Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

A Story Worth Wrapping in a Tortilla

I still remember the first time I tried a cheesy bean and rice burrito I was in high school, sitting at a wobbly plastic table with a few friends at a Taco Bell drive-thru, unwrapping the foil from what quickly became my go-to comfort meal. It wasn’t fancy, but it didn’t need to be. The soft, warm tortilla, creamy refried beans, and gooey cheese mixed with that punch of seasoned rice every bite was soft, warm, and indulgently satisfying. It was a simple burrito, but it hit all the right notes.

Fast forward to today, and that nostalgic taste still holds up. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to recreate a delicious, affordable cheesy bean and rice burrito at home customizable, freezer-friendly, and meat-free, but never lacking in flavor.

Whether you’re a college student trying to meal prep or someone looking for a quick vegetarian dinner that doesn’t feel like a salad, this burrito delivers on every level just like our other freezer-ready favorite, the Frozen Burrito Enchiladas.

Whether you’re a college student trying to meal prep or someone looking for a quick vegetarian dinner that doesn’t feel like a salad, this burrito delivers on every level. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what goes into a cheesy bean and rice burrito, how to make it at home, and ways to keep it both delicious and a little lighter if you want to. Let’s wrap.

What Goes Into a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito?

The Core Ingredients You’ll Need

At its heart, the cheesy bean and rice burrito is all about comfort through simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re recreating a Taco Bell favorite or making your own healthier version, the base is always the same: warm refried beans, fluffy seasoned rice, and plenty of melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla. Here’s the full list:

• Large flour tortillas (burrito-size): Soft, flexible, and easy to fold
• Refried beans: Smooth and rich, either canned or homemade
• Cooked rice: White or brown rice, seasoned with spices
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend
• Creamy jalapeño sauce (optional): For added tang and mild heat
• Taco sauce or hot sauce (optional): To customize flavor
• Salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder: For seasoning
• Olive oil or butter: For pan-heating or grilling the burrito

You can also add diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, or even sour cream or guacamole depending on your personal preferences. But even without extras, the cheesy bean and rice burrito shines with just the basics.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at how each ingredient plays a role in making the perfect cheesy bean and rice burrito:

• Refried beans: This adds body and moisture to the burrito. If you’re going homemade, mash cooked pinto beans with a bit of olive oil and seasoning until creamy.
• Seasoned rice: Cooking your rice in broth and adding spices like cumin and garlic powder makes it flavorful and layered.
• Cheese: Melty cheese is what gives the “cheesy” in cheesy bean and rice burrito its name. Cheddar melts beautifully, but a Mexican blend adds more dimension.
• Tortilla: You’ll want large burrito-size flour tortillas so you can fold everything comfortably without tearing.

How to Make a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito at Home

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making your own cheesy bean and rice burrito isn’t just easy it’s fast, affordable, and totally satisfying. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have burritos that rival any fast-food version.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start with 1 cup of white or brown rice. Cook it in vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. Once it’s fluffy, season it with:

• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Mix well and set it aside to stay warm.

Step 2: Heat the Refried Beans

Use 1 can of refried beans (or about 1 ½ cups homemade). Warm them in a saucepan over low heat. If they’re too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth to loosen the texture.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Warm each large tortilla in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side. This prevents cracking and makes folding easier.

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito

Lay the tortilla flat. In the center, layer:

• 1/4 cup of warm refried beans
• 1/4 cup of seasoned rice
• A handful (about 1/3 cup) of shredded cheese
• Optional: Drizzle of creamy jalapeño sauce or taco sauce

Step 5: Fold and Heat

Fold in the sides and roll tightly from bottom to top. You can serve it as is or for extra flavor and texture, toast it in a skillet seam-side down for 1–2 minutes per side. This gives your cheesy bean and rice burrito a crisp, golden exterior and helps melt the cheese perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrit

Make it freezer-friendly: Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Use fresh tortillas: Older tortillas tend to crack and tear when folded.

Customize the cheese: Try blending cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack.

Grill for extra flavor: Toasting the burrito after rolling takes it to the next level.

Nutrition Facts and Smart Variations

How Healthy Is a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito?

The cheesy bean and rice burrito is a vegetarian option that delivers comfort and flavor, but it’s important to understand its nutritional value. A standard homemade version (using a flour tortilla, 1/4 cup each of beans and rice, and 1/3 cup cheese) offers roughly:

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg

While high in carbs and sodium, it’s also a great source of fiber and plant-based protein. To make it lighter, consider using a whole wheat tortilla, reduced-fat cheese, or even brown rice for added fiber.

Want to level up your burrito with extra protein? Try adapting it with tips from our High Protein Breakfast Burrito Meal Prep article, which shows how to bulk out flavor while keeping it balanced.

Creative Add-Ons and Easy Tweak

Want to level up your homemade cheesy bean and rice burrito without losing the classic flavor?

• Spice It Up: Add hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, or chipotle crema.
• Bulk It Out: Include sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn.
• Lean Protein Boost: Add a scoop of seasoned tofu or black beans.

These additions help you create variations of the cheesy bean and rice burrito that fit your tastes and dietary needs.

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FAQs About the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Why the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Still Wins

Whether you’re nostalgic for that Taco Bell classic or just want something warm, filling, and comforting without breaking the bank, the cheesy bean and rice burrito never disappoints. It’s affordable, freezer-friendly, vegetarian, and endlessly customizable.

From lazy weeknight dinners to quick lunch prep, this burrito is a staple you’ll come back to again and again.