Papa D’s Breakfast Burrito: A Hearty Start to Any Day
I can still remember the mornings at my grandfather’s house. The aroma of sizzling sausage would fill the air, pulling me out of bed like a tractor beam. He’d be standing at the stove, humming along to old country tunes, crafting what he simply called “breakfast burritos.” They weren’t fancy, but they were made with love and enough substance to fuel a full day of farm work – or, in my case, a full day of trying to keep up with him. These burritos were a staple, a comforting start to every adventure, and a reminder of simpler times.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Dietary Type: Variable (See Variations)
Ingredients
- ¾ lb pork sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14 ½ ounce) can diced new potatoes, drained
- 15 ounces Egg Beaters garden vegetable egg substitute
- 8 soft taco-size flour tortillas (Can substitute for burrito size as well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Mild salsa for topping
- Optional: Monterey-Jack Cheese for topping
Equipment Needed
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula or mixing spoon
Instructions
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Prepare your skillet. Place your non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté the meats. Add the pork sausage to the skillet and begin browning. As the sausage cooks, break it apart with a spatula or spoon into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
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Incorporate the onion. Once the sausage is partially browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and the onion is translucent and softened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful browned bits (fond).
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Add Potatoes. Incorporate the diced new potatoes, which you’ve previously drained, into the sausage and onion mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper to your preference.
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Sauté and warm. Sauté the mixture for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are warmed through. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add egg substitute. Pour the Egg Beaters garden vegetable egg substitute into the skillet with the sausage, onion, and potato mixture.
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Scramble the eggs. Scramble everything together for 3-4 minutes, using a spatula to gently fold and break up the eggs as they cook. Be careful not to overcook the eggs; aim for a consistency that is cooked through but still slightly moist, not dry.
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Warm the tortillas. While the egg mixture is scrambling, warm the soft taco-size flour tortillas. This can be done in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few seconds per side, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in the oven wrapped in foil. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll the burritos.
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Assemble the burritos. Lay a warmed flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the egg, sausage, potato, and onion mixture onto the tortilla, placing it along one-third of the tortilla, about 1 inch away from the bottom edge.
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Fold and roll. Fold up the lower edge of the tortilla over the filling. Then, fold in the sides and roll the burrito tightly from one side to the other, forming a secure package.
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Final Touches. Top each burrito with mild salsa and/or Monterey-Jack cheese, if desired.
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Repeat. Repeat steps 9-11 with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook the eggs: The key to a great breakfast burrito is moist eggs. Overcooked, dry eggs will ruin the texture.
- Warm tortillas are essential: A cold tortilla is brittle and prone to tearing. Warming them beforehand makes them pliable and easier to roll.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sausage and onion mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the egg and sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply warm the mixture and assemble the burritos.
- Spice it up: If you prefer a spicier burrito, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve Papa D’s Breakfast Burritos immediately after assembling. They can be enjoyed as a quick and easy breakfast on the go, or as a more leisurely meal at home. If topping with salsa and cheese, consider briefly broiling the burritos for a melted and bubbly finish.
Leftover breakfast burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the burritos for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave or bake as described above.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 266.1 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 123 g | 46% |
| Total Fat | 13.7 g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 21% |
| Cholesterol | 30.6 mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 464.9 mg | 19% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.2 g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% |
| Sugars | 1.4 g | 5% |
| Protein | 10 g | 20% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Replace the pork sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas. There are many good options available now made from rice flour, tapioca flour, or other gluten-free blends.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the Monterey-Jack cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- Healthier: Use whole-wheat tortillas, lean turkey sausage, and add more vegetables to increase the fiber content. Use egg whites instead of the egg substitute.
- Regional Flair: Add black beans, corn, and salsa for a Southwestern twist.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use burrito-size tortillas instead of taco-size?
A: Absolutely! Burrito-size tortillas will allow you to make larger, more filling burritos. You may need to adjust the amount of filling you use for each burrito.
Q: Can I make these burritos ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Yes, these burritos freeze very well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil for best results. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I substitute for the Egg Beaters garden vegetable egg substitute?
A: You can use regular whole eggs, egg whites, or another egg substitute of your choice. Adjust the amount accordingly to match the volume of the Egg Beaters called for in the recipe.
Q: Can I add cheese inside the burrito instead of on top?
A: Of course! Add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese inside the burrito before rolling it up for a melty, cheesy experience.
Q: What kind of salsa should I use?
A: The recipe calls for mild salsa, but feel free to use any salsa you prefer – mild, medium, or hot. You can also experiment with different types of salsa, such as verde or roasted tomato salsa.
Final Thoughts
Papa D’s Breakfast Burrito is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of family, and a guaranteed way to kickstart your day with a smile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the fillings and toppings to create your own signature breakfast burrito. Share your creations with friends and family and let the warmth and flavor of this simple dish bring everyone together. Enjoy!