Bean and Rice Burrito: A Quick, Satisfying, and Flavorful Meal

Looking for a quick, satisfying meal that’s both affordable and packed with flavor? Look no further than the Bean and Rice Burrito! This simple, yet delicious dish combines protein-rich beans, seasoned rice, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re meal prepping, craving a hearty lunch, or need an easy dinner idea, Bean and Rice Burritos are the perfect choice. Plus, they are highly customizable, making them suitable for different dietary preferences and tastes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans, and season the rice with your favorite spices. Add avocado, salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got a perfect meal that’s both filling and delicious. For more burrito ideas, check out Vegetarian Burrito Recipes and Mexican Rice Burritos.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Bean and Rice Burrito Recipe | Quick, Satisfying, and Flavorful Plant-Based Meal

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 burritos 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

The Bean and Rice Burrito is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal made with seasoned beans, fluffy rice, and your favorite toppings wrapped in a soft tortilla. This vegetarian burrito is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a portable snack. Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s a healthy and delicious meal option that’s easy to customize with various fillings and sauces.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Burrito:

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (or black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
• 4 large flour tortillas (or gluten-free tortillas if preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a dairy-free cheese alternative)
• 1/2 cup salsa (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (or dairy-free sour cream)
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Rice (Optional Cilantro-Lime Rice):

• 1 cup cooked rice (preferably white or brown)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Rice (if making cilantro-lime rice):

• In a small bowl, mix the cooked rice with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. You can skip this step if you’re using plain rice.

Warm the Refried Beans:

• In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If using whole beans, you can mash them slightly to create a similar texture to refried beans. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.

Warm the Tortillas:

• Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds on each side, or until they become warm and slightly toasted. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Assemble the Burritos:

• Lay the warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface.
• In the center of each tortilla, layer a few tablespoons of refried beans, a scoop of rice, and a generous amount of shredded cheese.
• Add a spoonful of salsa (optional), a dollop of sour cream, and any additional toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, or cilantro.

Wrap the Burritos:

• Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom, tucking the fillings in as you go, until the burrito is fully wrapped.

Serve:

• Serve immediately or wrap in foil for easy transport. You can also grill the burrito in a skillet for a crispy exterior if you prefer.

Notes

• Customizations: You can add other fillings such as sautéed peppers, guacamole, shredded chicken, or ground beef if desired. Tofu or tempeh can also be added for a protein boost.
• Make it spicier: Add more jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the burrito for extra heat.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives to make this burrito completely plant-based.
• Make ahead: You can prep these burritos ahead of time and store them wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat when needed.
• Rice alternatives: If you prefer a low-carb version, you can substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (if making cilantro-lime rice)
• Category: Main Dish, Mexican-inspired
• Method: Stovetop, Assembly
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burrito
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Bean and Rice Burrito Recipe

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:
   • If you haven’t already cooked your rice, start by cooking it according to the package instructions. This can be done in advance to save time.
2. Prepare the Bean Filling:
   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
   • Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
   • Add the beans to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can mash the beans slightly with a spoon or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
   • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
   • Lay each tortilla flat on a plate and add a scoop of cooked rice in the center, followed by a scoop of the bean mixture.
   • Top with shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, and cilantro, if desired.
4. Wrap and Serve:
   • Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to seal the burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
   • Serve the Bean and Rice Burritos immediately, or wrap them in foil or parchment paper for an easy on-the-go meal.

Advanced Techniques

1. Add Grilled Veggies

For an extra flavor boost, grill some bell peppers, zucchini, and onions and add them to the burrito filling. The smoky, grilled vegetables will complement the beans and rice perfectly.

2. Use Refried Beans

Instead of whole beans, you can use refried beans to make the burrito filling smoother and creamier. Refried beans can also help the filling stick together, making the burrito easier to roll.

3. Spice Up the Rice

If you want to add more flavor to your rice, cook it with some vegetable broth instead of water, and season it with a bit of lime juice and chopped cilantro once it’s done cooking. This will give the rice a fresh, zesty flavor.

4. Make It a Breakfast Burrito

Turn this into a breakfast burrito by adding scrambled eggs or tofu, breakfast potatoes, and salsa. This makes for a protein-packed, hearty breakfast option.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Bean and Rice Burritos are perfect for meal prep, and they store well for later use. Here’s how to store and reheat your burritos:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: To reheat in the microwave, remove the foil (if using) and place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the burrito in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

To make the Bean and Rice Burrito gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas. Many stores offer a variety of gluten-free options, including corn and rice-based tortillas.

2. Vegan

This recipe is easily made vegan by choosing non-dairy cheese, sour cream, or yogurt, and ensuring the tortillas are free from animal-derived ingredients (some tortillas contain lard). You can also add more vegetables or avocado to make it even more filling.

3. Low-Carb/Keto

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to keep the burrito low in carbs while still enjoying all the delicious flavors.

4. Add Protein

To make the burrito even more protein-packed, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh. These options are excellent ways to boost the protein content while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, canned beans work perfectly for this recipe! Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using them in the filling.

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos and store them in the fridge or freezer. If refrigerating, be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from getting soggy. If freezing, follow the freezing instructions above and reheat when ready to eat.

What other toppings can I add to the burritos?

The possibilities are endless! You can add sliced jalapeños for extra heat, shredded lettuce for crunch, or even a drizzle of hot sauce or guacamole for added flavor.

Can I make the rice and beans filling ahead of time?

Yes! The rice and beans filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before assembling the burritos.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Bean and Rice Burrito is the perfect quick and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and customizable. It’s a great dish for meal prep, and it can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that is full of flavor and will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Whether you’re preparing this for a family meal, packing it for lunch, or serving it for a casual dinner, these burritos will become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, they are so versatile that you can easily switch up the ingredients to keep things exciting. Enjoy a Bean and Rice Burrito today and savor the flavors of this delicious, plant-based meal!