Chipotle’s steak burritos are a popular menu item that customers love to customize. The traditional steak burrito comes with several standard ingredients, but you can also add and remove items to craft your perfect burrito. Here’s a look at what comes on a Chipotle steak burrito and how to customize it to your liking.
The Base Ingredients
A regular steak burrito from Chipotle starts with a large flour tortilla as the wrap. Inside the tortilla, you’ll find the following base ingredients:
- Steak – Chipotle uses responsibly raised steak that is grilled in the restaurant. You get a standard amount of steak in each burrito.
- Rice – The burrito comes with a serving of Chipotle’s signature cilantro-lime rice.
- Beans – The standard is Chipotle’s pinto beans, though you can request black beans instead.
- Cheese – A sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is added on top.
Those are the default ingredients that make up a Chipotle steak burrito before any customizations. You’ll get a portion of each base ingredient in every burrito. The rice, beans, and steak give you protein and fiber, while the cheese adds creaminess.
Additional Toppings
While the base ingredients make a complete burrito, Chipotle offers several toppings you can add to customize your meal.
Free Toppings
Chipotle allows you to add certain toppings at no extra cost. The free toppings for a steak burrito include:
- Lettuce – Chopped romaine lettuce
- Salsa – Options include mild red salsa, medium green salsa, and hot tomatillo-red salsa
- Sour cream
- Cheese – Extra shredded cheese in addition to the base amount
Adding lettuce and salsa incorporates some extra veggies to make your burrito more filling. Sour cream and extra cheese amp up the flavor and creaminess.
Premium Toppings
You can also upgrade your burrito with Chipotle’s fresh, premium toppings for an additional cost. The premium toppings you can add to a steak burrito include:
- Guacamole
- Queso
- Fajita veggies – Onions, peppers and mushrooms sauteed in lime juice and cilantro
- Romaine lettuce
The guacamole, queso, and fajita veggies come at a higher cost but provide more flavors, textures, and nutrition. Romaine lettuce is also an upgrade over the standard chopped lettuce.
How to Customize Your Burrito
With all the possible ingredients, there are countless ways to customize your ideal steak burrito. Here are some tips for crafting your perfect burrito:
Pick Your Base Beans
The standard is pinto beans, but you can swap them for black beans instead. Black beans have an earthier, more robust flavor.
Add Lettuce
Start with chopped lettuce as a free topping, or pay extra for shredded romaine. Lettuce gives your burrito some crunch.
Load Up On Salsa
The more salsa you add, the more flavor you get. Try a combo of mild red and spicy green salsas.
Include Fajita Veggies
The sauteed onion, pepper and mushroom mix adds a pop of flavor and texture to the burrito.
Get Guacamole
Fresh, creamy guac is a classic burrito upgrade. The richness pairs perfectly with the steak and beans.
Splurge on Queso
For extra creaminess, you can’t go wrong with a ladle of Chipotle’s smooth queso dip.
Say Yes to Sour Cream
A scoop of cool sour cream balances the spice from salsa and the heartiness of the burrito.
Don’t Forget the Cheese
Extra shredded cheese ensures your burrito has plenty of gooey goodness in every bite.
Nutrition Information
A regular steak burrito from Chipotle packs a good amount of protein, fiber, carbs and other key nutrients. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a standard burrito with no customizations:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 710 |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Protein | 44 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 93 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 13 g |
| Sodium | 1330 mg |
Customizing your burrito with premium toppings like guacamole, queso, or extra cheese will increase the calorie, fat, and sodium counts. But the burrito still provides ample protein, carbs, and fiber to keep you full.
Cost
The price of a Chipotle steak burrito can vary slightly by location. But in general, the cost breaks down as follows:
- Burrito with standard ingredients: $8.55
- Guacamole: +$2.45
- Queso: +$1.95
- Extra meat: +$1.95
- Fajita veggies: +$1.95
So a loaded burrito with all the fixings could cost over $15. But you can also keep it under $10 with standard fillings. Chipotle offers excellent value for a customized, filling meal.
How Does It Compare to Other Burritos?
Chipotle steak burritos are unique for their assembly-line style of preparation. Here’s how they compare to other popular burrito options:
Vs. Qdoba Steak Burritos
Qdoba is Chipotle’s biggest direct competitor. Their burritos are also customizable and include similar steak and ingredients. Qdoba burritos tend to have more condiments like diced onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and creamy sauces.
Vs. Freezer Aisle Burritos
Frozen burritos can’t match the freshness of Chipotle’s in-house grilled steak and produce. But freezer burritos are quicker, cheaper, and still tasty.
Vs. Authentic Mexican Restaurant Burritos
Burritos from family-owned Mexican spots often have more regional flavors and homemade ingredients. But Chipotle offers reliability, customization, and faster service.
Vs. Mission-Style Burritos
Huge, no-frills burritos wrapped in foil are popular in San Francisco and beyond. Chipotle burritos allow more ingredient choices in a style anyone can enjoy.
Is a Steak Burrito from Chipotle Healthy?
Chipotle markets itself as a relatively healthy fast food option. While heavy on carbs, a steak burrito can be nutritious if you customize it right, such as:
- Getting brown rice instead of white
- Adding extra veggies like lettuce, salsa, and fajita mix
- Opting for black beans over pinto
- Using just one type of cheese
- Asking for a light scoop of sour cream
Avoid overloading on high-fat cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. But overall, a burrito from Chipotle is healthier than typical fast food burgers and fries.
Tips for Saving Money at Chipotle
Burritos may seem pricey, especially when you tack on extras like guac and queso. Use these strategies to save money on your Chipotle runs:
- Avoid meat double-ups – Only pick one meat, instead of paying extra for double chicken or steak.
- Skip the drink – Save money by getting water cups and avoiding pricy sodas or juices.
- Order a bowl – Burrito bowls pack the same ingredients without the tortilla carbs.
- Share a meal – Order one entree and extra sides to split with someone.
- Use rewards – Redeem points from Chipotle’s loyalty program for free food.
Conclusion
A steak burrito from Chipotle offers a customizable meal packed with flavorful ingredients. While the basic burrito comes with steak, rice, beans, and cheese, you can add various toppings to make it your own. Loading up on nutritious extras like lettuce, salsa, and fajita veggies can make your burrito even healthier. Just be mindful of high-calorie add-ons like sour cream and guacamole. Overall, Chipotle’s fresh style of burritos gives you a reliably tasty and filling option for an on-the-go meal.