These crispy bean and cheese burritos are packed with creamy refried beans, salsa, and gooey cheese. They’re budget-friendly and so easy and quick to whip up!
This bean and cheese burrito recipe takes me right back to the first few years of my marriage with Tim. We were living on a budget, so we loved the convenience of packaged meals in the freezer section. Bean and cheese burritos quickly became a staple because they were filling, affordable, and super convenient for grab-and-go meals.
Fast forward to today, and not much has changed. With two busy boys who are constantly coming and going, I still love stocking my freezer with these burritos. They have simple ingredients, great flavor, and they’re always ready when someone needs a quick bite!
Bean and Cheese Burritos Video
How To Make Bean and Cheese Burritos
If you gravitate towards simple recipes like me, you’ll be delighted to know that assembling these burritos takes only 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Warm the beans and tortillas: Warm the refried beans in a skillet just until they’re warm, then heat the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave until they’re soft.
- Layer on the fillings: Add the refried beans to each tortilla, then top with the cheese and salsa.
- Roll and crisp up the burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortillas, then roll them up. If you prefer, crisp up the burritos in a buttered skillet before serving.
Hot tip: Add rice to make the burritos more filling!
Tips For the Best Bean and Cheese Burritos
It’s amazing how five simple ingredients can produce such a satisfying meal! Focus on ingredient quality for the best bean and cheese burritos you’ll ever have.
- Pick the right tortillas. You guys know how much I love the refrigerated, raw TortillaLand tortillas from Costco, but any burrito-sized tortillas will work.
- Taste the refried beans first. This is where most of the flavor comes from, so make sure to sneak a sample of the beans. Grab some black or pinto beans and make them “refried” yourself, or use your favorite canned variety. Season to taste (and keep in mind that the cheese will add saltiness too).
- Use homemade salsa. Customize the spice, acid, and seasoning levels with this amazing roasted tomato salsa recipe. I love making batches of this salsa whenever tomatoes are in season!
- Shred the cheese yourself. The pre-shredded bags of cheese usually have a lot of additives, so try to buy a block and shred it at home. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca (or a blend of all three) are my favorites.
- Crisp up the burritos. This is optional, but trust me… a light crunch with that creamy filling is absolutely perfect.
- Add your favorite sides. We love dipping the burritos in guacamole and sour cream. If you love spice, add a dash of hot sauce. For more veggies, serve up a side of sautéed peppers and onions.
Storage & Reheating
Have I mentioned what a lifesaver these bean and cheese burritos are for busy weeknights?? Keep a stash of them in the freezer, and you’ll never fret over meal prep again.
- Refrigerator: For short-term storage, place the cooled burritos in an airtight container (the best storage set) and refrigerate for up to five days.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap each assembled burrito tightly in parchment paper (my favorite), then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Freeze the wrapped burritos in an airtight container for up to six months.
- Reheating: If frozen, thaw the burrito overnight in the fridge before reheating. Crisp up the thawed burrito on a dry skillet over medium heat until it is warmed through.
More Freezer-Friendly Meals
- Ground Beef Burritos — Seasoned beef, rice, and cheese… but don’t forget your favorite toppings!
- Instant Pot Chicken — Cook up a big batch and freeze the leftovers for quick protein anytime
- Spinach Lasagna — Assemble all the delicious layers, then bake it straight from frozen
- Beef and Bean Chili — Stays good for up to three months and absolutely delicious
Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 36 oz refried beans
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- 2/3 cup salsa
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for crisping burritos
Instructions
- Warm the refried beans in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through.
- Heat the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave or on a skillet until they are soft and pliable.
- Spread the refried beans evenly down the center of each tortilla. Top with the shredded cheese and salsa.
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll each one tightly into a burrito.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve the burritos warm with extra salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
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