Black Bean Burrito

Breakfast? Check. Lunch? Check. Dinner? You got it. A black bean burrito is appropriate for every meal; it’s hearty, high in fiber and protein, and a sneaky way to get in veggies. These burritos come together quickly to satisfy those savory cravings, and they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them in a big batch and have meals ready in minutes.

Serve black bean burritos alongside corn salad and red rice at dinner. And if you’re offering them as breakfast burritos, try a side of scrambled eggs.

Black Bean Burrito Ingredients

• Onion: The onions add a little bit of crunch and savory zip. Since they’re sauteed, they’ll also contribute some mild sweetness. Sweet or yellow onions would be a good choice here, and red onions would create extra pungency if you prefer.
• Green pepper: Another source of crunch and sweetness, green pepper provides a nice complement to the beans. Make sure to cut the bell peppers properly so there isn’t a ton of waste.
• Black beans: Black beans have an earthy flavor, they’re packed with protein and fiber, and they’ll help keep you full after eating. You’ll want to rinse and drain the beans before adding them in.
• Flour tortillas: Warming the tortillas before adding the burrito filling will make them easier to roll up. Buy them from the store or go the extra mile with homemade tortillas.
• Mexican cheese blend: This cheese blend is usually mild and salty, featuring a typical blend of Monterrey Jack, pepper jack and cheddar, among other cheeses.
• Tomato: Tomatoes add a fresh, juicy burst in each bite. I always like to cut up. cherry tomatoes because they’re extra sweet and crisp.
• Lettuce: Shredded lettuce provides a little bit of freshness and crunch. Make sure to properly wash the lettuce beforehand to remove debris.
• Optional toppings: Salsa, sour cream, minced fresh cilantro and cubed avocado will help amp up the dish with extra creaminess, heat and herbal notes. You can mix and match your preferred topping combo.

Directions

Step 1: Combine and cook the filling

In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the onion and green pepper until they’re tender. Stir in the beans, and heat them through.

Step 2: Make the burritos

Spoon about 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture off-center on each tortilla. Sprinkle it with the cheese, tomato and lettuce. Fold the sides and the ends over the filling and roll up the burrito. Serve the burritos with optional toppings, as desired.

Black Bean Burrito Variations

• Swap your beans: If you prefer, you can use pinto beans instead of black beans in this recipe. Refried beans are excellent here, too! I find they help keep everything in place better.
• Up the protein: Supplement the protein by adding shredded chicken or ground beef into the filling mixture. I like to cook these meats in a pan with a bit of oil until they’re cooked through, then shake in a little bit of a taco seasoning packet.
• Add other veggies: Want to boost the fiber of these burritos? Add ingredients like mushrooms, shredded carrots, jalapenos or corn to supplement the filling.

How to Store Black Bean Burritos

To store leftover black bean burritos, let them cool completely to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Can you freeze a black bean burrito?

Yes, you can freeze black bean burritos—they’re a very freezer-friendly meal, and they can last up to three months in the freezer. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then wrap each burrito in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will make it easier to pick out individual portions. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Black Bean Burrito Tips

Can I make this black bean burrito recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make black bean burritos gluten-free. Just use gluten-free tortillas and double-check all other packaging is certified gluten-free. Even items that are naturally gluten-free are sometimes processed in a facility that handles wheat. Once those are squared away, you should be good to go!

Can I make these black bean burritos vegan?

Yes, you can make these black bean burritos vegan. All you have to do is omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Also, make sure not to use sour cream or, instead, go for a dairy-free sour cream.

Can I use dried black beans in black bean burritos?

Yes, you can use dried black beans in black bean burritos, although doing so will take more prep time, since you’ll have to cook the beans in advance. We recommend soaking your beans the night before to speed up the cooking time.