These homemade bean burritos are not just incredibly delicious and satisfying, but also freeze beautifully, making them an ideal, healthy solution for those busy weekdays. Imagine having a wholesome, flavorful meal ready in minutes, whether it’s a quick lunch for you or a convenient dinner for the whole family. This recipe offers both convenience and incredible taste, ensuring you never have to compromise on either.
The Great Bean Crusade: Making Beans a Family Favorite
For a long time, introducing beans (the non-green bean variety, which my kids actually enjoy!) into my children’s diet felt like an uphill battle. It wasn’t just a preference; it was a full-blown “Great Bean Crusade” to find recipes that would be met with smiles, not groans. My mission led me to gather bean recipes from every corner of my family and friends’ culinary repertoires. I was determined to transform beans from a dreaded side dish into a celebrated main course.
Among the treasures I unearthed were these remarkable Super Bean Burritos, shared by my cousin-in-law, Julianne – the same culinary wizard who brought us the delightful Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast. These burritos quickly transcended expectations, earning a permanent spot on our dinner table at least five times since their discovery, not even counting the numerous times we’ve pulled them from the freezer for a speedy and satisfying lunch. They truly are more delicious than any bean burrito has a right to be!
Why These Burritos Are “Super”
What makes these burritos so extraordinary? It’s a symphony of flavors that come together to create a truly irresistible meal. Each bite is packed with incredible taste, featuring aromatic garlic and onion, a subtle yet impactful hint of jalapeno (don’t worry, it’s more about flavor than intense heat!), a touch of bright tomato, hearty beans, and, of course, a generous helping of cheesy goodness. This combination elevates a simple bean burrito into something truly fantastic.
Beyond the amazing taste, the biggest advantage of these Super Bean Burritos is their freezer-friendliness. They hold up beautifully in the freezer, making them an incredible meal-prep option. My husband often takes them to work for a healthy and satisfying lunch, and they’ve become a go-to for my boys and me on those days when time is short but we still crave a homemade, nutritious meal. Preparing a batch of these burritos means you’re just minutes away from a wholesome, delicious, and budget-friendly meal, any day of the week.
What to Serve With Your Super Bean Burritos
While these burritos are a complete meal on their own, pairing them with a fresh side can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement the rich flavors of the burritos:
- Homemade Refried Beans {Slow Cooker}: For an extra dose of bean goodness, creamy, homemade refried beans are always a hit.
- A crisp green salad: A simple salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty burritos.
- My Favorite Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw offers a delightful texture and flavor balance.
- Fresh, seasonal fruit: A side of vibrant fruit adds natural sweetness and a light finish to your meal.
Super Bean Burritos
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or white rice, or 2 cups already cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds and membrane removed, finely diced (can substitute 1 can of green chiles for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or use 1 can pinto beans, 1 can black beans for variety)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn or 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
- 6 green onions, white and green parts finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 16 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
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Begin by cooking your chosen rice according to package directions; set it aside once done. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, finely diced jalapeno, and cumin to the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, turning a lovely golden color. Be mindful not to let the garlic burn, as this can impart a bitter taste. Once softened, stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the paste to deepen in color and flavor.
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Next, add one can of drained and rinsed beans to the pan. Using a potato masher or a fork, gently mash these beans directly in the saucepan. This step creates a creamy base for the filling. Incorporate the second can of beans (whole) and the water, stirring everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes. The goal is for the mixture to thicken nicely, so be sure to stir regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Finally, add the corn and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until it is heated through. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder for an extra layer of flavor. Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the finely chopped green onions and the pre-cooked rice.
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To ensure your tortillas are pliable and easy to roll, warm them slightly. You can do this by heating them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until they are all thoroughly warmed through. This prevents them from cracking and makes the rolling process much smoother.
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Now it’s time to assemble your burritos! Lay a warm tortilla flat. On one side of the tortilla, spoon about 2/3 cup of the bean and rice mixture. Top this filling with approximately 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. To roll, first fold the short sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Then, starting from the filled end, tightly roll the tortilla into a compact bundle, keeping the sides tucked in as you go. Place the finished burrito seam-side down on a baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
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Your delicious burritos are now ready! You can serve them warm immediately, perhaps with your favorite salsa and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Alternatively, to prepare them for freezing and future enjoyment, place the baking sheet of assembled burritos directly into the freezer. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until they are very cold and firm. This initial freeze prevents them from sticking together or losing their shape during the wrapping process.
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Once the burritos are firm from the initial freeze, remove them from the baking sheet. Individually wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap. This step is crucial for preventing freezer burn and preserving their freshness. Place all the individually wrapped burritos into a large freezer-safe resealable bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date. These Super Bean Burritos can be frozen for up to three months, providing you with convenient, healthy meals whenever you need them.
Notes
To Reheat From Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen burrito, simply remove it from the plastic wrap. Use a fork to poke several holes in the top of the burrito. Microwave on high for approximately two minutes. Carefully poke a few more holes in the burrito (it will be hot!) and microwave for an additional minute, or until thoroughly heated through. Be extremely cautious as the burrito will be piping hot!
Pork Variation: For a heartier meal, I’ve successfully added leftover shredded pork to the bean filling on several occasions. It blends beautifully with the existing flavors and adds a wonderful depth, resulting in an even more satisfying burrito.
Dietary Adaptations: For a completely vegetarian version, follow the recipe as is. To make it vegan, simply omit the Monterey Jack cheese or substitute it with your favorite plant-based shredded cheese alternative. These burritos are inherently versatile, allowing for easy adjustments to suit various dietary needs.
Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave some or all of the seeds and membrane in the jalapeño. For a milder approach, stick to removing them entirely, or swap the fresh jalapeño for a can of mild green chilies.
Nutrition Information
This nutritional information is an estimate based on a single serving (1 burrito) and may vary depending on exact ingredients and preparation methods:
- Serving: 1 Burrito
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Recommended Products
To help you prepare these delicious burritos with ease, here are a few recommended kitchen tools:
Recipe Source: Adapted slightly from Julianne W.
Embrace the Convenience of Homemade Burritos
These Super Bean Burritos are more than just a recipe; they are a testament to how flavorful, healthy, and convenient home cooking can be, even on the busiest of schedules. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or just looking for smart ways to feed your family well, these burritos offer a fantastic solution. The combination of savory beans, aromatic spices, and melty cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla makes for an undeniably satisfying meal that everyone will love. Their ability to be frozen and reheated with ease means you can always have a nutritious, homemade option at your fingertips, saving you time and money. Dive into the world of delicious and versatile bean burritos, and make them a staple in your kitchen!