Save A cost-effective, portable, and flavorful meal featuring tender rice, hearty beans, and zesty salsa, all wrapped up for easy eating. Rice & Bean Burritos are perfect for lunch on the go or a casual dinner.
These burritos became a family favorite during busy weekdays when everyone needed something delicious yet quick to make. The kids love helping by assembling their own burritos, piling them high with veggies and cheese.
Ingredients
- Grains: 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice, uncooked; 2 cups water; 1/2 tsp salt
- Beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained (optional); 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- Salsa & Toppings: 3/4 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot to taste); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese (optional); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Wraps: 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch/25 cm)
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Warm the beans:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the drained beans until just warmed through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Prep the fillings:
- Prepare lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble the burritos:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon 1/4 cup cooked rice along the center. Top with 1/4 of the beans, 2 tbsp corn (if using), lettuce, tomato, onion, 3 tbsp salsa, cheese, and cilantro as desired.
- Fold and roll:
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or wrap tightly in foil for a portable meal.
Save One evening, everyone gathered in the kitchen and customized their burritos, making dinner a fun and interactive experience. It was a simple way to bring everyone together, sharing laughs and good food.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, small saucepan, knife & cutting board, skillet or microwave, spoon
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (flour tortillas), Milk (cheese, if using). For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Nutritional Information
Per burrito (with cheese, without optional toppings): Calories: 375, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 65 g, Protein: 13 g
Save Rice & Bean Burritos are easy to adapt with different toppings—enjoy them hot or wrapped up for later. Make them family-style for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white or brown rice cooks evenly and holds texture well inside the wraps, making either a great choice.
- → Can I use canned beans without rinsing?
Draining and rinsing canned beans reduces excess sodium and enhances flavor by removing packing liquids.
- → How to keep tortillas pliable for rolling?
Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave until soft and flexible for easy folding without cracking.
- → What fresh vegetables complement this dish?
Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and finely chopped red onion add fresh crunch and brightness.
- → Can these be made vegan?
Omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives to keep the fillings fully plant-based while maintaining flavor.
- → How to add extra flavor?
A squeeze of lime, guacamole, or sour cream creates additional zest and creamy texture for layering.