Savory Bean and Cheese Burritos Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) of refried beans
  • 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup of enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sour cream for serving
  • Salsa for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and green peppers, sautéing until they're soft and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the refried beans and enchilada sauce to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the vegetables. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes, until it's heated through.
  4. Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Divide the bean mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it down the center of each. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the beans on each tortilla.
  5. Roll up the tortillas to enclose the filling, folding in the sides as you go along. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side-down in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  6. Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Garnish the cooked burritos with the chopped cilantro and serve hot, with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - For sautéing the vegetables and heating the bean mixture.
  • Baking dish (9x13) - To bake the assembled burritos in the oven.
  • Cheese grater - For shredding the Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Oven - To bake the burritos until golden and bubbly.
  • Knife - For chopping the onions, green peppers, and cilantro.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurately measuring ingredients like enchilada sauce and olive oil.
  • Spatula - For spreading the bean mixture onto the tortillas and transferring the burritos to the baking dish.

Recipe variations

  • Add cooked and seasoned ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a meaty version of the burritos.
  • Include diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans in the filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Substitute the refried beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different twist.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco, to change up the flavor profile.
  • For a healthier option, use whole wheat or spinach tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
  • Try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Top the burritos with sliced avocado, diced red onion, or a drizzle of lime crema for a fresh and creamy finish.
  • For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and serve with vegan sour cream or guacamole.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a delicious, easy-to-make classic Mexican dish with these Bean and Cheese Burritos. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of refried beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and a mix of vegetables, all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, these burritos are a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a weekend brunch. Paired with sour cream and salsa, these burritos offer a satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit with everyone. So, let's start cooking and enjoy the dynamic flavors of these fabulous Bean and Cheese Burritos.

TimeApprox. 40 min
Servings8 servings
CaloriesApprox. 450
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of beans for this recipe? Yes, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or any other type of beans you prefer.
  2. Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and then bake them when you're ready to eat.
  3. Can I freeze these burritos? Yes, you can wrap the assembled burritos individually in foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  4. Can I add meat to these burritos? Absolutely! Cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo would be delicious additions to these bean and cheese burritos.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A 9x13 baking dish is ideal for baking the burritos in the oven.
  • Skillet - A large skillet is essential for sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic, as well as heating up the bean mixture.
  • Cheese grater - To shred the Monterey Jack cheese for the filling, a cheese grater will come in handy.
  • Chopping board and knife - For chopping the onions, green peppers, and cilantro, a reliable chopping board and knife are necessary.
  • Oven - You'll need an oven to bake the assembled burritos until they're golden and the cheese is melted.
  • Serving platter - A platter for serving the cooked burritos, along with sides like sour cream and salsa, is a convenient addition.
  • Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula will help you transfer the hot burritos from the baking dish to the serving platter without damaging them.

Origin stories

The humble burrito is believed to have originated in Mexico, though its exact history is a bit of a mystery. In the early 1900s, it served as a convenient and portable meal for workers in the fields of northern Mexico. Its name, burrito, translates to "little donkey" in Spanish, which is thought to be a playful reference to its rolled shape resembling the packs and bedrolls often carried by donkeys. The traditional Mexican burrito was typically filled only with meat and beans, unlike the wide variety of fillings found in burritos today. The inclusion of cheese and other ingredients, such as rice and vegetables, is actually more characteristic of the Americanized versions of the dish, known as Tex-Mex. As burritos made their way north, they evolved and adapted to local tastes, eventually resulting in the beloved bean and cheese burrito we know today.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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