Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos with Cilantro-Lime Rice

why make this recipe

These Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos are perfect for anyone who loves a filling, flavorful meal without meat. Packed with protein from black beans and creamy cheese, they are satisfying and delicious. Adding cilantro-lime rice enhances the dish, making it fresh and bright. This recipe is not only nutritious but also budget-friendly and quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. If you’re looking to mix things up, you might also enjoy vegetarian enchiladas as another scrumptious option.

how to make Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos

Ingredients:

• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rinsed black beans and water or broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly. Mash about one-third of the beans against the side of the pan for texture. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season lightly with salt.
5. Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
6. To assemble each burrito, place a tortilla on a flat surface. Layer one-quarter of the bean mixture down the center. Top the beans with one-quarter of the rice mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then roll tightly toward the top edge to seal the burrito.
8. If desired, place burritos seam-side down in a dry, hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned and the cheese is melted.

how to serve Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos

Serve your burritos warm with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. A fresh salad or corn on the side can add some crunch and color to your meal. Pairing these burritos with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade will complement the flavors nicely.

how to store Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos

To store leftovers, wrap the burritos tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Freezing is also an option, and they can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to wrap them well in foil or heavy-duty freezer bags.

tips to make Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos

• Use fresh tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the filling for extra nutrition.
• If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.
• For a fun twist, try different types of cheese or beans, such as black-eyed peas or pinto beans.

variation

You can easily make these burritos gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour. Additionally, adding cooked quinoa or lentils can enhance the recipe by providing an extra layer of texture and nutrients.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cooked beans instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh cooked beans is a great option. Just make sure they are well-seasoned to mimic the flavor.

How do I make these burritos vegan?
For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment, making them a convenient meal option! If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian dishes, consider checking out other easy recipes on the site.

Hearty Vegetarian Black Bean and Cheese Burritos

These hearty burritos are packed with protein from black beans and creamy cheese, making a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican, Vegetarian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the vegetables
• 1 medium onion, chopped Adds flavor and texture
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor
• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained Main source of protein
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds warmth and earthiness
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder Adds a hint of spice
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth To keep the mixture moist
• 1 cup cooked white rice Add bulk and texture
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped For freshness
• 1 tablespoon lime juice For acidity and brightness
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese For creaminess and flavor
• to taste none Salt and pepper To enhance flavors

For Assembly

• 6 large flour tortillas For wrapping the filling

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rinsed black beans and water or broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly. Mash about one-third of the beans against the side of the pan for texture. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Rice Mixture

1. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season lightly with salt.

Assembly

1. Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
2. To assemble each burrito, place a tortilla on a flat surface. Layer one-quarter of the bean mixture down the center. Top the beans with one-quarter of the rice mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
3. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then roll tightly toward the top edge to seal the burrito.
4. If desired, place burritos seam-side down in a dry, hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Use fresh tortillas for the best texture and flavor.