Creamy Bean Burrito Recipe with Refried Beans and Melted Cheddar Cheese

Bean Burrito Recipe

Some recipes earn a nickname, and this bean burrito recipe earned a great one. In the family behind the original version, these burritos are simply called burros, and the great grandma who made them most often was nicknamed Grandma Bean Burro because she was famous for them.

That is a strong endorsement for a dinner that starts with a can of beans.

Not all bean burritos are created equal, and this one has two small details that make a big difference. The refried beans get cooked with a little milk and shortening, which turns them extra smooth and silky instead of thick and pasty.

Then a teaspoon of taco seasoning goes in with the cheese, so the filling tastes seasoned and savory rather than flat.

The result is creamy, comforting, and on the table in about 30 minutes, which makes it a go to dinner for busy weeknights. It also makes a large batch, so you can keep a few burritos wrapped in the fridge or freezer and grab a quick lunch later without doing any extra work.

Trust us, once you have a warm flour tortilla, creamy beans, and melted cheddar in the same bite, this becomes one of those easy Mexican meals you make on repeat. The recipe below is adapted from the original bean burrito recipe, with the same beans, the same cheese, and the same simple method.

Why we think you’ll love it:

There are three big reasons this one stays in the rotation.

this …

• A handful of ingredients. Most of them are probably in your kitchen right now, especially if you cook Mexican inspired food often.
• You can make it all from scratch. Store bought shortcuts work beautifully, but homemade refried beans, homemade taco seasoning, and homemade flour tortillas all work here too if you want to go the long way.
• It is quick. A few simple steps, and you have a weeknight dinner or lunch in under 30 minutes.

Add a package of tortillas and some cheddar to your grocery list, and you are basically set.

Bean Burrito Recipe Ingredients

The list splits neatly into two groups, the creamy bean filling and everything you need to wrap it up. Here is what to gather.

For the refried beans

• 1 (30 ounce) can of refried beans. This is the creamy, hearty base of the whole recipe. Store bought or homemade both work.
• ¼ cup Crisco shortening. This is the trick that makes the beans taste extra smooth and rich.
• ⅓ cup milk. It loosens the beans so they turn silky instead of stiff.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. It melts right into the beans for extra flavor. A Mexican cheese blend, Monterey jack, or vegan cheese are all easy swaps if you want vegetarian burritos.
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning. Store bought or homemade, either one brings that bold, classic Mexican flavor.

To assemble

• 12 uncooked soft taco size flour tortillas. These wrap the filling and hold everything together. Store bought, homemade, or already cooked tortillas all work.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. This is the melty cheese that goes inside each burrito.

Optional additions. Shredded beef, pork, or chicken turn these into a heartier meal. Carne Asada, Sweet Pork, or Carnitas are all delicious here.

Optional toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced onion, fresh cilantro, diced chilies, green bell pepper, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa.

Salt and pepper go in at the end, to taste, once the filling is warm and smooth.

How to Make Bean Burritos

Everything happens in three easy stages, and the whole batch is done in about 30 minutes.

Make the filling. Add the refried beans, shortening, and milk to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese and the taco seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Warm the tortillas. Cook the flour tortillas according to the package directions and keep them warm in a towel or a tortilla warmer until you are ready to use them. Warming them first is what makes them roll without cracking.

Assemble the burritos. Add ⅓ cup of the bean mixture to the center of a tortilla, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Fold in the edges of the tortilla toward the center, then roll up while tucking in all of the filling. Serve seam side down so nothing spills out.

That is the whole method. Warm tortillas, creamy beans, melted cheese, done.

Kristyn’s Recipe Tips

A few small habits make these burritos even better.

• Keep stirring. Stir the beans often so they do not stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
• Keep the tortillas warm. Warm tortillas roll perfectly and are far less likely to crack.
• Do not overfill. A little restraint makes rolling much easier.
• Serve them with something extra. Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side is always a good idea.
• Freeze a few. These are a favorite for make ahead meal prep, so there is always something ready for a quick lunch.

More Like This

If you like the sound of creamy beans and melted cheese, these two are worth adding to your list. Steak Cheese Dirty Fry Burritos take the burrito idea in a heartier direction, and Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas keep things meatless with a sweet and smoky filling.

Sides

These burritos are filling on their own, but a simple side rounds out the plate nicely.

Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe

Homemade Spanish rice is a classic pairing, and it takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. It soaks up any filling that escapes the tortilla.

Esquites

Esquites brings creamy corn to the table in about 20 minutes. It is bright, a little tangy, and a great contrast to the rich beans.

Mexican Cornbread

Mexican cornbread is the comfort food option here, ready in roughly 50 minutes. It is excellent alongside a burrito on a cool evening.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is the quickest of the group at about 30 minutes, and the fresh herbs cut right through the melted cheese.

Burrito Recipes

Once you have the basic method down, there are plenty of ways to change up the filling.

Green Chili Smothered Burritos

Green chili smothered burritos cover the whole thing in sauce, and the total time is about 35 minutes. Great when you want something saucy.

Burrito Bowl

A burrito bowl skips the tortilla and takes only about 10 minutes. Perfect for a lighter lunch or for anyone watching their carbs.

Chicken Burrito Bowl

The chicken burrito bowl version takes around 20 minutes and adds lean protein to the same familiar flavors.

Green Chile Burritos

Green chile burritos are the long haul option at 4 hours 5 minutes, so plan them for a day when you have time to let the flavors build.

Collections

If you are building a menu around these burritos, these collections are a good place to browse.

Mexican Dinner Ideas

Mexican dinner ideas cover everything from tacos to enchiladas when you want a full themed spread.

Easy Dinner Ideas

Easy dinner ideas are the ones to reach for on nights when you want dinner with very little effort.

Quick Dinner Ideas

Quick dinner ideas focus on meals that come together fast, much like this one does.

Family Dinner Ideas

Family dinner ideas are built for feeding a crowd, which suits a recipe like this one. This bean burrito recipe was first shared in March 2020 and has stayed a family favorite ever since.

Ingredients

Here is the recipe card version, exactly as written.

Refried Beans

• 1 (30 ounce) can refried beans
• ¼ cup Crisco shortening
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

To Assemble

• 12 uncooked soft taco size flour tortillas
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Add the beans, shortening, and milk to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese and the taco seasoning.
2. Cook the flour tortillas according to the package directions. Keep them warm in a towel until you are ready to use them.
3. To assemble the burritos, add ⅓ cup of the beans to the center of a tortilla, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese. Fold in the edges of the tortilla toward the center, then roll up, tucking in all of the filling. Serve seam side down.

Notes

These burritos are built for planning ahead.

Storage. Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep for 4 to 5 days, and the microwave is the easiest way to reheat them.

Freezer meals. Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating in the oven. Remove the plastic wrap, rewrap with foil only, and bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 8 to 12 minutes so the tortilla crisps up.

Reheating in the microwave. Thaw first, poke a few holes with a fork, wrap the burrito in a damp paper towel, and heat for 1 to 2 minutes until warm throughout.

Recipe details

This recipe makes 12 burritos.

Nutrition is provided per burrito, based on the source recipe card.

FAQs

Burritos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Bean Burrito Recipe Some recipes earn a nickname, and this bean burrito recipe earned a great one. In the family behind the original version, these burritos are simply called burros, and the great grandma who made them most often was nicknamed Grandma Bean Burro because she was famous for them.

• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Refried Beans
1 can (30-ounce) refried beans
¼ cup Crisco shortening
⅓ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon taco seasoning

To Assemble
12 uncooked soft taco size flour tortillas
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-Add the beans, shortening, and milk to: Add the beans, shortening, and milk to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese and taco seasoning.
2-Cook the flour tortillas according to the: Cook the flour tortillas according to the package directions. Keep warm in a towel until ready to use.
3-To assemble the burritos, add ⅓ cup: To assemble the burritos, add ⅓ cup of beans to the center of a tortilla, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese. Fold in the edges of the tortilla toward the center, then roll up, tucking in all of the filling.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Method: stovetop

Nutrition

• Calories: 275kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 763mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 25mg