Easy Bean Burritos

These easy refried bean burritos are made with creamy refried beans, tender rice, and a flavorful blend of spices, to create an affordable, filling, and satisfying meal.

Whether using this simple recipe for bean burritos to make a quick and healthy 30-minute dinner recipe or to stock your freezer with simple grab-and-go lunch options, you will love the versatility and flavor in this simple recipe.

When it comes to easy, kid-friendly meals, refried bean burritos are one of my favorite things to make.

Whether starting with a can of refried beans or Instant Pot refried beans, these bean burritos are one of the easiest, cheapest things to make. They also happen to be bursting with flavor, fiber, AND some sneaky hidden veggies.

But most importantly, homemade bean burritos are so much better for you and better tasting than anything store-bought.

Notes on Ingredients

This recipe for bean burritos is extremely versatile. You can adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or to accommodate your dietary restrictions. I have included many options so that you can make this simple recipe work for you!

• Refried Beans: I recommend using refried pinto beans for these burritos. You can opt to use Instant Pot Refried Beans, which are incredibly easy to make, or canned refried beans. If using canned beans, I would recommend using fat-free refried beans to avoid added lard.
• Seasoning: To perfectly flavor the bean burritos, add a combination of chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Alternatively, use 1 tablespoon of store-bought or homemade Taco Seasoning.
• Rice: Adding cooked rice to bean burritos is completely optional, but it does help to bulk up the burritos. I love to add leftover Instant Pot Jasmine Rice or Instant Pot Brown Rice to the filling if I have it on hand. Another option is adding leftover seasoned rice, such as Instant Pot Spanish Rice, just keep in mind you will not need to add salsa to the filling mixture, as the Spanish Rice is already well seasoned.
• Salsa: Adding salsa is optional, but does amp up the flavor, especially if you opt to add rice to the burritos. You can use homemade salsa or your favorite store-bought salsa. Keep in mind that if you add hot or medium salsa, your burritos may become a bit spicy, and if your kids are really picky, you may want to opt to omit the salsa and serve it on the side of the burritos.
• Cheese: If you would like to add cheese to the bean burritos, use shredded cheddar, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
• Tortillas: Use your favorite burrito-sized tortilla. I personally love using homemade flour tortillas, but any store-bought brand will work.

The Right Way to Wrap a Burritos

If you want your filling to stay inside your bean burritos as you enjoy them, follow these simple steps for perfectly folded burritos every time.

• Warm the flour tortilla in a hot dry skillet for 15 seconds per side OR wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20 seconds. This will help the tortilla bend and fold easily without tearing.
• Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, 1 to 2 inches inwards, but not all the way--you do not want the edges touching.
• Roll the tortilla over the filling, tucking tightly as you go.

Crispy or Soft Bean Burritos?

You can make crispy or soft bean burritos, the option is completely yours. It is all in how you heat the assembled burritos.

• Soft Bean Burritos: For a soft burrito, wrap each prepared burrito in a damp paper towel and heat for 1 minute in the microwave.
• Crispy Bean Burritos: Place the assembled burritos on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Bake at 400 degrees F until the burritos are warmed through and golden.

How to Freeze Homemade Burritos

I LOVE stocking my freezer with homemade bean burritos. They reheat beautifully and they are a quick item to grab for a meal on the go or for packing lunch.

• Prepare the burritos as directed, up to baking.
• Place the burritos on a baking sheet and let them cool to room temperature. Once the burritos cool to the touch, place them in the freezer to freeze until solid, about 1 hour. This step will prevent the burritos from sticking together when frozen.
• Once frozen, transfer the burritos to a freezer-safe container or storage bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, remove as many burritos from the freezer as desired.
  • For soft burritos, wrap the frozen burrito in a damp paper towel to keep the burrito from drying out. Microwave for 2 minutes on high, flip the burrito over, and microwave for another minute, or until heated through.
  • For crispy burritos, place the burritos on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Bean Burritos

Refried Bean Burritos can be served as it or with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Pair them with one of the following sides for a hearty dinner.

• Instant Pot Spanish Rice
• Mexican Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Mexican Quinoa Salad
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
• Pina Colada Smoothie

If you tried this recipe for Bean Burritos, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.

This post was originally published in 2016 but was updated in 2023 with new photos and a video.