Bean and Cheese Burrito

Name: Bean and Cheese Burritos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 oz refried beans; 1/4 cup salsa; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 5 flour tortillas; 1 1/4 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese; Salsa; Guacamole; Sour Cream or Plain Greek yogurt; Hot Sauce

By Maria Lichty

Updated January 12, 2024

View Recipe Pin Recipe 4.64 24

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Quick Summary

Bean and Cheese Burrito- burritos filled with creamy refried beans, salsa, and melty cheese! They only take 20 minutes to make and are perfect for meal prep. Freeze and reheat for an easy meal!

bean and cheese burritos on plate with chips and salsa.

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Whenever I am in the mood for a good old nostalgic meal, I usually turn to a classic pb and j, egg salad, grilled cheese, or a Bean and Cheese Burrito. Always comforting and always delicious.

I grew up on bean and cheese burritos, but mostly the store bought freezer burritos that we would pop in the microwave. These homemade bean and cheese burritos taste SO much better and are super easy to make.

The burritos are made with basic ingredients: refried beans, spices, salsa, and cheese! Roll everything up in a flour tortilla and pan-fry (or bake) until warm and the cheese is nice and melty!

Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and/or hot sauce for the perfect easy meal. And when I say easy, I mean EASY! They only take 20 minutes tops to make! A staple weeknight dinner at our house!

The burritos also freeze really well, making them perfect for meal prepping! Ditch the store bought and make your own freezer burritos!

Ingredients

Refried Beans– Have you made homemade refried beans? They are the best and surprisingly easy to make! You can also use canned refried beans.
Salsa– Use a good quality salsa for the best flavor. I recommend our blender salsa, it’s the BEST and so easy to make. We always have it in the fridge.
Spices– chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder
Flour tortillas– We like to use the ready-to-cook Tortilla Land tortillas, but you can use your favorite brand.
Cheese– use shredded cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack cheese. If you want a little kick, pepper jack would be good too.

How to Make Bean and Cheese Burrito

(Scroll down for the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions).

refried beans, salsa, and spices in pan with spatula.

In a small saucepan, combine the refried beans, salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until beans are warm. Remove from heat.

making a bean and cheese burrito with a flour tortilla, refried beans and shredded cheese.

Place a tortilla on a work surface. Spread ⅓ cup of beans in the center of the tortilla. Top with ¼ cup shredded cheese.

Fold the sides, 1 to 2 inches inwards. This will prevent the filling from falling out of the bottom of your burrito as you eat it. Next, fold the bottom over so it completely covers the filling.
Starting with the bottom flap that’s covering the filling, roll the burrito, tucking the flap firmly inwards as you roll to secure the fillings. Continue rolling until your burrito is seam side down.
Continue making burritos with remaining ingredients.

two bean and cheese burritos in cast iron skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the burritos seam side down in the pan and heat for a few minutes on each side until the outside is slightly crisp and the burritos are warm.
Alternatively, you can wrap the burritos in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are warm all the way through and slightly crisp on the outside.

bean and cheese burritos on wood board with chips, salsa, and guacamole.

Serving Suggestions

The burritos are good plain, but it is always fun to add condiments and toppings! Here are our favorites!

Salsa
Guacamole
Sour Cream or Plain Greek yogurt
Hot Sauce
And we always love serving tortilla chips on the side!

How to Store

To store leftover burritos in the fridge, let the burritos cool completely. Wrap in aluminum foil store in an airtight container. The burritos will keep for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, skillet, or microwave until heated through.

How to Freeze Burritos

Burritos freeze really well and are a dinner lifesaver. We always make extra to keep in the freezer.

To Freeze: Let the bean filling come to room temperature so the burritos don’t get soggy. After you’ve added the beans and cheese, tightly roll up the burrito and wrap in foil. Store the burritos in a freezer bag or freezer container and freeze for up to 6 months.
To Reheat in Oven: Remove burritos from the freezer and place on a baking sheet (keep the burritos in the foil). Heat in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Unwrap and serve.
To Reheat in Microwave: Remove the burritos from the freezer and remove the foil. Place burrito on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1 minute. Flip the burrito over and heat for an additional minute. If the burrito is still cold, heat for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through. Serve immediately.
To Reheat in Air Fryer: Place burrito (still wrapped in foil) in the air-fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes, flipping once. Unwrap and serve.

bean and cheese burrito cut in half on plate with chips, salsa, and guacamole.

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