Bean and Cheese Burritos

These amazing bean and cheese burritos are filled with seasoned refried beans and shredded cheese and then baked until golden. In just 15 minutes, I’m going to show you how something so simple can be so tasty!

15 Minute Bean and Cheese Burrito

I love recreating the best Mexican food recipes inspired by traditional and authentic dishes with mouthwatering flavors. Along with chicken burritos and green chili burritos, these homemade bean and cheese burritos are another easy way to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. 

They’re made with delicious refried beans and melty cheese baked inside crispy flour tortillas. 

Making quick refried beans using aromatics and simple seasonings couldn’t be easier, but you can use a can if you are short on time. Beans are full of fiber and plant-based protein so they’ll keep you satisfied for a long time which makes this mouthwatering meatless bean burrito recipe filling, and delicious!

Why This Recipe Works

• Freezer-friendly. Made in 15 minutes, they’re an easy freezer meal that can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time (or energy) and need to get dinner ready in a hurry. 
• From scratch or not. You can make these as from scratch as you’d like. I use homemade tortillas and refried beans, but you don’t have to! 
• Easy and portable. They’re great for a sit-down meal served with all the toppings and a side dish, but also easily portable when you need a quick meal on the go.

Recipe Ingredients

See full printable recipe below.

• Seasoning: It’s a toss-up. Sometimes I like to use just chili powder, but I have a great homemade taco seasoning blend that I like to use as well. It wakes up the refried beans and adds great flavor. 
• Beans: Use either a can of pinto beans or cooked beans that you’ve made yourself.
• Cheese: My go-to here is always shredded Mexican cheese, but you can use whatever you have. Cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack cheese, etc.
• Tortillas: I love to elevate this dish by using homemade flour tortillas, but if that’s not your thing, use uncooked tortillas from the store and heat them. Costco has a great selection.

Variations

• Extra seasoning: Add garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper to the beans for more flavor.
• Spice: For extra heat, add some more chili powder along with ground cumin. You can also add some cayenne or chopped jalapenos too.
• Onion: Chop up 1/2 an onion and add it to the skillet before cooking the garlic. Cook until translucent and carry on with the rest of the recipe.
• Add veggies: To add an extra element, consider adding some bell pepper, tomatoes, or corn to your classic bean and cheese burrito recipe.
• Fresh lime juice & cilantro: Can be added to your bean and cheese burritos for a fresh lively flavor addition!

How to Make Bean and Cheese Burritos

• Cook the beans. In a medium saucepan cook the garlic (learn how to mince garlic quickly and easily for best results), salt, and chili powder (or taco seasoning) until fragrant, and then add the beans and water.  Drain one can, but keep the liquid in the other. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes. 
• Mash them. Remove the lid and turn the heat down to low. Mash the beans until you reach your desired consistency. To do this you can use a potato masher, a fork, or for a smoother consistency, an immersion blender. 
• Reduce and season the beans. Simmer for 2 minutes, remove from the heat, and season to taste.
• Fill the tortillas. Grab your tortillas and spread about 1/3 cup of the bean mixture down the center and sprinkle cheese over top. 
• Fold them up. Start with the bottom edge over the filling. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up all the way. Continue to wrap your tortillas until they have all been assembled. 
• Bake. Place each one side by side in a single layer in a prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

Expert Tips

• To keep it vegetarian. Do not use lard to cook your beans!
• What to serve with? A side of cooked rice and/or a simple salad is all you need. Mexican rice and cilantro lime rice are two of my family’s favorites. 
• Consistency of the beans. If the beans are too thick, add a splash of water. If there is too much liquid, give them time to simmer a little longer to allow moisture to evaporate.

Favorite Toppings

• Best Guacamole Recipe
• Sour cream
• Homemade salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Hot sauce
• Cilantro lime crema

Freezing + Reheating

To freeze: Once assembled, baked, and cooled, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container or freezer-friendly zip-top bag and keep them frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can use the microwave, the oven, or the air fryer to warm them through. The air fryer is your best bet to get them crispy. 

If you’re reheating straight from frozen, tack on extra minutes until heated all the way through.