Burrito or Enchilada: Which Mexican Dish Wins?

Burrito vs. enchilada dishes represent two beloved Mexican culinary treasures that have captured hearts worldwide.

Flavorful wraps showcase distinct preparation methods while sharing similar ingredient foundations.

Each option brings its own unique textures and taste experiences to the table.

The humble burrito typically comes as a larger, portable meal with all ingredients tucked inside a flour tortilla.

Meanwhile, enchiladas offer a different approach with corn tortillas smothered in savory sauce and melted cheese.

Traditional recipes for both have evolved across regions, creating countless delicious variations.

From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, these dishes connect people through shared meals.

The differences between them might seem subtle at first glance, but understanding what makes each special enhances appreciation for both.

What are Burritos?

Burritos are a popular Mexican dish consisting of a large flour tortilla wrapped around various fillings. These fillings typically include ingredients like seasoned meat (such as beef, chicken, or pork), beans, rice, cheese, vegetables, and salsa.

Burritos are known for their convenient, handheld form, making them a versatile and satisfying meal. They can be served as simple wraps or loaded with a variety of toppings and sauces, enjoyed both fresh and grilled.

The name "burrito" translates to "little donkey" in Spanish, which nicely represents how these wraps carry many ingredients, just as donkeys transport various items. These versatile wraps come in several varieties - regular burritos have no toppings, while "wet burritos"

What are Enchiladas?

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish made by rolling fillings like meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables inside soft corn tortillas.

These tasty treats consist of corn tortillas wrapped around various fillings, then smothered in flavorful sauce.

The sauce comes in several delicious varieties - red chili-based, green tomatillo-based, or creamy cheese-based options are readily available in canned form at most grocery stores.

Inside the enchiladas, fillings vary according to what each person likes, ranging from rice, beans, and different meats to seafood, potatoes, and fresh vegetables.

Before cooking, the wrapped tortillas need a generous coating of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese on top.

What Do Burritos And Enchiladas Have In Common?

Enchiladas and burritos, both from Mexican cuisine, obviously share something in common, such as:

• Both are traditional Mexican dishes wrapped in tortillas.
• They share similar fillings like beans, meat, rice, cheese, and vegetables.
• Each can be covered or served with flavorful sauces, especially in the case of wet burritos and enchiladas.
• Both offer versatile, customizable meals enjoyed across many regions.

Burritos vs Enchiladas: Key Differences That Matter

Let's bring both enchiladas and burritos and compare them. The table below will show you more details.

Tortillas

The most noticeable difference between burritos and enchiladas lies in their tortillas. Burritos use large, thin flour tortillas made primarily from wheat, salt, and water, which are lighter in color.

Enchiladas, on the other hand, are wrapped in smaller, thicker corn tortillas made from ground corn treated with lime, giving them a yellow hue. These differences in ingredients and texture influence the overall taste and feel of each dish.

Size

Burritos are significantly larger than enchiladas because they use bigger flour tortillas. Typically, a single burrito is served as one complete meal.

Enchiladas are smaller and usually served in groups of three or more on a plate. Serving multiple enchiladas together helps keep them sturdy and prevents the fillings from spilling out.

Fillings Capacity

Thanks to their large size, burritos can hold a wide variety of fillings all in one wrap - such as meat, beans, cheese, rice, and various toppings. Enchiladas require more restraint with their fillings because the smaller corn tortillas can only hold a limited amount.

Often, enchiladas feature a simpler filling, like just chicken or cheese, to fit comfortably inside.

Serving Method

Burritos are wrapped tightly and designed to be eaten by hand, often wrapped in foil for easy handling and portability. Enchiladas, in contrast, are covered in sauce and served on a plate, making them messier to eat by hand.

They are typically eaten with a fork and knife, accompanied by side dishes like rice, guacamole, salsa, or coleslaw.

Nutrition

Both dishes are highly customizable, but generally, burritos contain higher amounts of calories, carbohydrates, protein, calcium, iron, and sodium compared to enchiladas.

Enchiladas, however, tend to have more fat and vitamin C.

Despite these differences, both burritos and enchiladas provide essential nutrients and make satisfying, flavorful meals.

This table shows the nutrition values of chicken burritos and chicken enchiladas per 142 g serving:

Mouthwatering Burrito Ideas

Check these selected recipes below give you a chance to master these classics at home without any fancy cooking skills.

Pulled Chicken Burrito

Mexican cuisine shines through a delicious chicken burrito - one of the tastiest ways to enjoy this rich food tradition. Our recipe brings together pulled chicken, pinto beans, fresh salsa, and sauteed peppers for a flavor-packed meal that's easy to make at home.

The blend of these simple ingredients creates a mouthwatering treat that captures authentic Mexican tastes without complicated cooking techniques. Your family will ask for seconds once they try this perfect combination of textures and flavors all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Anyone can master this recipe, even if you're new to cooking Mexican dishes.

Easy Vegan Bean Burrito

Mexican bean burritos can be whipped up in just 15 minutes with a few basic ingredients, making them perfect for busy people who need quick meals. The recipe suits both vegetarians and vegans looking for simple food options without sacrificing flavor.

These handy wraps work wonderfully as a fast lunch or dinner solution when time is short but you still want something nutritious. The Mexican-inspired flavors add excitement to your day while keeping preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos

Smothered burritos, also known as wet burritos, offer a fresh twist on the classic favorite for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. These tasty treats feature perfectly seasoned ground beef wrapped in a tortilla, then covered with a rich sauce and melted cheese that oozes with each bite.

Families love gathering around the table when these are served, making dinner time something to look forward to. The key to getting the most flavor is eating them while they're still warm from the oven, allowing all those wonderful tastes to blend together just right.

Many food lovers consider this dish a go-to option when craving something hearty and satisfying without too much fuss in the kitchen.

Ideal Enchilada Recipes

Check these recipes for making the sauce from scratch, though store-bought works well when you're short on time. These dishes taste even better the next day, so consider making extra for delicious leftovers.

Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican food lovers can easily whip up chicken enchiladas right in their own kitchen with this simple recipe. These tasty favorites don't require a restaurant visit since all the ingredients are readily available at local stores.

The delicious filling combines tender sauteed chicken with zesty green chiles, hearty beans, flavorful onions, and melty cheese that creates an authentic taste experience.

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Mexican ground beef enchiladas make a fantastic dinner option with their simple yet delicious combination of seasoned meat, corn tortillas, tangy red sauce, and gooey melted cheese. These tasty treats hit all the right notes when you need something satisfying that doesn't take hours to prepare.

The flavors blend together perfectly as the sauce seeps into the tortillas and the cheese forms that irresistible golden crust on top. Your family will ask for seconds as soon as they take their first bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Give this classic recipe a try tonight and see why it remains a beloved favorite on dinner tables everywhere!

Shrimp Enchiladas

Seafood enchiladas deserve a spot on your must-try recipe list, combining fresh shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce all wrapped in tender tortillas. This delicious meal brings comfort food to a whole new level, perfect for dinner when you want something special but don't want to spend hours cooking.

The cheesy goodness melts perfectly around each bite of succulent shrimp, creating flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Give this simple recipe a try tonight and see how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality Mexican food right to your kitchen table!

Got Questions? We’ve Got Solutions

1. Can I freeze burritos and enchiladas?

Yes, both freeze well. Wrap each one individually in foil, then place in freezer bags. Burritos can last up to 3 months while enchiladas typically stay good for about 2 months frozen.

2. Which is healthier, a burrito or enchilada?

Enchiladas are often lower in calories since they're typically smaller and use less tortilla. However, burritos can be healthier if filled with lean proteins and vegetables instead of cheese and sour cream.

3. What type of tortilla is used for each?

Burritos use flour tortillas which are pliable and can hold more filling without breaking. Enchiladas traditionally use corn tortillas which have a more distinct flavor and softer texture after being baked with sauce.

4. Are burritos and enchiladas gluten-free?

Enchiladas made with corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. Burritos typically use flour tortillas which contain gluten, but can be made gluten-free using alternative tortillas.