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These cheeseburger burritos were born out of a teenage craving and quickly turned into one of our family's most beloved meals. Inspired by a food truck discovery, they combine the juicy flavor of a classic cheeseburger with the fun and portability of a burrito. Packed with crispy fries, melty cheese, and homemade animal style sauce, they’re a satisfying, indulgent dinner that feels like takeout but is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- Ground beef patties: made from fresh ground beef or store-bought frozen patties for convenience
- Crinkle cut fries: because their ridges stay crisp inside the burrito
- Large burrito tortillas: to hold everything without tearing or falling apart
- American cheese slices: for that classic burger melt and creamy texture
- Sweet relish: essential for the special sauce flavor
- Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the sauce
- Ketchup: adds a tangy sweetness to balance the relish
- Yellow mustard: gives the sauce its bold flavor
- White vinegar: brings brightness to the sauce blend
- Garlic powder: adds savory depth to the sauce
- Smoked paprika: enhances the sauce with a warm smoky finish
- Chopped onions: that caramelize as they cook and add sweetness
- Butter: for sautéing the onions and enhancing their flavor
- Salt and pepper: to season the beef patties simply but effectively
- Hamburger seasoning: adds extra burger flavor while the patties cook
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Special Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise ketchup mustard sweet relish vinegar garlic powder and smoked paprika in a bowl. Stir until fully blended and place in the fridge to chill while prepping the rest.
- Prepare the Fries:
- Cook frozen crinkle cut fries according to the package directions. They should be golden and crisp. This keeps them from getting soggy in the burrito.
- Shape and Season the Patties:
- Form ground beef into four large thin patties or use thawed frozen patties. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Grill the Onions and Burgers:
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high. Sauté chopped onions with butter until soft. Add patties and press them down firmly. Spread mustard on top and sprinkle with hamburger seasoning as they cook.
- Flip and Chop the Burgers:
- Flip the patties when browned and cook until they reach 160 degrees. Let them rest briefly then chop into small pieces for easy burrito filling.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay out tortillas and spread special sauce down the center. Add fries cheese burger chunks and onions. Top with another cheese slice and extra sauce.
- Roll and Grill:
- Fold in the sides then roll up tightly from the bottom. Place seam side down on a hot griddle and cook until both sides are golden and crisp. This locks in the filling and adds crunch.
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Storage Tips
Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving so the tortilla stays crisp. The sauce keeps in the fridge for one week and improves with time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot off the griddle cut in half to reveal the layers. Offer extra sauce on the side plus pickle spears and a light salad. These pair well with soda or cold beer and are perfect for casual parties or game nights.
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Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey or plant-based patties for lighter versions. Pepper jack cheese adds spice if preferred. Try bacon bits or diced pickles inside for extra flavor. You can double the sauce recipe and add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is animal style sauce made of?
It's a tangy blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, vinegar, and spices. It brings that classic burger flavor to the burritos.
- → Can I use a different kind of fries?
Yes, but crinkle cut fries are best because they stay crisp inside the burrito. Just make sure any fries are hot and crispy before using.
- → How do I stop the burrito from falling apart?
Don’t overfill, fold tightly, and always grill seam-side down first to seal everything in before flipping.
- → Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to a week ahead and kept in the fridge. The flavors actually improve as it rests.
- → What if I don’t have a griddle?
You can use a large skillet instead. Cook the patties and onions in batches, and grill the assembled burritos in the same pan.
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce, patties, and fries ahead. Assemble and griddle just before serving to keep the texture fresh.