Bean and Cheese Burritos
Bean and cheese burritos are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy refried beans and melty cheese, all wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla. When you take that first bite, the flavors burst together, and you can feel the cozy feeling wash over you. Whether you’re enjoying them for a quick lunch, a snack after a long day, or even as a fun meal for family and friends, these burritos never disappoint.
I fondly remember the first time I made bean and cheese burritos. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and easy to prepare for dinner. With just a few pantry staples like beans, cheese, and tortillas, I whipped up these tasty bundles of joy. The aromatic spices filled my kitchen with warmth, and as I served them, everyone’s eyes lit up with anticipation. Not only are these burritos easy on the wallet, but they also pack a punch in flavor and satisfaction. Prepare to enjoy a recipe that will warm your belly and your heart.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time—perfect for busy nights!
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices, creamy beans, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Each burrito is golden brown and wonderfully stuffed, making them perfect for sharing.
- Flexible Serving: Serve them for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack; they fit every occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in gluten-free tortillas or dairy-free cheese for inclusive options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 32 oz. refried beans (2 cans): These provide a creamy base for our burritos. Look for low-sodium varieties for a healthier option.
- ½ cup salsa: Adds a zesty kick. Choose your favorite heat level or make your own for an extra personal touch!
- 1 tsp chili powder: This spice brings depth to the filling. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: For a savory flavor boost that complements the other ingredients.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds sweetness and aroma. You can also use fresh onion if you prefer.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Always adjust to taste.
- 1½ cups shredded quesadilla cheese: Melts beautifully and ties all the flavors together. Feel free to substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- 8 10-inch tortillas: Flour tortillas are ideal for a soft bite, but corn tortillas work as a gluten-free alternative.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying the burritos until golden. Use any neutral-flavored oil you prefer.
- Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges: These toppings are perfect for complementing each bite and customizing your burrito experience.
How to Make Bean and Cheese Burritos
- Heat the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 32 oz. of refried beans. Stir until smooth, and mix in ½ cup of salsa, 1 tsp of chili powder, ½ tsp of garlic powder, ½ tsp of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Place 8 tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. This helps soften them, making them easier to roll.
- Assemble the Burritos: On each tortilla, sprinkle about ⅓ cup of shredded quesadilla cheese, followed by ½ cup of your savory bean mixture. Bring the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling and tuck it under. Next, fold each side toward the middle and roll it up tightly into a burrito shape.
- Cook the Burritos: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place 1-3 burritos in the skillet, seam side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Serve your burritos hot with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for a vibrant, tasty spread.
Storing & Reheating
To store your burritos, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours and refrigerated for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach the warmth and crispness you desire. You may notice a slight change in texture after freezing, but a quick reheat will refresh them beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overstuffing your burritos; about ½ cup of bean filling and ⅓ cup of cheese is just right to keep them manageable.
- If your tortillas are cracking when you roll them, try warming them a bit longer in the microwave.
- Consider adding cooked vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To enhance the flavor profile, experiment with different spices or fresh herbs like cilantro or jalapeños.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, assemble the burritos but don’t fry them until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them fresh and allows for a crispy exterior.
Bringing together rich flavors, satisfying textures, and endless customization, bean and cheese burritos are truly a delight to make and share. Feel free to adjust the filling to your liking, whether that means adding meats, veggies, or beloved spices. You might discover a new favorite combination that suits your taste buds.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
What can I use instead of refried beans?
How do I make these burritos spicy?
Can I freeze leftover burritos?
⭐ If you make my Bean and Cheese Burritos recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇
Bean and Cheese Burritos
These Bean and Cheese Burritos are truly irresistible, combining creamy refried beans and melty cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla. They make a delightful comfort food option for any quick dinner or family gathering.
- Prep Time 10 minutes
- Cook Time 35 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
- Heat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Mix in salsa, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
- To soften the tortillas, place them between damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. Add about ⅓ cup of cheese to the tortilla center, then top with ½ cup of bean mixture.
- Fold the tortilla: Bring the bottom half up over the filling, tuck the edge under, then fold the sides in and roll tightly into a burrito.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Cook 1-3 burritos at a time, turning until golden brown on each side.
- Serve the burritos with your choice of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding jalapeños or diced bell peppers to the bean mixture.
You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
These burritos can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick meal later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
