Name: Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 16 ounces refried beans; 2 tablespoons jarred salsa; 1 teaspoon homemade taco seasoning mix or store-bought; 10 8-inch flour tortillas (soft taco sized); 1 cup restaurant style Mexican rice; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 24 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a comforting, easy-to-make meal that hits all the right spots, grab a napkin, because this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that wraps up simple ingredients into warm, cheesy goodness that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these burritos deliver flavor, ease, and that satisfying gooey cheese pull that everyone loves.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple but Flavorful Mix: The combination of refried beans with salsa and taco seasoning packs a punch without complicated prep.
Cheesy, Melty Yum: Two types of shredded cheese melt perfectly to create that irresistible gooey center.
Crispy Outside: Baking the burritos so they’re golden on both sides gives you the best texture balance—crispy shell with soft, cheesy insides.
Versatile & Quick: The whole process, from prep to finish, takes under 30 minutes and can be customized easily for different tastes or dietary needs.

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos, Bean and Rice Burritos, Easy Burrito Recipes, Cheesy Wraps, Vegetarian Dinner Ideas - Four lightly browned rolled tortillas with small brown spots are stacked on a white plate in the center of the image, with one placed on top and one slightly open, showing a hint of orange filling. Green cilantro leaves are scattered on the tortillas and gathered behind them on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the lower left corner, part of a white bowl filled with chunky red salsa is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is how every ingredient plays a part in creating layers of flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to find and swap if needed, making this a perfect weeknight staple.

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos, Bean and Rice Burritos, Easy Burrito Recipes, Cheesy Wraps, Vegetarian Dinner Ideas - Flat lay of a stack of ten soft flour tortillas, a small white bowl of creamy refried beans, a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro beside a small white bowl of vibrant red salsa, a small white bowl of bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of pale yellow shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a small white bowl of fluffy orange-hued Mexican rice, and a small white bowl of homemade taco seasoning mix with visible dried herbs and spices, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Refried beans: Provides a creamy, protein-rich base that holds the filling together and adds heartiness.
Salsa: Adds a tangy, zesty kick that lifts the beans so the flavors don’t feel flat.
Taco seasoning: A mix of spices that deepens the overall flavor with a touch of smoky warmth.
Flour tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps perfect for rolling and holding everything inside without tearing.
Mexican rice: Adds a nice, slightly chewy texture and balances the beans with mild spices.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness at the core that melts beautifully to give those rich cheesy notes.
Monterey Jack cheese: Silky and mild, it melts into gooeyness that blends seamlessly with the cheddar.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

For me, the best part about this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is how easy it is to tweak, so it feels like your own. I love switching up the type of salsa or tossing in extra veggies. Feel free to experiment—these burritos are forgiving and totally customize-friendly.

Variation: I like to add some sautéed bell peppers or corn into the filling for a little extra texture and sweetness.
Dietary tweak: Swap the cheeses for vegan cheese blends and use plant-based refried beans to make it vegan-friendly—a huge hit with my friends.
Spice level: Crank up the heat with jalapeños or hot sauce mixed into the beans if you like it fiery.
Make it heartier: Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a meaty twist if you’re craving more protein.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Step 1: Mix the flavorful bean filling

Start by combining your refried beans with the taco seasoning and salsa in a small bowl. Stir it up until everything is blended nicely—don’t worry if it looks thick, that’s the perfect texture for spreading and stuffing. I like to taste a little here and adjust the seasoning if necessary to get that balance of savory and tangy just right.

Step 2: Warm the tortillas just enough

Instead of dealing with brittle tortillas that crack, I warm the whole stack in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This softens them just enough to roll nicely without tearing. If they feel too stiff or dry, add a damp paper towel on top when warming.

Step 3: Assemble your burritos like a pro

Grab one warm tortilla and spread a couple tablespoons of the bean mixture down its center. Add a couple tablespoons of your prepared Mexican rice on top, then sprinkle a generous handful of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Now fold both sides over the filling and roll it up tightly to seal everything inside. Place the burrito seam-side down on your foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Bake and flip for perfect crispness

Give the foil a light coating of cooking spray before baking—that helps the burritos crisp without sticking. Pop them into a 400°F oven for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each burrito to brown the other side for another 5 to 10 minutes. Watch closely near the end so they don’t burn! This double-sided baking creates that crave-worthy crispy exterior with melty, cheesy insides every time.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Avoid soggy tortillas: Warming tortillas briefly before assembling helps them roll easier and keeps the final texture perfect after baking.
Flipping finesse: Use tongs or a spatula and be gentle when flipping so your burritos don’t burst open mid-bake.
Mix your cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds bite, Monterey Jack melts smoother—together they’re unbeatable.
Custom seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste the bean mix and add more salsa or seasoning to suit your flavor preference before filling.

How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos, Bean and Rice Burritos, Easy Burrito Recipes, Cheesy Wraps, Vegetarian Dinner Ideas - Two soft white tortillas are rolled and placed on a white plate, one whole and one cut in half showing a mix of orange-brown rice and beans inside. The cut burrito is stacked on top of the whole one. A dollop of white sour cream and red salsa sauce with some fresh green cilantro leaves are on top of the burritos. Extra cilantro leaves are scattered on the plate around the burritos. In the background, there is a small bowl of white sour cream on the white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always serve these cheesy bean and rice burritos with a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream and extra fresh salsa on the side—adds lovely brightness. If I’m feeling fancy, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad or some simple grilled veggies work wonders to balance the meal. I also love pairing these burritos with a bowl of warm tortilla soup or chips with guacamole—adds more layers of Mexican-inspired goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes cut my burritos in half and stack them on a platter with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños all around for dipping. It makes a colorful, inviting presentation that gets everyone digging in happily. You could also serve them wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute grab-and-go vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After meals, I pop leftover burritos into zippered plastic bags and stash them in the fridge. They keep well for a few days and reheat quickly. To keep them crisp, I recommend reheating right in the oven rather than the microwave, unless you’re in a rush.

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead, I assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly in wax paper and foil, then freeze. This approach prevents freezer burn and means I have quick meals ready when I’m busy. When you’re ready to bake, just increase the cooking time a bit and bake straight from frozen—easy peasy!

Reheating

To reheat, I either zap them in the microwave for a minute or so if I just want convenience, but for that crispy exterior I bake them in a 400°F oven for 5–6 minutes. It revives the crunch while keeping the inside melty and warm, like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned refried beans for this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned refried beans work perfectly in this recipe and help save time. Just make sure to pick a good-quality brand for the best flavor. You can jazz them up easily with added taco seasoning and salsa as I do here.
What if I want my burritos spicier?

No problem! You can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the bean mixture before assembling. Alternatively, serve with a spicy salsa for that extra kick.
Can I make these burritos gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas available at most grocery stores. The filling remains the same delicious combo.
How long do these burritos keep in the freezer?

Properly wrapped and stored, these burritos keep well frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe is one of those comfort dishes that’s quick, forgiving, and so satisfying—perfect whether you want a laid-back dinner or need a ready-to-go meal for busy days. I always come back to it because it’s easy to customize and pleases pretty much everyone at the table. I hope you enjoy the simple magic of these burritos as much as I do, and don’t forget to share your favorite twists!