Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a fun snack for game day, these burritos fit the bill. They are crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, making them irresistible. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, anyone can enjoy this meatless meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These burritos are ready in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy days.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out cheeses or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a large batch and enjoy them throughout the week or freeze for later.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of refried beans, rice, and cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful bite.
• Healthier Alternative: Oven-frying provides a crispy texture without the added fat from deep frying.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Mixing bowl
• Microwave

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple burritos at once.
• Aluminum foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking during baking.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures that burritos don’t stick to the baking sheet, allowing for easy flipping.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 16 ounces refried beans
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite jarred salsa
• 1 teaspoon Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (or store bought)

For the Burrito Assembly

• 10 8-inch (soft taco sized) flour tortillas
• 1 cup Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

How to Make Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and generously coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small mixing bowl:
1. Combine the refried beans, taco seasoning, and salsa.
2. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the tortillas.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Warm all 10 tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

On a cutting board:
1. Lay one tortilla flat.
2. Place a couple of tablespoons of the refried bean mixture down the center.
3. Add a few tablespoons of rice followed by some grated cheese.
4. Fold in both sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly.
5. Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Repeat this process with all remaining tortillas before spraying their tops with additional nonstick cooking spray.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
1. Remove from oven and use tongs to flip each burrito over to brown nicely on both sides.
2. Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos hot with extra salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

Serving Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos is all about enhancing their flavors and creating a delightful meal experience. Here are some great suggestions to elevate your burrito dish.

With Fresh Salsa

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty kick.
• Tomatillo Salsa: This green salsa brings a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy burritos.

Accompanied by Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides a rich contrast to the crispy burritos.
• Sour Cream: A classic choice that adds a cool and creamy element to each bite.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad: Serve your burritos on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness and crunch.
• Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw can provide a delightful crunch and balance the richness of the burritos.

How to Perfect Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

Creating the perfect Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos is simple with these helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your burritos are delicious every time.

• Use warm tortillas: Warming tortillas makes them pliable, preventing tearing when rolling up the burritos.
• Layer ingredients properly: Start with beans, then rice, followed by cheese to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Don’t overfill: Keep fillings moderate to avoid messy burritos that are hard to handle.
• Spray generously: Coating the tops with nonstick spray helps achieve a golden, crispy finish as they bake.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Mexican Street Corn: Charred corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese and spices adds sweet and savory flavors.
2. Refried Beans: A classic side that complements the main dish while adding more protein.
3. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and spices pairs well with burritos.
4. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for an irresistible snack.
5. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing blend of black beans, corn, peppers, and lime for added nutrients.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy cabbage slaw balances out the rich flavors of the burrito nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes that may affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough taco seasoning can lead to bland burritos. Always mix it well with your beans for flavor.
• Overfilling tortillas: Stuffing too much filling into the tortillas can make them difficult to roll. Use just a couple of tablespoons of each filling.
• Not warming tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when rolling. Warm them briefly in the microwave to make them pliable.
• Ignoring baking time: Underbaking can leave your burritos soggy. Bake until they are golden brown for the best texture.
• Forgetting the cooking spray: Skipping nonstick spray on the baking sheet or on top of the burritos may result in sticking. Always use it liberally for easy serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow burritos to cool completely before placing them in the fridge.

Freezing Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

• Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Frozen burritos can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped burritos for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping after a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos, we have you covered!

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to mix cheeses based on your preference. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even queso fresco work well.

How do I customize my Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos?

You can add ingredients like corn, bell peppers, or diced onions for extra flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos?

These burritos pair well with guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad.

Are Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a perfect option for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos are not only tasty but also versatile! You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or dips. Whether for lunch or as a snack at your next gathering, these burritos are sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try today!