Guy Fieri Shares His Recipe for Bacon Cheeseburger Burrito
Guy Fieri Shares His Recipe for Bacon Cheeseburger Burrito is a medium American Fusion recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by TODAY Food on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $17.82 total, $4.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20) (trimmed, room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Bacon Fat (rendered from bacon, or use butter as substitute)
- 1 tsp Granulated Garlic (or 1 clove fresh minced garlic)
- 1 tsp Granulated Onion (or 1 tbsp fresh minced onion)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- 4 pieces Flour Tortillas (10‑inch) (large, soft, preferably flour)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, grated)
- 1 cup French Fries (frozen or homemade, cut into thin strips)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Lettuce (iceberg or romaine, washed and dried)
- 1/4 cup Pickles (diced dill pickles)
- 1/2 cup Black Beans (canned, drained and rinsed (optional))
- 2 cloves Roasted Garlic (soft, mashed)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (regular brand)
- 2 tbsp Aioli (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Olive Oil (for roasting garlic)
Instructions
Mix Spice Blend
In a small mixing bowl, combine granulated garlic, granulated onion, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Donkey Sauce
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and aioli, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook French Fries
Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread frozen French fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18‑20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 425°F
Brown Ground Beef in Bacon Fat
While fries are baking, add 2 tbsp bacon fat to a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Once melted, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle the spice blend over the meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and cooked through, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Warm Tortillas
Place tortillas on a clean plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds or steam in a skillet for 1 minute until pliable.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spread 1‑2 tbsp donkey sauce in the center. Add a scoop of cooked ground beef, a handful of French fries, shredded lettuce, diced pickles, black beans (if using), and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly.
Time: PT5M
Melt Cheese on Top
Place assembled burritos seam‑side down on a baking sheet. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the tops. Broil in the oven for 1‑2 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Broil
Serve
Transfer burritos to plates, drizzle with extra donkey sauce if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 32g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy (cheddar cheese, aioli), Gluten (flour tortilla), Egg (aioli)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef (80/20): Ground turkey, Ground chuck
- Instead of Bacon Fat: Butter, Olive oil
- Instead of Granulated Garlic: Fresh garlic
- Instead of Granulated Onion: Fresh onion
- Instead of Flour Tortillas (10‑inch): Whole‑wheat tortillas, Gluten‑free tortillas
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese
- Instead of French Fries: Sweet potato fries, Potato wedges
- Instead of Pickles: Pickle relish
- Instead of Black Beans: Pinto beans, Kidney beans
- Instead of Roasted Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (less sweet)
- Instead of Aioli: Mayonnaise mixed with garlic
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plate or Serving Platter
- Aluminum Foil (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the spice blend ensures even seasoning of the beef
- Cooking the ground beef in bacon fat adds depth of flavor and prevents dryness
- Warming the tortillas prevents tearing during rolling
- Melted cheddar cheese should be watched closely to avoid burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality bacon fat for a smoky flavor
- For extra crunch, add a handful of crushed tortilla chips inside the burrito
- A dash of hot sauce in the donkey sauce adds a pleasant kick
Troubleshooting
Ground beef turns out dry
Cook over medium heat and add a splash of beef broth or extra bacon fat if needed
Tortilla tears when rolling
Warm the tortilla longer or cover with a damp towel before rolling
Donkey sauce is too thin
Add a little more aioli or mash the roasted garlic finer
Cheese burns under broiler
Broil for a shorter time and keep the oven door slightly open to watch closely
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled burritos in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in oven or skillet
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Donkey sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator
- Cook and crisp the French fries in advance; reheat briefly before assembling
- Ground beef can be cooked ahead and reheated gently over low heat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the cheeseburger burrito in American fusion cuisine?
The cheeseburger burrito blends two iconic American comfort foods—the cheeseburger and the Mexican‑style burrito—reflecting the cross‑cultural culinary experimentation popular in the United States since the late 20th century. It emerged as a fun, portable twist on classic diner fare, often featured in food‑truck menus and TV cooking shows like TODAY Food.
What regional variations of the cheeseburger burrito exist within United States cuisine?
In the Southwest, cooks often add jalapeños, chipotle mayo, or corn tortillas for a spicier profile. In the Midwest, the burrito may include cheddar cheese and pickles, mirroring the traditional cheeseburger. Some West Coast versions swap beef for turkey or add avocado for a fresh twist.
How is the cheeseburger burrito traditionally served in American diners?
Typically, the burrito is served hot, sliced in half, with a side of French fries or onion rings, and accompanied by ketchup, mustard, or a specialty sauce like the Donkey Sauce. It’s often presented on a simple plate with a fork and napkin for easy handheld eating.
During what occasions is the cheeseburger burrito commonly enjoyed in American culture?
It’s popular at casual gatherings such as game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and late‑night snack runs. The dish also appears on special menu items for sports events and food‑festival competitions, like the TODAY Food "Flavortown Food Fight" episode.
What makes the cheeseburger burrito special or unique in American fusion cuisine?
The combination of juicy, bacon‑fat‑seared ground beef with crispy French fries inside a soft tortilla creates a textural contrast rarely found in traditional dishes. The Donkey Sauce adds a tangy, garlicky depth that ties the flavors together, making it a standout comfort‑food mash‑up.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the cheeseburger burrito?
Overfilling the tortilla, which causes tearing; under‑seasoning the beef; not crisping the fries enough, leading to soggy bites; and broiling the cheese too long, which can burn the sauce. Follow the critical steps and watch the broiler closely to prevent these issues.
Why does this recipe use bacon fat instead of plain oil for cooking the ground beef?
Bacon fat adds a smoky, rich flavor that mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger cooked on a grill, while also helping the beef stay juicy. Plain oil would lack that depth and could result in a flatter flavor profile.
Can I make the cheeseburger burrito ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the Donkey Sauce and cook the ground beef and fries up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the burritos, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10‑12 minutes before serving to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cheeseburger burrito is done?
The tortilla should be lightly browned and pliable, the interior should show a golden‑crisp layer of French fries, the beef should be fully cooked with no pink, and the cheddar cheese on top should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned without burning.
What does the YouTube channel TODAY Food specialize in?
TODAY Food focuses on quick, approachable recipes that blend classic American comfort foods with modern twists, often featuring celebrity collaborations, themed cooking challenges, and step‑by‑step video tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel TODAY Food's approach to American fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
TODAY Food emphasizes high‑energy, entertaining presentations while still providing clear, practical instructions. Their recipes, like the cheeseburger burrito, often incorporate bold flavor pairings and creative plating, setting them apart from more traditional or technique‑focused channels.
Last updated: September 3, 2026






