Southwestern Backpacker Burrito: Just-Add-Water Camping Recipe

Hearty, healthy and oh so satisfying – this just-add-water backpacker burrito recipe is sure to become a backcountry favorite.

The recipe contains minimal spice assuming that that every individual will customize to their preference. I recommend the addition of red chili flakes to the bag if you want the heat to be incorporated during the rehydration process. If, like us, you plan to rehydrate two burrito’s worth of filling in one boil bag but require different levels of heat for each, we can go the hot-sauce route. Toss a little packet of Tabasco or Cholula into the bag during your preparation, and just remember to remove it along with the oxygen absorber before you add the boiling water.

To make this an official burrito, you’ll need to pack flour tortillas, but you can also eat this directly out of the bag. The volume of the filling will comfortably fill two 12″ tortillas for a total calorie count of ~400 kcal/serving.

Backpacker Burrito Recipe

• 1/2 cup instant Minute rice
• 1/3 cup instant black beans or lentils
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup freeze dried cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup freeze dried corn
• 1/3 cup freeze dried tomato pieces, chopped
• 2 Tbsp sour cream powder
• 2 Tbsp freeze dried green onions/scallions
• 1/2 – 1 tsp TrueLime Garlic & Cilantro
• red chili flakes (optional, to taste)
• salt & pepper (optional, to taste)

Preparation Instructions: Measure out all the ingredients and add to re-sealable boil bag. Add an oxygen-absorber if you are planning to store the meal longer than month, are living in or traveling through a humid area, or simply don’t want to take the risk of the ingredients clumping together. (otherwise it’s one less thing to pack in, and one less piece of trash to pack out). If using hot-sauce packets, those can go into the bag as well.

Pack your tortillas separately. You do not want your just-add-water burrito filling to be stored with the moisture from the tortillas.

Don’t forget to label your bag with the rehydration instructions!

Serving instructions: Add 1 cup + 2 Tbsp (1/8th cup) boiling water to the bag. Stir immediately. Wait ~10 minutes for rehydration to occur then stir again before serving. Divide the filling into the two tortilla shells. Add hot sauce and extra salt or condiments as desired.

I have personally purchased and used any product linked to in this recipe. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can also use code “roadtripaddict” to receive a 10% discount from Mother Earth Products.

Looking for more low sodium, just-add-water recipes? Check out our Ultralight Backpacking Meal index!

Have you tried our just-add-water backpacker burrito? Share your suggestions with fellow hikers and let us know how we did! We love to hear all the places this recipe has been enjoyed.