How much sodium is in a ground beef burrito?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a typical beef and cheese burrito can contain over 900 milligrams of sodium, a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. The exact amount depends heavily on the ingredients and whether it's a homemade or fast-food version, so how much sodium is in a ground beef burrito can vary widely.

Quick Summary

The sodium content of a ground beef burrito varies dramatically based on preparation method and ingredients used. Fast-food options often contain high sodium levels, sometimes exceeding a day's recommended limit, while homemade versions offer better control over sodium intake.

Key Points

Significant Sodium Variation: A ground beef burrito's sodium level can range from moderately high in a homemade version to dangerously high in a fast-food meal.
Fast Food Dangerously High: Some fast-food burritos can contain over 2,300 mg of sodium in a single serving, which is more than the total daily recommendation for most adults.
Hidden Sodium Sources: Sodium is not just from the salt shaker; it is also heavily present in store-bought tortillas, seasoning packets, and canned beans.
Control with Homemade: Preparing a burrito at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing you to reduce sodium by using fresh components and custom spice blends.
Flavorful Low-Sodium Alternatives: Enhancing flavor with ingredients like fresh lime juice, cilantro, and homemade pico de gallo can replace the need for excess salt.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutrition labels on tortillas, canned beans, and other packaged items to choose low-sodium versions.
Excess Sodium Health Risks: High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, which can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

Understanding Sodium in a Ground Beef Burrito

Many people are curious about the nutritional value of their favorite foods, and the amount of sodium in a ground beef burrito is a common concern. While a burrito can be a delicious and satisfying meal, its sodium content is an important health factor to consider. The variations are significant, depending on where the burrito comes from and how it's prepared. Store-bought and fast-food burritos are often loaded with sodium, primarily from processed ingredients like pre-seasoned meat, canned beans, and cheese. Homemade versions, on the other hand, provide greater control, allowing you to significantly reduce the sodium levels by using fresh ingredients and seasonings.

Fast Food vs. Homemade Burrito Sodium Content

When comparing the sodium levels of fast-food and homemade burritos, the difference is often staggering. Many restaurant chains use heavily processed ingredients to save time and enhance flavor, but this comes at a high sodium cost. A single fast-food beef burrito can contain well over 1,000 mg of sodium, with some exceeding the entire daily recommended limit of 2,300 mg. In contrast, a carefully prepared homemade burrito can have a fraction of that amount.

The Source of Sodium in Burritos

Where does all the sodium in a burrito come from? It's not just the salt shaker. Several common ingredients contribute to the total:

Tortillas: Many commercially produced flour tortillas contain a surprising amount of sodium.
Seasoning packets: The taco or burrito seasoning mix used for the ground beef is a major source of salt. These packets often contain large amounts of sodium and other additives.
Canned ingredients: Refried beans and salsa from a can or jar can be loaded with sodium used as a preservative and flavor enhancer.
Cheese: Processed shredded cheeses, particularly cheddar, can add a substantial sodium boost.
Sauces and toppings: High-sodium sauces, dips, and pickled items like jalapeños also increase the final count.

Table: Sodium Comparison - Fast Food vs. Homemade Burritos


Feature	Fast-Food Ground Beef Burrito	Homemade Ground Beef Burrito
Sodium Range	Typically 1,000 mg to over 2,300 mg	Easily controllable, often under 700 mg
Sodium Source	Processed meats, seasoning packets, canned beans, mass-produced tortillas	Fresh ground beef, custom seasoning blend, low-sodium beans, high-quality tortillas
Daily Value (DV)	Can exceed 100% of the recommended daily limit	Possible to keep well below 30% of the daily limit
Control over Ingredients	Little to no control over ingredients or sodium levels	Full control to choose fresh, low-sodium alternatives
Time/Convenience	Highly convenient, ready in minutes	Requires prep and cooking time

How to Reduce Sodium in Your Burrito

Creating a healthier, low-sodium burrito is easier than you might think. By making a few simple changes, you can enjoy all the flavor with less of the salt.

Make your own taco seasoning: Combine spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful, salt-free seasoning for your ground beef.
Rinse canned beans: If you must use canned beans, rinsing them thoroughly under running water can wash away a significant amount of the preserving sodium. Better yet, use dried beans cooked from scratch.
Choose fresh toppings: Opt for fresh pico de gallo, lime juice, cilantro, and plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. These fresh ingredients offer big flavor without the hidden sodium.
Select low-sodium products: Look for low-sodium tortillas, cheese, and other packaged goods at the grocery store. Many brands offer healthier alternatives.
Use fresh ground beef: Preparing your ground beef from scratch allows you to season it to your preference, without relying on high-sodium processed meats.

Conclusion

The sodium content in a ground beef burrito can vary significantly, with fast-food and pre-packaged versions often containing levels that exceed the daily recommended intake. For those monitoring their sodium consumption, building a burrito at home is the best approach. By controlling the seasonings, using fresh ingredients, and selecting low-sodium alternatives, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying burrito without the health risks associated with excessive sodium. A proactive approach to meal preparation and a mindful selection of ingredients are key to managing your sodium intake effectively.

For more detailed nutritional guidelines and information on the effects of sodium on health, consult resources from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC: Sodium and Your Health

Frequently Asked Questions

The average sodium content of a fast-food ground beef burrito can be very high, often ranging from 1,000 to over 2,300 milligrams per serving, which can exceed a full day's recommended limit.

To reduce sodium in a homemade burrito, use fresh ground beef, create your own low-sodium seasoning blend with spices like cumin and chili powder, rinse canned beans, and make fresh salsa.

The main culprits for high sodium in a burrito are often processed items like store-bought tortillas, pre-packaged taco seasoning mixes, canned or jarred refried beans and salsas, and certain types of cheese.

Yes, rinsing canned beans thoroughly under running water can significantly reduce their sodium content. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

No, the sodium content varies widely depending on the type of burrito. For example, a veggie or chicken burrito with fresh ingredients will likely have less sodium than a large fast-food ground beef and cheese burrito.

For most adults, the recommended daily sodium intake is no more than 2,300 mg. Some health organizations and individuals with prehypertension or hypertension are advised to limit intake to 1,500 mg per day.

No, not all store-bought tortillas are high in sodium. You can find low-sodium versions by checking the nutrition labels and making a conscious choice to select those with less salt.