Freezer Meal Series Episode 5: Breakfast Burritos
FREEZER MEAL SERIES EPISODE 5: Breakfast Burritos 🌯 is a easy American (Tex‑Mex) recipe that serves 8. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Taylor Jackzen on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $15.67 total, $1.96 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pcs Large Flour Tortillas (8‑inch, preferably low‑moisture for freezing)
- 6 pcs Eggs (Large, room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Milk (Whole or 2% for fluffier eggs)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Mild cheddar, grated)
- 1 cup Breakfast Sausage Crumbles (Cooked, drained)
- 2 cup Potatoes, Diced (Russet or Yukon Gold, ½‑inch cubes)
- ½ cup Onion, Diced (Yellow or white)
- ½ cup Bell Pepper, Diced (Red or green for color)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
- ½ tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare the Potato‑Onion‑Pepper Mix
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook the Sausage Crumbles
Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the cooked sausage crumbles (pre‑cooked) and heat through, breaking them up with the spatula, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Scramble the Eggs
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 tbsp milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the skillet contents, stirring gently until just set but still soft, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Cheese and Cool Filling
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Transfer the filling to a large plate and let it cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Assemble Burritos
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place about ¼ cup of the cooled filling in the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, creating a sealed burrito. Repeat with all tortillas.
Time: PT5M
Freeze the Burritos
Place each wrapped burrito on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Freeze uncovered for 1 hour until solid, then transfer to freezer‑safe zip‑lock bags, labeling with date.
Time: PT1H
Reheat (When Ready to Eat)
Remove a burrito from the freezer, unwrap, and place on a microwave‑safe plate. Microwave on high for 2‑3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until steaming hot.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Dairy‑free option using dairy‑free cheese, Low‑carb version using low‑carb tortillas
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy (if sausage contains soy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Flour Tortillas: Corn tortillas (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute (vegan)
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Dairy‑free cheese
- Instead of Breakfast Sausage Crumbles: Ground turkey sausage, Plant‑based sausage
- Instead of Potatoes, Diced: Sweet potatoes, Hash browns
- Instead of Onion, Diced: Shallots
- Instead of Bell Pepper, Diced: Poblano pepper
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Freezer‑Safe Zip‑Lock Bags
- Microwave‑Safe Plate
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté potatoes until tender but not mushy – this prevents a soggy burrito.
- Cool the filling completely before wrapping to avoid ice crystals.
- Freeze burritos on a sheet before bagging to keep them from sticking together.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika to the egg mixture for a subtle smoky flavor.
- For extra crunch, include a handful of cooked hash‑brown potatoes instead of diced potatoes.
Troubleshooting
Burrito is soggy after reheating.
Make sure the filling is fully cooled before wrapping and wrap tightly. Reheat on a microwave‑safe plate uncovered to allow steam to escape.
Tortilla cracks while rolling.
Warm the tortilla for 5‑10 seconds in the microwave or on a dry skillet to increase flexibility.
Filling is dry after freezing.
Add an extra tablespoon of cheese or a splash of milk to the egg mixture before cooking to retain moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be kept for up to 4 days, reheated in microwave for 1‑2 minutes.
Freezer: Best quality within 3 months; keep sealed in zip‑lock bags.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the filling completely before assembly to prevent freezer burn.
- Label each bag with the date and contents for easy rotation.
- If you plan to eat a burrito within a week, store it in the refrigerator instead of the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of breakfast burritos in American Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Breakfast burritos originated in the American Southwest as a portable way to enjoy classic Tex‑Mex breakfast ingredients like eggs, cheese, and sausage wrapped in a tortilla. They became popular in the 1970s‑80s with fast‑food chains and are now a staple for quick, hearty mornings across the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of breakfast burritos in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In Texas, breakfast burritos often feature brisket or chorizo, while in California they may include avocado and salsa verde. In New Mexico, green chile is a common addition, giving the burrito a distinctive heat and flavor.
How is a traditional breakfast burrito served in its native region?
Traditionally, a breakfast burrito is served hot, wrapped in foil or parchment, and accompanied by salsa, hot sauce, or a side of refried beans. It is often eaten on the go or at a diner breakfast counter.
What occasions or celebrations are breakfast burritos associated with in American culture?
Breakfast burritos are popular for weekend brunches, road trips, and especially for busy weekdays. They are also a common make‑ahead option for new parents, athletes, and anyone needing a quick, protein‑rich start to the day.
What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with freezer‑friendly breakfast burritos?
Serve them alongside fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, or a simple side of black beans. A glass of fresh orange juice or a cold brew coffee complements the hearty flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for breakfast burritos versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include flour tortillas, scrambled eggs, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, breakfast sausage or chorizo, and diced potatoes. Substitutes can be corn tortillas for gluten‑free, plant‑based sausage for vegetarian, and dairy‑free cheese for dairy‑allergy needs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making freezer‑friendly breakfast burritos?
Common mistakes include not cooling the filling before wrapping, which creates ice crystals; overfilling the tortilla, leading to tearing; and not sealing the burritos tightly, causing freezer burn. Follow the cooling and tight‑wrapping steps to ensure quality.
Why does this recipe use a skillet to sauté potatoes instead of baking them in the oven?
Sautéing in a skillet cooks the potatoes quickly and gives them a crispy edge, which adds texture to the burrito. Baking would take longer and produce a softer potato that can become mushy after freezing.
Can I make these breakfast burritos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, assemble the burritos, freeze them on a sheet for one hour, then transfer to zip‑lock bags. They keep up to 3 months in the freezer. For short‑term storage (up to 4 days), keep them in the refrigerator.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the filling for freezer‑friendly breakfast burritos?
The potatoes should be tender with a lightly browned exterior, the eggs should be soft‑scrambled, and the cheese fully melted. The mixture should be moist but not watery, ensuring a cohesive filling that holds together when wrapped.
How do I know when the breakfast burrito is done cooking after microwaving?
The burrito should be steaming hot throughout, with the internal temperature reaching at least 71 °C (160 °F). The cheese should be fully melted and the tortilla slightly softened but not soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen focuses on practical, make‑ahead meals and freezer‑friendly recipes that help busy families and new parents save time while enjoying home‑cooked dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen's approach to breakfast recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Taylor Jackzen emphasizes batch‑prepping, long‑term storage, and quick reheating methods, providing detailed freezer‑safety tips and cost‑effective ingredient choices that are less common on channels that focus on fresh‑only cooking.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






