Name: Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain rice (basmati recommended); 1/2 cup salsa; salt and pepper to taste; 1 Tablespoon lime juice; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced; 15 ounce can refried beans (or 1 3/4 cups homemade refried beans); 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise; 6 ounces shredded Tex Mex cheese; 6 large tortillas

There’s nothing quite as comforting as wrapping up a warm, cheesy burrito filled with beans and seasoned rice. This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and simple, making it one of my favorite go-to meals for busy nights or anytime you want something satisfying in under 30 minutes.

The image shows two burrito halves stacked on a white marbled surface. Each burrito has a soft, light brown tortilla wrap with grill marks on the sides. Inside, there are two clear layers: a soft layer of light brown seasoned rice mixed with beans and a melted yellow cheese layer on top. Around the burritos, fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered for garnish. In the front, there is a metal spoon with a pale orange creamy sauce, and to the left, part of a white bowl filled with the same sauce is visible. In the background, a glass of iced coffee and a white bowl with shredded yellow cheese can be seen blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I get a real thrill every time I make these burritos because they’re so straightforward yet deliver big on flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again, especially when you want something vegetarian but still super filling.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for nights when time is short but taste matters.
Comfort Food Done Right: Gooey melted cheese and creamy beans wrapped in soft tortillas—pure satisfying goodness.
Customizable: You can switch up the salsa, cheese, or add your favorite toppings to keep things fresh.
Vegetarian and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a meal you feel good about eating.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about simple pantry staples working together to create something deliciously balanced. The rice soaks up the salsa and lime juice, adding freshness, while the beans give creamy texture and protein. Sharp Tex Mex cheese is the perfect melty finish.

Flat lay of a small mound of cooked fluffy basmati rice, a handful of shredded Tex Mex cheese, a whole fresh lime cut in half showing bright green flesh, a few whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with rich red color, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red salsa, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a pristine white ceramic bowl holding creamy refried beans, and six large soft flour tortillas stacked neatly, all ingredients fresh and natural arranged in perfect symmetry, placed 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

Long grain rice: I usually use basmati for its fluffy texture and fragrance that complements the beans nicely.
Salsa: Pick your favorite kind here—it adds a tangy kick that livens up the whole filling.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the heat from the chipotle pepper.
Mayonnaise: A little secret ingredient that makes the mixture extra smooth and rich.
Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: Just one minced pepper gives the perfect smoky heat—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty lift.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—it’s always best to taste and adjust as you go.
Refried beans: Creamy and filling, they hold the whole burrito together. You can use canned or homemade.
Tex Mex cheese: A blend of cheeses perfect for melting and bringing that classic burrito gooeyness.
Large tortillas: Choose flour tortillas for easy rolling and soft texture.

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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

I love mixing things up depending on what I have in the fridge or my mood. Sometimes I swap the salsa for a smoky chipotle tomato sauce or throw in some roasted veggies for extra texture. You should definitely experiment to make these burritos your own.

Variation: One time, I added corn and diced bell peppers to the filling, which gave a nice sweet crunch that balanced the creamy beans beautifully.
Spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the chipotle pepper or swap for mild salsa.
Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese and skip the mayo or swap with vegan mayo for a plant-based twist.
Protein boost: Add cooked quinoa or lentils to the rice for extra protein and fiber.

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

The image shows four toasted burritos wrapped in a light golden toasted white tortilla. One burrito is cut in half, revealing three layers inside: a base layer of cooked rice in light tan color, a middle layer of beans in brown color, and a top layer of melted cheddar cheese in warm yellow, all tightly packed. Around the burritos are fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on a white marbled surface. In the foreground is a black bowl with creamy light beige sauce and a spoon inside it. In the background is part of a black bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, and a glass cup with a brown creamy drink. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Rice Perfectly

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. I like to use basmati rice because it’s fluffy and fragrant, which complements the savory beans beautifully. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and fold in the salsa, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix keeps the rice flavorful and slightly tangy.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a bowl, combine the refried beans, sour cream, mayonnaise, and finely minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Stir it well until everything is smooth and combined gently. This creamy mixture is what makes these burritos irresistible, so take your time to get the texture just right.

Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos

Lay out your large tortillas and spread a generous layer of the bean mixture down the center. Then, spoon over a good amount of the salsa-lime rice and sprinkle a hearty handful of shredded Tex Mex cheese on top. Don’t skimp on the cheese—you want it to melt nicely and bind everything together.

Step 4: Roll and Warm

Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly. Place the burritos seam side down in a warm pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side. This helps melt the cheese inside and crisps up the tortilla just a bit without drying it out.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that warming the tortillas slightly before assembling makes rolling much easier and prevents tearing. Also, using just enough filling without overstuffing ensures your burritos hold together perfectly without bursting at the seams.

Warm the Tortillas: Pop them in a dry skillet or microwave for 15 seconds for pliable wraps.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting, but less is more when rolling tight, neat burritos.
Melt the Cheese Gently: Medium heat ensures the cheese melts without burning the tortilla.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Start with less chipotle and add more if needed—you can’t take heat away once it’s in!

How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these burritos with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a creamy, cooling layer that pairs perfectly with the smoky chipotle.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve are a simple mixed green salad or Mexican street corn for a bit of crunch. Sometimes I also like a scoop of black beans or a fresh tomato and corn salsa to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual get-together, I’ve laid these burritos out in a large baking dish, covered with extra cheese and baked until bubbly to make a “burrito casserole.” It’s a crowd-pleaser and super easy to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! I wrap each burrito tightly, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a convenient, ready meal.

Reheating

Reheat wrapped in foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or unwrap and microwave until hot. For that crisp exterior, a quick pan sear after microwaving works wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned beans instead of refried beans?

Yes! You can mash canned black or pinto beans and season them with a bit of cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder to create a quick alternative to refried beans. It won’t be as creamy but will work well in a pinch.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, but you can easily adjust by using less pepper or mild salsa. It’s flexible to suit everyone’s taste buds.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the cheese for a vegan alternative, skip the sour cream and mayonnaise or use vegan versions, and you’ve got a vegan-friendly burrito that’s just as tasty.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy burritos?

To avoid sogginess, spread fillings evenly and sparingly, warm tortillas before assembling, and warm the burritos in a hot pan to crisp the outside slightly. This keeps the texture right and makes rolling easier.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that can turn an ordinary night into something cozy and satisfying without much fuss. I genuinely hope you give it a try—and once you do, you might just find it becoming one of your staple meals too. After all, sometimes the simplest ideas make the best meals, don’t they?