy, creamy, and utterly irresistible!
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
A warm tortilla is key to a pliable, easy-to-roll 7 Layer Burrito. Heat each tortilla on a dry skillet or cast iron pan until just softened—about a minute per side. Keep them warm under a towel as you go.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burrito
Lay a tortilla flat and start building: first a thick swipe of refried beans, then a generous scoop of Mexican rice. Top that with a dollop of sour cream, followed by the crunchy lettuce, shredded cheese, a spoonful of guacamole, and chopped tomatoes. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly from the bottom up, snugging in that colorful filling.
Step 6: Toast & Serve
For an extra-special finish, lightly toast your filled burrito seam-side down in a skillet with a little avocado oil spray until golden and crisp, then flip and repeat. Slice in half, and your beautiful 7 Layer Burrito is ready to wow!
Pro Tips for Making 7 Layer Burrito
- Tortilla Pliability: Briefly warming your tortillas makes them much easier to roll, helping prevent cracks and spills while you stuff them to the brim!
- Layering Order: Start with warm beans at the bottom—they act as tasty “glue” to hold everything together as you stack on toppings.
- Crisped to Perfection: Don’t skip the final skillet toasting—it adds extra savoriness and texture that totally transforms your 7 Layer Burrito.
- Guacamole Freshness: Mash your guacamole just before serving to capture all its zesty, bright flavor without any browning.
How to Serve 7 Layer Burrito
Garnishes
A classic 7 Layer Burrito truly shines with the right finishing touches! Add an extra dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for even more brightness. For fans of heat, sliced jalapeños or your favorite taco sauce add an irresistible punch.
Side Dishes
Pair your burrito with sides that keep the fiesta going! Think chips and salsa, creamy elote (Mexican street corn), a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, or even a chilled agua fresca for refreshment. These easy sides round out a perfect Tex-Mex spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your 7 Layer Burrito on the diagonal to show off those stunning layers, and serve on a colorful platter for a party vibe. For gatherings, make mini burritos or set up a “burrito bar” with all the fixings—let everyone create their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 7 Layer Burrito components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve already assembled a burrito, wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap—just know the lettuce may lose a bit of its crunch with time.
Freezing
You can freeze burritos for longer storage! For best results, skip the sour cream and guacamole in the frozen ones (add fresh after reheating). Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy weekday meals.
Reheating
To reheat, remove foil and microwave the burrito for a couple of minutes or bake in a 350°F oven (still wrapped in foil) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. If you toasted it before, a few minutes in a dry skillet brings back that beautiful crispy exterior!
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white basmati for Mexican rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a delicious and wholesome option in your 7 Layer Burrito, but it does take longer to cook and needs a bit more water. Just follow your typical ratio and cooking times for brown rice. You’ll still get all that flavor and extra fiber, too.
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How do I keep my burritos from becoming soggy?
The key is to assemble just before eating and use warm, not steaming-hot, fillings. Toasting the finished burrito in a skillet also helps lock in moisture and delivers a divine, crisp exterior!
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Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in large gluten-free wraps or certified corn tortillas (if you don’t mind a smaller burrito). All the fillings in this 7 Layer Burrito recipe are naturally gluten-free.
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How far in advance can I make the ingredients?
The rice and beans can be prepped up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, make the guacamole the day you assemble your burritos—it’s at its brightest and freshest then!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, customizable, and just plain fun to eat, this homemade 7 Layer Burrito delivers every time. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a festive dinner for friends, I hope you’ll enjoy every layer as much as I do. Dig in—and don’t forget the extra guacamole!
Print
7 Layer Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious 7 Layer Burrito at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This burrito is packed with flavorful Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and more, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Mexican Rice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3/4 cup white onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white basmati rice
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
Refried Beans
- 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1 15 ounce can organic pinto beans, roasted chili & lime
- 1/4 cup Taco Bell mild sauce
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
Guacamole
- 1 large avocado
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 serrano chili, finely chopped
- 1 garlic, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1/2 of a fresh lime
- Salt to taste
Other Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 burrito flour tortillas
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Mexican Rice – Chop the garlic and onions. Heat oil in an Instant Pot, saute garlic, add onions, rice, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add water, salt, cumin, and chili powder. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Refried Beans – Saute onions, add pinto beans, Taco Bell sauce, and taco seasoning. Heat through.
- Prep remaining ingredients + Make Guacamole – Chop lettuce and tomatoes. Shred cheese. Make guacamole by combining avocado, red onions, cilantro, garlic, chili, lime juice, and salt.
- Assemble the 7 Layer Burrito – Warm tortilla, add beans, rice, sour cream, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and tomatoes. Fold burrito, cook until golden brown, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
