Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

If you’ve been craving a simple, cozy meal that comes together quickly and packs a punch of flavor, you’re in the right place. This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is one of those dishes I love making when life is busy but I still want something comforting and delicious. Think gooey melted cheese, creamy seasoned beans, fluffy rice, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and baked to crispy perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to weeknight dinner or an easy crowd-pleaser.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe lies in how these simple ingredients come together for maximum comfort food vibes. Each one has a role: creamy beans for protein and richness, fluffy rice for body, and melty cheese for that irresistible gooey bite. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players before we dive in.

• Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful, they’re the protein-packed base that holds the burrito together.
• Your Favorite Jarred Salsa: Adds a mild kick and moisture; feel free to pick mild or spicy depending on your mood.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix: Brings that warm, savory taco vibe without any extra effort.
• Flour Tortillas: The soft, foldable shell that crisps up beautifully in the oven—8-inch size is perfect for small, manageable burritos.
• Restaurant Style Mexican Rice: Adds texture and bulk; keeps the filling hearty without overpowering.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Packs tangy flavor and melts well for that traditional burrito taste.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts like a dream and adds creamy balance to the sharp cheddar.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the salsa or add extras just based on what’s in my fridge or what everyone’s craving. Don’t be shy about customizing—it’s your kitchen, after all!

• Add Veggies: I love tossing in sautéed bell peppers or onions for extra color and crunch.
• Swap the Cheese: Sometimes I use pepper jack for a little heat or mix in some mozzarella to mellow it out.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese and double up on beans and veggies—you won’t miss the dairy at all.
• Spicy Kick: Adding chopped jalapeños or a spicy salsa takes it next-level if you like heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Step 1: Get the Oven and Prep Ready

I always preheat my oven to 400°F before starting anything else. It helps everything cook evenly once the burritos hit the baking sheet. I line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil—makes for super easy cleanup—and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray so those burritos glide right off after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, I stir together the refried beans, taco seasoning, and salsa until it’s all well combined. This step is key—seasoned beans give the burritos their bold flavor while the salsa adds moisture and that little punch of brightness.

Step 3: Soften Your Tortillas

I microwave the whole stack of 10 tortillas for about 20 seconds. This softens them just enough, making them flexible and less likely to tear when rolling. If you skip this, the tortillas can crack, and no one wants a messy burrito!

Step 4: Assemble Your Burritos

Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a couple tablespoons of your refried bean mixture down the center. Add a couple tablespoons of Mexican rice right on top and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. Fold in both sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom, creating a neat little package. Place each burrito seam side down on your baking sheet. Repeat until all tortillas are used.

Step 5: Bake and Flip for Crispy Goodness

Before popping the baking sheet in the oven, spray the tops of the burritos lightly with nonstick spray to help them get that golden finish. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each burrito using tongs, and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until both sides are nicely browned and crispy. This baking step seals in all those delicious flavors and textures.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your cheesy bean and rice burritos with extra salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping. I sometimes add fresh lime wedges or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. These go fast, so if you’re feeding a family, I recommend doubling the recipe!

How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of fresh salsa on the side—it balances the cheesy richness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or diced avocado on top to add freshness and a creamy texture. A squeeze of lime juice gives everything a little zing that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

These burritos pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips. I also like pairing them with Mexican street corn (elote) or a light cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served these burritos sliced into bite-size pinwheels—perfect for sharing and dipping. Another time, I baked them in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and salsa, turning it into a layered burrito bake. Both are guaranteed crowd-pleasers when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover burritos store really well in the fridge. I let them cool completely after baking, then pop them into a zippered plastic bag or airtight container. When I’m ready to eat, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick for a speedy meal.

Freezing

If I want to prep in advance, I assemble the burritos and wrap each one tightly in wax paper and foil—this keeps them freezer-fresh and prevents freezer burn. Frozen burritos can go straight into the oven without thawing; I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and it works beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to start in the oven on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes to keep that crispy exterior. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time, but you might lose a bit of the crunch. If you do microwave, try finishing in a hot pan for a minute to restore some crispiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is one of my all-time favorite comforts—easy, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you find it as satisfying and simple as I do when you’re craving a cheesy, hearty meal that fills both stomach and soul. Give it a try soon; I bet it’ll be revisited many times in your kitchen just like mine!

Print