Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos

Created On: July 27, 2025 &nbsp|Updated: July 29, 2025 | Leave a comment

These Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos are easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy. This vegetarian recipe is made using mostly pantry staples and is great for those who enjoy meal prepping. Make a big batch of hearty burritos to freeze for a later date, when you’re short on time. Serve with chips and dip or salad for a full meal.

I love burritos because they’re so easy to make, and I almost always have all the ingredients on hand. I usually do beans and cheese, but adding rice bulks them up a bit, making them even more filling. My Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos are packed with protein and fiber, so pair them with a salad or veggies for an easy meal option that you can feel good about.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Burritos

• Easy to make – We eat a lot of rice around here, so I almost always have leftover rice in the refrigerator. However, even if you do have to cook rice specifically for this recipe, it is still easy to make. The rice, refried beans, salsa, and spices get mixed together and then rolled into a large flour tortilla with some cheese. Bake to perfection and enjoy them immediately, or store them for later use.
• Great for meal prep – I went through a frozen burrito phase years ago, but let’s be honest, the store-bought ones are pretty basic. I still love burritos, but I make my own these days. This recipe is great because you can assemble a big batch and then store it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. Just reheat in the oven or microwave for a hearty vegetarian meal that comes together quickly.
• Full of flavor – This burrito recipe requires only a few ingredients, but I assure you, they are not lacking in flavor. The salsa adds a lot, and the cumin, paprika, and garlic powder help give the refried beans an extra flavor. A sharp cheddar cheese also pairs well with these burritos.

Why Your Body Will Love This Protein-Packed Meal

• Blood Sugar Regulation – Pinto beans are rich in fiber and protein, which contributes to their low glycemic index. This means they digest slowly and don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike or rise too quickly. This makes refried pinto beans a healthy choice for individuals with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. And because they digest slowly, they keep you feeling full for longer.
• Bone Health – Colby Jack cheese is a great source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone health. Our bones are composed primarily of calcium, but they don’t produce calcium on their own, so it’s important that we get as much as we can from our diets. Calcium helps maintain bone density, which reduces the risk of bone fractures and helps us maintain our body structure as we age.

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Recipe Ingredients

• Refried Beans– I used one can of refried beans that were made with pinto beans, but black refried beans also work. You can use store-bought orhomemade.
• Rice – I used cooked white rice for my burritos, but brown rice, or even quinoa, will also work.
• Salsa – You can use whatever kind of salsa you have on hand. I like to use a chunkier bean and corn salsa when making these burritos because it adds extra ingredients without requiring any additional purchases. I usually use mild salsa, but you can add extra heat with hot salsa if you prefer.
• Spices– I like to add extra flavor to the canned refried beans by throwing in some cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step is optional if you don’t already have the spices on hand.
• Cheese – I used a block of Colby Jack cheese because I love that it feels like getting two different types of cheese in one. Pre-grated cheese tends to be more expensive than a block of cheese that you shred yourself, so if you’re on a budget, go for the block.
• Tortillas – I prefer using burrito-sized flour tortillas for this recipe. You can use any kind of tortillas, though. Medium-sized ones are great for kid-sized burritos. Gluten-free or corn tortillas may not fold as well as flour tortillas, but they should still work.

How To Make Vegetarian Bean and Rice Burritos

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. To a large mixing bowl, add the refried beans, cooked rice, chunky salsa, cumin, paprika, granulated garlic, and salt. Mix everything together until completely combined.
3. Heatthe flour tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop, if desired, to make them easier to roll up. Lay the tortilla flat on a surface and add about 1/4 of the bean and rice mixture to the center. Use a spoon to spread out the beans and rice into a little log in the center. Top the beans with about two tablespoons of the shredded cheese. Use your hands to carefully fold the sides of your burrito in and roll it up tightly.
4. This step isentirely optional, but I like to sprinkle a small amount of extra shredded cheese on top of the parchment paper, where each burrito will be placed. Place each burrito on top of the cheese, seam side down, and spray the top of each with a light coating of cooking spray. Place the burritos in the oven and bake until the cheese on the inside is melted and the cheese on the bottom is crispy, 15-20 minutes. Allow the burritos to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

• Make these burritos gluten-free by using a large gluten-free wrap or by filling corn tortillas with the burrito filling.
• Make this recipe vegan by using your favorite vegan cheese substitute.
• What kind of rice should be used? I prefer using white rice, but brown rice works great as well. Quinoa, or another grain of choice, can be used if you prefer.
• How long do leftovers last? If stored in the refrigerator, in an air-tight container, leftovers should last 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Are burritos freezer-friendly? Yes, these burritos are a great freezer recipe. Assemble each burrito, wrap in plastic wrap, and then store them together in a large ziplock bag or freezer container. Cook burritos in the oven for the best results.

Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!

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