Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pinto Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A generous Mission-style burrito packed with tender slow-cooked pork carnitas, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and seasoned pinto beans. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 200 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 750 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 750 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a large Dutch oven, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks, 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cover and roast for 3 hours until pork is very tender and easily shredded.
  2. Step 2: While pork cooks, rinse 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice until water runs clear. Cook rice according to package instructions, then stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp olive oil, fluffing with a fork to combine.
  3. Step 3: In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté 1 small diced onion for 5 minutes until softened, then add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed pinto beans, cooking for 3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred with two forks and toss with pan juices. Warm 4 large flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds each side.
  5. Step 5: Assemble burritos by layering 1/4 of the cilantro-lime rice, 1/4 of the pinto beans and onions, and 1/4 of the shredded pork on each tortilla. Fold burrito ends and roll tightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pinto Beans take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pinto Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pinto Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pinto Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mission-Style Carnitas Burrito with Cilantro-Lime Rice and Pinto Beans?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.