Tasty Ways to Use Tortillas That Your Mom Didn’t Teach You

Tortillas are a kitchen staple that often go far beyond wraps. They’re affordable, versatile, and easy to work with perfect for quick meals or snacks.

Whether you’ve got a few left in the fridge or just want to try something new, there are plenty of simple ways to use tortillas that don’t involve rolling them up. Think crispy snacks, quick breakfasts, or even fun twists on pizza.

These ideas take minimal effort and make use of ingredients you probably already have. Great for busy days or when you need to whip up something fast without too much prep.

Corned Beef Burritos

Hearty and packed with flavor, these burritos use corned beef in a way that’s anything but traditional. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, the meat pairs well with sautéed onions, potatoes, and a bit of cheese. It’s a clever way to use leftovers or switch up the usual burrito filling with something more unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Burritos

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

This recipe brings together marinated chicken with sweet pineapple and melty cheese in a crispy tortilla. It’s a fun twist on a classic favorite, with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Great for a quick weeknight meal or casual weekend snack.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

These are a solid meatless option that don’t skimp on flavor. The beans are seasoned and smashed to create a creamy filling that pairs well with melted cheese and crisp tortillas. It’s budget-friendly and surprisingly filling.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

Spicy chorizo, eggs, and potatoes are wrapped up for a hearty morning start. It’s easy to prep and packs well for breakfast on the go. If you like a bit of heat with your breakfast, this one’s worth making.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

Crab Pinwheels Recipe

These pinwheels are easy to prep and make a great cold appetizer or lunchbox option. They’re made with crab, cream cheese, and seasonings, rolled in a tortilla and sliced into bite-sized rounds. Simple, tasty, and always a hit at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pinwheels Recipe

Beef Quesadillas

This is a go-to option when you want something filling without a lot of effort. The beef is seasoned well, cooked until tender, and then folded with cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Serve it with salsa or sour cream for an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Easy Breakfast Quesadilla

Fast and flexible, this recipe uses eggs, cheese, and whatever else you’ve got on hand. It’s a great way to start the day with something warm and satisfying without needing to do much planning. Plus, it comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Breakfast Quesadilla

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

This version keeps things simple but still delivers a nice crunch thanks to the air fryer. You’ll get gooey cheese inside and a golden shell outside, all without turning on the stove. Perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A smart way to make use of last night’s steak. Just slice it thin, layer it with cheese, and crisp it up in a tortilla. It’s quick, uses up leftovers, and tastes like more effort than it takes.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Crispy Baked Burritos

These are rolled up, filled with your favorites, and baked until golden on the outside. It’s a little less greasy than pan-frying, but you still get that satisfying crunch. Great for feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Burritos

Sloppy Joe Quesadillas

This recipe merges two comfort food favorites into one. Sloppy joe filling goes inside a tortilla with cheese and gets cooked until crisp. It’s fast, filling, and hits that sweet spot between snack and meal.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Quesadillas

Easy Burrito

A flexible, throw-it-together kind of recipe that works with whatever protein or beans you’ve got around. Wrap it up with rice, veggies, and cheese, and you’ve got a full meal in one hand. It’s all about ease and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Prime Rib Quesadilla

If you’ve got leftover prime rib, this is a great way to make it stretch. The meat adds richness and depth that pairs well with melty cheese in a tortilla. Great for next-day meals that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib Quesadilla

Chicken Quesadillas

Classic and always a safe bet. You just need cooked chicken, cheese, and a tortilla—easy to customize and quick to cook. They make a great lunch or dinner that pleases just about everyone.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas

Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups

These are a crowd-pleasing appetizer made with cream cheese, jalapeños, and bacon rolled into tortillas. They bake up crispy and are perfect for game days or potlucks. A nice mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Jalapeno Popper Roll-Ups

Easy Smothered Burrito

This recipe starts like a regular burrito but ends up topped with a rich sauce and melted cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and great when you want something a little more filling. Definitely a step up from the grab-and-go kind.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smothered Burrito

Carne Asada Quesadilla

Bold and flavorful, this one uses marinated grilled steak with cheese tucked into a tortilla. It cooks up quickly and works well as a snack or meal. If you’re looking for something with a little more punch, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Quesadilla

Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito

Marinated beef meets breakfast staples like eggs and potatoes in this wrap. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prep ahead for busy mornings. A solid option if you like your breakfast on the savory side.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Breakfast Burrito

Clubhouse Pinwheels

Think of these like a club sandwich, rolled and sliced into bite-sized rounds. They include layers of deli meat, cheese, and lettuce in a tortilla. Great for packed lunches or low-fuss party snacks.
Get the Recipe: Clubhouse Pinwheels

Wet Burrito

This one’s filled, rolled, and then topped with sauce and cheese before being baked. It’s warm, messy (in a good way), and feels more like a sit-down meal. Definitely worth trying when you’ve got a bit more time.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Spicy, creamy, and cheesy, this recipe combines cooked chicken with jalapeños and cream cheese for a bold filling. It’s an easy upgrade from a standard quesadilla, and great when you want a little extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas