Ultimate Black Bean and Rice Burrito Recipe: Flavor-Packed & Easy!

Black bean and rice burritos are a vegetarian staple for a reason. They’re filling, flavorful, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a packable lunch, or a crowd-pleasing meal for friends, these burritos have you covered. This recipe takes the classic combination to the next level with layers of deliciousness and easy customization options. Get ready to roll into flavor town!

Why You’ll Love This Black Bean and Rice Burrito Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in under an hour.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Black beans and rice are pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
* **Versatile:** Customize the fillings to your liking with your favorite vegetables, sauces, and toppings.
* **Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly:** A naturally meat-free option that can easily be made vegan by omitting cheese or using a vegan alternative.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** Make a batch of burritos on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.
* **Delicious and Filling:** Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, these burritos will keep you satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Black Beans:** Canned black beans, rinsed and drained, are the most convenient option. You can also cook dried black beans from scratch for a more authentic flavor.
* **Rice:** Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice all work well. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the burrito filling.
* **Bell Pepper:** Adds sweetness and a pop of color. Choose any color you like (red, green, yellow, or orange).
* **Garlic:** Essential for flavor! Use fresh garlic for the best results.
* **Spices:** Chili powder, cumin, and oregano provide a warm and earthy flavor profile.
* **Lime Juice:** Adds a bright and tangy element to the filling.
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing and herbaceous note.
* **Tortillas:** Large burrito-size flour tortillas are recommended. Whole wheat tortillas are a healthier option.
* **Cheese (Optional):** Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese are all great choices. For a vegan option, use a vegan shredded cheese alternative.
* **Toppings (Optional):** Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, hot sauce, or any other of your favorite burrito toppings.

Ingredient Quantities

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
* 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
* 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 6 large burrito-size flour tortillas
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (optional)
* Your favorite burrito toppings (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Can opener
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or wooden spoon
* Microwave (optional, for warming tortillas)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious black bean and rice burritos:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and chop the onion and bell pepper into small, even pieces.
* Mince the garlic cloves.
* Chop the cilantro.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add Spices and Black Beans**

* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
* Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through.
* Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash some of the beans. This will create a creamier texture.

**Step 4: Combine Rice and Flavorings**

* Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the black bean mixture.
* Pour in the lime juice and stir to combine.
* Stir in the chopped cilantro.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your liking.

**Step 5: Warm the Tortillas (Optional)**

* Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.

**Step 6: Assemble the Burritos**

* Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface.
* Spoon about 1/2 cup of the black bean and rice mixture into the center of the tortilla.
* If using cheese, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the bean mixture.
* Fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center.
* Fold the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, tucking it tightly.
* Roll the burrito tightly away from you, like rolling a sleeping bag.

**Step 7: Optional: Sear the Burritos**

* To get a crispy exterior, heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
* Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the skillet.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the black bean and rice burritos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce.

Tips for the Best Black Bean and Rice Burritos

* **Don’t overfill the burritos.** Too much filling will make them difficult to roll and prone to tearing.
* **Warm the tortillas.** Warming makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking.
* **Tuck tightly.** Tucking the filling in securely will help keep the burrito intact.
* **Use high-quality ingredients.** Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your burritos.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment.** Customize the fillings and toppings to your liking.

Variations and Customization Options

* **Add vegetables:** Corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for some heat.
* **Add protein:** Grilled chicken, shredded pork, or tofu can be added to the filling for extra protein.
* **Make it vegan:** Omit the cheese or use a vegan shredded cheese alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when cooking the rice.
* **Use different grains:** Quinoa, farro, or barley can be used instead of rice.
* **Make it a bowl:** Skip the tortilla and serve the black bean and rice mixture in a bowl with your favorite toppings.
* **Add sauce:** Drizzle a creamy cilantro-lime sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce over the burritos before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Black bean and rice burritos are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the burritos.
* **Refried Beans:** Another Mexican staple that adds extra protein and fiber.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.
* **Mexican Salad:** A refreshing salad with corn, black beans, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette.
* **Elote (Mexican Street Corn):** Grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** The black bean and rice filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the burritos.
* **Storage:** Assembled burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out.
* **Freezing:** Assembled burritos can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat burritos in the microwave, oven, or skillet. To microwave, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes. To reheat in the oven, wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. To reheat in a skillet, cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per burrito)

* Calories: 400-600 (depending on fillings and toppings)
* Protein: 15-25 grams
* Fat: 10-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
* Fiber: 15-20 grams

**Note:** These values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

Black Bean Nutrition Benefits

Black beans are an excellent source of several essential nutrients:

* **Fiber:** Black beans are very high in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
* **Protein:** They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
* **Iron:** Black beans provide iron, which is important for energy production and oxygen transport.
* **Folate:** They are a good source of folate, a B vitamin that is essential for cell growth and development.
* **Magnesium:** Black beans contain magnesium, which plays a role in muscle function, nerve function, and blood sugar control.
* **Antioxidants:** They are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Rice Nutrition Benefits

Depending on the type of rice used, here are some general nutritional benefits:

* **Carbohydrates:** Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
* **B Vitamins:** Brown rice is a good source of B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism and nerve function.
* **Fiber:** Brown rice is a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
* **Manganese:** Rice contains manganese, which plays a role in bone formation and antioxidant defense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?**

A: Yes, you can use dried black beans. Soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. You will need about 1 cup of dried black beans to yield 2 cans worth of cooked beans.

**Q: Can I make these burritos ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make them ahead of time. The black bean and rice filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assembled burritos can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

**Q: How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?**

A: Warm the tortillas before rolling them. This will make them more pliable and less likely to tear. Also, don’t overfill the burritos.

**Q: Can I grill these burritos?**

A: Yes, you can grill them. Brush the outside of the burritos with oil and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

**Q: What kind of cheese should I use?**

A: Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese are all great choices. For a vegan option, use a vegan shredded cheese alternative.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?**

A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to the filling. Corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are all great additions.

**Q: Are these burritos gluten-free?**

A: No, these burritos are not gluten-free because they are made with flour tortillas. However, you can use gluten-free tortillas to make them gluten-free.

**Q: Can I make these spicier?**

A: Yes, you can make them spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the filling. You can also use a spicier salsa or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Black bean and rice burritos are a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create flavor-packed burritos that are sure to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate black bean and rice burrito experience! Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own signature burrito. Happy cooking!