If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe. It’s super simple to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights, and—I promise—you’ll find that everyone at the table goes crazy for these burritos! Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, I’m excited to share all the tips I’ve learned to make sure your burritos turn out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal fast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make these burritos, my family can’t get enough — cheesy, flavorful, and hearty!
- Customizable: You can easily swap with your favorite beans, salsa, or cheese to make it your own.
- Great for Leftovers: These burritos reheat beautifully, making them a perfect meal prep option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these burritos lies in the simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together so well for a creamy, cheesy bite every time. When shopping, look for flavorful salsas and quality shredded cheeses to really make your burritos sing.
- Refried beans: I go for a traditional refried bean that’s smooth but still has a little texture—it just holds the burrito filling perfectly.
- Chunky salsa: Adds a bit of tang and a fresh kick. Feel free to use mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
- Diced onion: Just a little bit for sweetness and bite; red or yellow onions both work great!
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smoky depth that makes the filling taste extra special.
- Garlic powder: A little boost of garlicky goodness without overpowering the beans.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Important to season the filling just right—don’t skip this!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings that classic burrito cheese flavor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and creamy, it balances the cheddar and keeps the filling extra melty.
- Flour tortillas (10-inch): Make sure these are burrito-sized—too small and you’ll struggle to wrap all that filling!
Variations
I love how versatile this Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe is! I often tweak it based on what we have on hand or what flavors I’m craving. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- Add veggies: I sometimes toss in some sautéed peppers, corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy upgrade: For a little heat, mix in some chipotle peppers in adobo or use a spicier salsa—my taste buds love it!
- Vegan version: Swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative and use vegan refried beans.
- Make it meaty: If you want more protein, cooked seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken pairs amazingly with the bean-cheese filling.
How to Make Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Mix up the flavorful bean filling
In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, salsa, diced onion, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed—I usually add a pinch more salt to wake up the flavors.
Step 2: Combine the cheeses
In another bowl, toss the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together. I find mixing these two cheeses creates the perfect melty combo that’s got just the right tang and creaminess.
Step 3: Assemble the burritos
Lay out a flour tortilla and spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mix right in the center. Then spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the bean mixture over the cheese. Here’s my secret — layering the cheese first lets it melt into the beans, which means every bite is extra gooey and delicious.
Step 4: Fold and roll it up
Fold up the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly from the bottom. Don’t worry if your first burrito isn’t perfect—practice makes perfect!
Step 5: Bake for melty perfection
Place the burritos seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12 minutes. This step makes the outside slightly crisp while the inside melts together beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can also toast them in a skillet until golden and warm inside.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe
- Cheese First Layering: Always spread cheese first before the beans to get the most melty, gooey texture inside every bite.
- Don’t Overfill: I’ve learned that putting too much filling makes rolling tricky and leads to bursting burritos, so keep it balanced.
- Use Quality Tortillas: Thick, fresh burrito-sized flour tortillas prevent tearing and make folding easier.
- Reheat with Care: Baking leftovers wrapped in foil keeps burritos moist and melty without drying out the tortillas.
How to Serve Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my burritos with fresh guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for brightness. A squeeze of lime juice right before eating wakes up all those flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Some refried beans and Spanish rice are classic sidekicks here. For a lighter touch, I also serve simple corn salad or a crunchy cabbage slaw to add some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like slicing the burritos into bite-sized pinwheels and serving with an array of dips—so fun and perfect for sharing! Wrapping each burrito individually for picnics keeps things neat and portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap each leftover burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to heat up without losing that cheesy goodness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these burritos many times! Just wrap them individually and pop in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or emergency dinners.
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat burritos in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes. This keeps the tortilla soft and the filling warm and melty. You can also microwave for a quick fix, but watch for dryness and add a little moisture if needed.
FAQs
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Can I use canned beans instead of refried beans in the Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use canned black beans or pinto beans, just mash them slightly so they hold together well in the filling. You may need to adjust seasoning and add a teaspoon of oil or butter to achieve that creamy texture similar to refried beans.
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What type of cheese works best for these burritos?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to combo because cheddar adds sharp flavor while Monterey Jack melts smoothly. You can also try mozzarella, pepper jack for spice, or a Mexican cheese blend depending on your preference.
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Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the burritos, wrap them securely, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep super easy on busy days.
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How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when rolling the burritos?
Using fresh, thick burrito-sized flour tortillas helps a lot. Also, don’t overfill the burritos and warm the tortillas slightly before assembling—they become more pliable and less likely to tear.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Use vegan cheese alternatives and make sure your refried beans don’t contain lard. Plenty of flavorful plant-based options will keep these burritos rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe comes together quickly but still feels special and homemade. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how delicious something so simple could be. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen for those nights when I want comfort food without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and eating these burritos just as much as my family and I do — they’re truly a little hug in every bite. Give it a try and let me know how yours turn out!
Print
Cheesy Bean Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bean and Cheese Burritos are a quick, satisfying meal featuring creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy dinner or easy lunch, they can also be toasted on the stovetop for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Bean Mixture
- 1 (16-oz) can BUSH’S® Traditional Refried Beans
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 1/4 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Other
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bean Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, chunky salsa, diced onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Combine the Cheeses: In another medium bowl, mix the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together until well blended.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay each 10-inch flour tortilla flat. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture down the center of each tortilla, then top with 1/2 cup of the bean mixture over the cheese.
- Fold the Tortillas: Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides, and continue rolling from the bottom to fully enclose the filling, creating a burrito.
- Bake the Burritos: Place the wrapped burritos seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are warmed through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments such as guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Notes
- Tortillas: Use store-bought 10-inch flour tortillas or make your own for a fresh touch. The size ensures the filling stays inside when rolled.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds a balanced flavor and good melting quality. Feel free to use only one type if preferred.
- Alternative Cooking: If you prefer not to bake, you can toast the burritos on the stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, place the burritos seam-side down, and cook until golden and heated through, flipping to toast all sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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