Bean and cheese burritos have a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many. With their comforting, soft tortillas enveloping warm, flavorful beans and melted cheese, they strike the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. When you take your first bite, you get that delightful, cheesy stretch along with the savory richness of the beans, making it a satisfying meal any time of day. These burritos are not just food; they’re a reminder of cozy family dinners and simple pleasures.
I first discovered the magic of bean and cheese burritos during college, and they quickly became my go-to meal. They were not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Whether I was in a rush or enjoying a leisurely evening, these burritos always hit the spot. If you’re looking for an effortless way to enjoy a delicious meal that pleases a crowd, look no further—this recipe is your answer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch of these burritos in just about 45 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and melted cheese creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Wrapped neatly, these burritos look as good as they taste.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, snacks, or even breakfast on the go.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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32 oz. refried beans (2 cans): The star of your burritos! Use smooth refried beans for an easy filling. For a healthier option, look for low-fat varieties or make homemade refried beans.
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½ cup salsa: Adds a zesty kick to your filling. Choose your favorite type—mild, medium, or spicy—to suit your palate.
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1 tsp chili powder: This spice enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth. Feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it, or substitute with taco seasoning.
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½ tsp garlic powder: A classic flavor that brings depth to the beans. Fresh minced garlic works as a substitute if you prefer a stronger garlic presence.
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½ tsp onion powder: Perfect for a mild onion flavor without the texture. If desired, fresh sautéed onions can be used instead.
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Pinch of salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors in your filling.
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1½ cups shredded quesadilla cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that gooey experience you want in every burrito. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also works well.
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8 10-inch tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional and soft, but corn tortillas can be a delightful gluten-free alternative if needed.
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Olive oil: For frying the burritos to that perfect golden brown. Vegetable oil can be used as well.
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Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges: These fixings are perfect for dressing up your burritos when serving, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
How to Make Bean and Cheese Burritos
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Heat the Beans: Add the 32 oz. refried beans to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then mix in ½ cup salsa, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
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Prepare the Tortillas: To soften the tortillas, lay them between damp paper towels and microwave for about 30 seconds. This step makes them pliable and easier to work with.
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Assemble the Burritos: Lay 10-inch tortillas flat. Add about ⅓ cup shredded quesadilla cheese to the center of each tortilla, then top with ½ cup of the bean mixture.
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Roll Them Up: Fold the bottom half of the tortilla upward over the fillings, tucking the bottom edge under the pile. Fold each side of the tortilla towards the middle, then tightly roll up into a burrito shape.
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Fry the Burritos: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Cook 1-3 burritos at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep them warm on a plate while frying the rest.
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Serve: Plate your burritos with a selection of toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, fresh chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Each bite will be bursting with flavor!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover burritos, wrap them in aluminum foil and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the burritos tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, place frozen burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. If refrigerated, a quick 5-10 minute heat in the microwave will do the trick. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a drizzle of salsa or guacamole can help refresh the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overstuffing your burritos to keep them neat and easy to roll.
- Ensure the tortillas are warm before assembling; this prevents them from cracking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to the bean mixture.
- If you like a crispy exterior, fry the burritos in plenty of oil and don’t skip the browning step.
- To make ahead, prepare the filling and assemble the burritos, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.
These bean and cheese burritos are not just a meal; they’re a versatile and comforting option that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients—try different cheeses or add in some veggies for added nutrition. Make them your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these burritos vegan?
Absolutely! To make your bean and cheese burritos vegan, simply substitute the quesadilla cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether. The beans and salsa will still provide lots of flavors.
What type of beans can I use?
While refried beans are traditional, you can use black beans or pinto beans as an alternative. Just mash them lightly with spices, and you’ll still achieve that hearty burrito.
How do I freeze the burritos for later?
To freeze, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and allows you to take out just what you need.
Can I use homemade refried beans instead of canned?
Yes, homemade refried beans can add more flavor and adjust to your taste preferences! Just ensure they have a creamy texture similar to canned for easier burrito assembly.
Print
Bean and Cheese Burritos
These Bean and Cheese Burritos are packed with irresistible flavors and are super easy to prepare. Featuring refried beans, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal enjoyed by the whole family.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 32 oz. refried beans (2 cans)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1½ cups shredded quesadilla cheese
- 8 10-inch tortillas
- olive oil
- salsa
- sour cream
- guacamole
- chopped cilantro
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Place the refried beans in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until smooth.
- Mix in the salsa, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
- Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until soft.
- Spoon about ⅓ cup of cheese and ½ cup of the bean mixture onto each tortilla.
- Fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then tuck it under and fold in the sides to roll it up as a burrito.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the burritos in batches for a couple of minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or cooked onions to the filling.
These burritos can be made ahead and frozen for quick meals later.
Customize your toppings based on your preference; try adding shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
