Hearty, filling, and packed with Southwestern flavor, these Breakfast Tamale Burritos are a smart way to start your day. Soft scrambled eggs are paired with tender pieces of tamale, spiced just right, then wrapped in warm flour tortillas with melted cheese. They’re great for feeding a group or prepping ahead for quick weekday breakfasts. Customize them with your favorite condiments, and enjoy a breakfast that’s satisfying and easy.
Breakfast Tamale Burritos
We have a solid love affair with those Costco tamales you can get in the deli section. The kids all love them, and they make for a simple delicious dinner. The “problem” is that they come in a Costco-sized package, and sometimes we don’t quite finish them all before the “use-by” date.
This recipe is perfect for those leftover tamales or if you want to stretch a small batch into multiple meals.
These burritos are so easy to modify. Use spicy tamales for more heat, or try different cheeses like pepper jack or cotija. You can make the filling in advance and just reheat it when you’re ready to roll the burritos. Wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate or freeze them for a meal that’s ready when you are.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Hearty and Filling – Packed with eggs, tamales, and cheese, it keeps you full all morning.
- Perfect for Leftovers – A smart way to use extra tamales without much extra prep.
- Customizable – Choose your condiments, cheeses, and spice level.
- Freezer-Friendly – Great for batch cooking and easy reheating.
- Family Favorite – Mild enough for kids, with plenty of add-ons for adults.
Breakfast Tamale Burritos Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Eggs – The base of the burrito filling, eggs provide structure, protein, and a creamy texture when cooked gently.
- Tamales – Use pre-cooked tamales; they add texture, flavor, and a touch of masa that makes these burritos unique.
- Butter – Used to sauté the tamales and scramble the eggs, butter adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
- Onion Powder – Gives a mild onion flavor without needing to chop fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder – Adds depth and savory flavor to the eggs.
- Salt – Balances the other seasonings and brings out the natural flavors.
- Chili Powder – Adds a warm, smoky flavor that pairs well with tamales.
- Shredded Cheese – Melts into the eggs for added creaminess and richness.
- Flour Tortillas – Soft and pliable, they wrap everything together without cracking.
Blackstone Breakfast Quesadillas
How To Make Breakfast Burritos with Tamales
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prep the eggs – Crack into a bowl and whisk with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Chop and sauté tamales – Cut into ½” pieces and brown them in melted butter over medium heat.
- Add and cook eggs – Lower heat, pour in the egg mixture, and stir gently to scramble with tamales.
- Melt in the cheese – Fold in cheese just before eggs are fully set.
- Assemble burritos – Spoon filling onto tortillas, add desired condiments, fold and roll closed.
FAQ
How should I store leftovers?
Wrap burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months.
How do I reheat them?
Microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the filling and refrigerate it. Assemble and reheat burritos as needed throughout the week.
What are good substitutions?
Try using chorizo instead of tamales, or swap flour tortillas for low-carb versions. Mix up the spices based on your preference.
Serve This With…
- Black beans or refried beans
- A simple fruit salad or fresh-cut melon
- Hash browns or crispy breakfast potatoes
- Iced coffee or a spicy Bloody Mary
Breakfast Tamale Burritos
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 3 tamales
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Condiments (suggested)
- Sour cream
- red salsa
- Green salsa
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Lime
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Crack your eggs into a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder.
- Cut up your tamales into small 1/2″ pieces.
- Put a large pan on the stove on medium heat.
- Add the butter to the pan and let it melt.
- Next add the cut up tamales into the pan and brown all sides.
- Turn the heat down to low and add in the egg mixture.
- Stir the egg and tamales while cooking.
- When the eggs are almost all firmed up, fold in the cheese.
- Turn off the heat and begin to make your burritos by laying out each tortilla flat and adding in roughly a quarter of the mixture to the middle of each tortilla.
- You can add the some or all of your condiments into the burritos or after.
- When you have all the ingredients you want directly into your burritos, close them up by folding one end of the tortilla over the top of the eggs while tucking the sides of the tortilla in at the same time.
- Roll the tortilla shut on all sides until nothing is coming out the top or sides of the burrito.
- Serve with the rest of your condiments.