The Best 20 Fast-Food Burritos, Ranked
Who doesn’t love a good burrito?
That perfect handheld meal packed with flavors, wrapped in a warm tortilla, ready to satisfy your hunger on the go.
I’ve spent years sampling drive-thru delights across the country, and burritos hold a special place in my heart (and stomach).
From breakfast varieties that kickstart your day to protein-packed lunch options, here’s my definitive ranking of the top 20 fast-food burritos worth your hard-earned dollars.
1. Chipotle Chicken Burrito
Freshness incarnate! Chipotle’s chicken burrito changed my fast-food expectations forever. The first time I bit into one after a long road trip, I nearly wept with joy.
The grilled, lime-cilantro marinated chicken chunks provide a smoky protein base that pairs perfectly with their cilantro-lime rice. What sets this burrito apart is the customization factor – you control exactly what goes in, from fresh pico de gallo to their legendary guacamole (yes, I know it’s extra).
The foil-wrapped perfection maintains its structural integrity down to the last bite, unlike some burritos that fall apart halfway through. Pro tip: ask for half portions of two different beans to maximize flavor complexity without overwhelming the other ingredients.
2. Qdoba Steak Burrito
Carnivores rejoice! Qdoba’s steak burrito delivers tender, perfectly seasoned beef that puts other fast-food meat to shame. Last summer, I drove an extra 20 minutes past three other Mexican chains just to get my hands on this beauty.
The marinade gives the steak pieces a slight sweetness that complements their smoky queso sauce perfectly. Unlike competitors who skimp on premium ingredients, Qdoba loads these burritos with generous portions of steak, making every bite satisfying.
Their signature seasoned rice adds another layer of flavor without overwhelming the star protein. The free guacamole policy earns major points too – nothing ruins a good burrito experience like being nickel-and-dimed for essentials!
3. Taco Bell Beefy 5-Layer Burrito
Comfort food royalty! The Beefy 5-Layer has saved me from countless late-night hunger emergencies. Remember that time your friend texted “food?” at 1 AM? This burrito was probably the answer.
What makes this beauty special is the perfect balance between the warm nacho cheese layer and cool sour cream, creating temperature contrasts that wake up your taste buds. The seasoned beef provides that unmistakable Taco Bell flavor that’s somehow both completely artificial and completely delicious at the same time.
The double-wrapped approach with both a soft flour tortilla and a thin layer of beans between it and a second tortilla creates a unique texture experience. At typically under $3, it’s also one of the best values in the fast-food universe.
4. Moe’s Homewrecker Burrito
“Welcome to Moe’s!” That enthusiastic greeting sets the tone for the flavor party that is the Homewrecker. During college, this burrito-behemoth was practically my meal plan.
The name isn’t just clever marketing – this massive creation can genuinely wreck your hunger for hours. What separates it from competitors is the attention to grilling – both the protein and the vegetables get time on the flat-top, creating caramelized edges that add depth to every bite.
Free chips and salsa with every order makes this a complete meal deal. The queso option takes it to another level, adding creamy richness that perfectly balances their housemade pico de gallo. Vegetarians rejoice – their tofu option is actually delicious, not an afterthought like at many chains.
5. Del Taco Epic Burrito
Size matters when it comes to Del Taco’s appropriately named Epic Burrito. I once made the mistake of ordering this before a three-hour movie – half of it came home with me because it truly lives up to its name!
The fresh-grated cheddar cheese makes a noticeable difference compared to the pre-shredded stuff most chains use. Their slow-cooked beans have an almost homemade quality, with individual beans maintaining their texture instead of becoming a uniform paste.
The secret weapon is their special sauce, which adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that elevates all the other ingredients. Del Taco somehow manages to keep the massive tortilla from getting soggy, maintaining structural integrity even with the impressive amount of fillings they pack inside.
6. El Pollo Loco Chicken Avocado Burrito
Fresh California vibes permeate every bite of El Pollo Loco’s signature burrito. Their flame-grilled chicken has converted me from a lifelong beef burrito fan into someone who occasionally crosses to the poultry side.
The chunks of real avocado (not just guacamole) add a buttery richness that pairs perfectly with their slightly charred chicken. Unlike other chains that treat vegetables as an afterthought, El Pollo Loco’s pico de gallo tastes garden-fresh, with perfectly diced tomatoes and just the right amount of cilantro.
The cheese gets properly melted against the warm chicken, creating that stretchy pull with each bite that makes for serious food envy from anyone watching you eat. Their creamy avocado salsa adds another dimension of flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
7. Freebirds Monster Burrito
Customization reaches its peak with the aptly-named Monster from Freebirds. My first encounter with this behemoth left me both intimidated and excited – I’ve never backed down from a food challenge!
The choice between four different tortilla flavors (including the Instagram-worthy cayenne) sets the tone for the build-your-own adventure that follows. Their Spanish rice has actual saffron notes, elevating it beyond the typical fast-food filler rice most places serve.
Sauce (if you dare) provides genuine heat that will have even spice enthusiasts reaching for their drinks. The combination of different proteins – my go-to is half carnitas, half steak – creates a texture and flavor variety that keeps each bite interesting. True to its name, leftover territory is almost guaranteed unless you’re sharing or seriously hungry.
8. Baja Fresh Burrito Mexicano
Authenticity in a chain restaurant? Baja Fresh somehow pulls it off with their Burrito Mexicano. The first time I ordered one, the cashier warned me it wasn’t Americanized – exactly what I was hoping for!
The absence of rice might surprise some burrito enthusiasts, but it allows the high-quality proteins and fresh vegetables to shine without filler. Their fire-roasted salsa adds smoky depth that complements the whole pinto beans perfectly.
Melted jack cheese creates a creamy binding agent that holds everything together without overwhelming the other flavors. The slight char on their flour tortillas adds another layer of flavor complexity missing from competitors who simply steam theirs. While not the largest burrito on this list, the quality-to-quantity ratio makes it a standout worth seeking out.
9. Taco John’s Meat & Potato Burrito
Midwestern comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors in this unique creation. Growing up in potato country, I was skeptical about spuds in my burrito until this game-changer crossed my path during a road trip.
The crispy potato nuggets provide textural contrast against the seasoned ground beef that makes every bite interesting. Their nacho cheese sauce works as the perfect binding agent, coating each component with creamy, slightly spicy goodness.
The super burrito option adds sour cream and tomatoes, creating a more complete flavor profile that balances the richness. What makes this burrito special is how it shatters expectations – potatoes in a burrito shouldn’t work this well, yet somehow they create a comfort food experience that feels both novel and nostalgic simultaneously.
10. Jack In The Box Grande Sausage Burrito
Breakfast burritos often disappoint, but Jack’s Grande Sausage version has rescued countless mornings after late nights. The memory of finding a 24-hour location at 6am before an early flight still brings a smile to my face.
The scrambled eggs maintain their fluffiness instead of becoming rubbery as in lesser breakfast burritos. Their sausage crumbles are properly seasoned with sage and pepper notes that cut through the richness of the cheese and eggs.
The hash brown pieces add satisfying crunch and that potato comfort factor that makes breakfast foods so craveable. What elevates this morning masterpiece is their creamy sriracha sauce that adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming your still-sleepy palate. Perfect as both hangover cure and road trip fuel!
11. Carl’s Jr. Steak & Egg Burrito
Morning protein power! Carl’s Jr. delivers a breakfast burrito that could easily double as lunch or dinner. My first encounter happened during a cross-country drive when I needed something substantial to keep me alert for hours.
The steak pieces are a cut above typical fast-food breakfast meat – tender with actual grill marks and minimal gristle. Their eggs maintain a pleasant softness rather than the rubbery texture that plagues many breakfast burritos that sit under heat lamps too long.
The fresh salsa adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. What makes this morning meal special is the attention to the wrap itself – they grill the tortilla after filling it, creating a slightly crisp exterior that adds textural contrast and helps contain the generous filling without sogginess.
12. Sonic Ultimate Meat & Cheese Burrito
Handheld indulgence delivered right to your car! Sonic’s take on the breakfast burrito feels like something your favorite diner would serve if they had a drive-thru. During my carhop days in high school, this was my go-to staff meal.
The combination of both bacon AND sausage creates a meaty flavor bonanza that satisfies serious morning hunger. Their tater tots (instead of hash browns) provide superior texture with their crispy exteriors and fluffy centers, distributing potato goodness throughout each bite.
The melted cheddar acts as the perfect binder, coating every ingredient with sharp, creamy goodness. What elevates this breakfast beast is Sonic’s jalapeño ketchup (ask for it on the side) – the sweet-spicy-tangy condiment cuts through the richness and adds complexity that most morning fast food lacks.
13. Whataburger Breakfast Burrito
Texas-sized flavor comes wrapped in orange paper at Whataburger. During a road trip through the Lone Star state, I detoured 30 minutes off-route just to try their legendary breakfast – no regrets!
The scrambled eggs maintain a farm-fresh taste that suggests they’re actually cracked and cooked to order rather than poured from a carton. Their famous breakfast sausage has a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds better than any coffee could.
The shredded potato hash browns distribute evenly throughout, ensuring every bite contains that satisfying starch component. What makes this morning masterpiece stand out is their picante sauce – not too hot, not too mild, with chunks of vegetables that add freshness and texture. The flour tortilla somehow remains soft yet sturdy enough to contain the generous filling.
14. Burger King Egg-Normous Burrito
Size matters in the breakfast burrito world, and BK’s aptly named creation delivers on its promise. I discovered this hidden gem during an airport layover when all other options had mile-long lines.
The sausage crumbles maintain their juiciness, avoiding the dry fate that befalls many fast-food breakfast meats. Their hash brown pieces add satisfying crispy texture throughout instead of being a separate component you have to strategically bite around.
The creamy spicy sauce adds welcome heat that builds gradually without overwhelming the other flavors. What surprised me most was the freshness of the ingredients – the diced onions and peppers tasted like actual vegetables rather than rehydrated versions. For a chain not known for Mexican-inspired offerings, this morning behemoth punches well above its weight class.
15. Arby’s Brisket Burrito
Smokehouse meets south-of-the-border in this unique flavor mashup. As a barbecue enthusiast, I was skeptical about Arby’s brisket claims until this burrito converted me during a highway pit stop.
The slow-cooked brisket chunks maintain their smoky essence, providing a flavor base unlike any other fast-food burrito. Their pepper bacon adds another layer of meaty goodness and slight crunch that complements the tender brisket perfectly.
The crispy onion strings introduce unexpected texture that makes each bite more interesting than the last. What makes this fusion creation special is their signature BBQ sauce – tangy, slightly sweet, with just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the meat flavors. While not traditional by any means, this creative take on the burrito format deserves recognition for successful culinary boundary-crossing.
16. McDonald’s Sausage Burrito
Simplicity shines in McDonald’s pocket-sized breakfast offering. During college, these dollar menu saviors were practically their own food group in my budget-conscious diet.
The scrambled eggs contain green chilies and onions already mixed in, creating a more complex flavor profile than you’d expect from such a small package. Their breakfast sausage maintains a distinctive sage-forward seasoning that’s instantly recognizable as the McDonald’s flavor you’ve known since childhood.
The melted American cheese creates that gooey factor that makes breakfast foods so satisfying. What makes this tiny treasure special is its consistency – from Alaska to Florida, these taste identical and are always available, making them the reliable friend of road-trippers and early morning commuters everywhere. Perfect for one-handed eating while driving!
17. Wendy’s Breakfast Burrito
Fresh-cracked eggs make all the difference in Wendy’s morning offering. When they first launched their breakfast menu, I was skeptical – until this burrito convinced me they were serious about morning meals.
The applewood smoked bacon maintains its crispness instead of becoming soggy as in many breakfast burritos. Their seasoned breakfast potatoes offer more flavor than plain hash browns, with hints of bell pepper and onion that complement the eggs perfectly.
The Swiss cheese sauce adds creamy richness that distributes evenly throughout each bite. What elevates this morning wrap is the flour tortilla itself – slightly buttery with a pleasant chew that’s clearly a cut above the paper-thin versions many competitors use. The portion size hits the sweet spot – satisfying without the food coma that follows some larger breakfast bombs.
18. Dunkin’ Wake-Up Wrap
Petite perfection comes in Dunkin’s modest morning creation. These handheld mini-burritos saved me countless times during early morning flights when I needed something substantial but not overwhelming.
The egg patty maintains a surprising freshness despite its perfectly round shape. Their choice of either bacon or sausage lets you customize your protein preference – I alternate depending on my mood.
The American cheese melts perfectly, creating that gooey factor that makes breakfast foods so craveable. What makes these little wonders special is their portion control – just enough to satisfy morning hunger without weighing you down. The tortilla gets a quick press on the grill, creating slight crispness that adds textural interest. Paired with their signature coffee, it’s a morning ritual that won’t break the bank or your calorie budget.
19. Panera Southwest Chicken Wrap
Freshness forward! Panera’s wrap barely qualifies as a burrito, but deserves inclusion for pushing the category’s boundaries. During a lunch meeting, I ordered this instead of my usual soup-and-sandwich combo and discovered a new favorite.
The grilled chicken maintains its juiciness, avoiding the dry fate that befalls many chain restaurant poultry offerings. Their avocado adds creamy richness that eliminates the need for excessive sauces or cheese.
The corn and bean salsa provides sweet pops of flavor and textural contrast against the other ingredients. What makes this fusion creation special is the Greek yogurt-based chipotle sauce – tangy, slightly spicy, and far lighter than traditional sour cream or mayo-based dressings. The whole grain wrap provides a nutty flavor base and satisfying chew that white flour tortillas can’t match.
20. Starbucks Chicken & Bacon Wrap
Coffee shop convenience with surprising flavor! Starbucks’ entry into burrito territory isn’t just a caffeine afterthought. During an airport delay, this wrap-meets-burrito saved me from vending machine dinner.
The sous vide chicken maintains moisture and tenderness that defies its pre-packaged nature. Their peppered bacon adds smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft tortilla and avocado spread.
The blend of grains mixed with the chicken creates a more interesting texture profile than plain rice would. What makes this grab-and-go option special is how well it pairs with their signature beverages – the savory-smoky notes complement coffee drinks particularly well. While not the most authentic or exciting option on this list, its reliable quality and widespread availability earn it the final spot in this ranking.