Cheesy Rice and Bean Burrito

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Our cheesy rice and bean burrito is perfect to freeze for make-ahead meals. The recipe is easy-to-follow and makes for a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a filling dinner, this beans rice and cheese burrito is a great choice.

Of course, you make these burritos fresh, but you can also make these ahead and keep them in the freezer for those busy days when you need to quickly heat up a meal. Filling and nutritious, this will be a recipe you come back to time and time again.

Rice and Bean Freezer Burritos on a serving tray, ready to be frozen.

Gooey rice and bean freezer burritos! Can you say YUM? When it comes to freezer meals, I really try and make them as easy as possible. You can also make a batch of my breakfast freezer burritos, too. Did you know you can also freeze quiche? You can place this breakfast quiche in a large Ziploc bag and warm it up another day.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Convenience: These frozen bean and cheese burritos are a lifesaver on busy days. With just a little prep, you’ll have a freezer stocked with homemade burritos ready to go whenever you need them.
Customization: Feel free to get creative with your burrito fillings. You can add your favorite veggies, cooked meat, or even some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Budget-friendly: Making these burritos at home is not only delicious but also cost-effective. You’ll save money compared to store-bought frozen burritos or stopping at the nearest drive-thru.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty burritos. They’re perfect for picky eaters!

Ingredients

Burrito-size flour tortillas – You can use whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas for a healthier option or to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Refried beans – If you prefer a different type of beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans as a substitute. Not a fan of beans? You can use cooked diced chicken or cooked ground beef instead.
Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice mix – Feel free to use any brand of Spanish rice mix or make your own homemade Spanish rice from scratch.
Diced tomatoes – You can use fresh diced tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. If you like it spicy, try using diced tomatoes with green chilies or a drained can of Rotel.
Shredded Mexican cheese – If you want to mix things up, try using a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. For a spicy flavor, use a spicy cheese blend.

How to Make Frozen Bean and Cheese Burritos

STEP ONE: Prep the rice. Cook the rice per box instructions, adding in the diced tomatoes once cooked.

STEP TWO: Prep the burritos. To each tortilla, add beans and rice, and sprinkle with a generous amount of cheese.

STEP THREE: Roll the burritos. Fold the sides of the tortillas in, then carefully roll them up.

STEP FOUR: Freeze. Place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet pan of burritos into the freezer and let them flash-freeze for 30 minutes.

Once the burritos are partially frozen, place them in a large Ziploc bag, or you can wrap foil around them individually. Place them in the freezer to finish freezing.

STEP FIVE: Reheat. Wrap a damp paper towel around the burrito and place it into the microwave. Cook on high for 2 minutes.

What to Serve with Burritos?

These burritos can be an entire filling meal on their own, but if you want to round of the meal with some extra sides, here are some ideas:

Serve your frozen bean and cheese burritos with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa for a Tex-Mex meal.
A simple green salad with a zesty lime dressing complements these burritos perfectly.
For a heartier meal, pair the burritos with Mexican rice and black beans.
If you’re on the go, grab a bag of tortilla chips or Fritos and grab a handful!

Tips and Recipe Notes

Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes before adding them to the rice, or the mixture will be too soggy.
Don’t overstuff the burritos. A generous amount of filling is great, but leave some space around the edges to make rolling easier.
For a golden and crispy tortilla, you can lightly brush the tortillas with oil or melted butter and place them under the broiler after you’ve reheated them. Watch them carefully! They’ll burn quickly.

FAQs

How many burritos does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 12 frozen bean and cheese burritos.

Can I bake the burritos instead of microwaving them?

Yes, you can bake the burritos at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until heated through. Keep them wrapped in foil while they reheat so they don’t dry out.

Can I add sour cream to the burritos?

Yes, a dollop of sour cream is very yummy with these burritos, but I suggest spreading it to the top of the burrito after you reheat it instead of directly inside.

What can I top my burrito with?

When you’re ready to serve these burritos, you can top them with sour cream, salsa, spicy ranch dressing, guacamole, or sliced avocado.

Freezing Instructions for Make Ahead Meals

Freeze. Place the taco bell cheesy bean and rice burrito on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet pan of burritos into the freezer and let them flash-freeze for 30 minutes.

Once the burritos are partially frozen, place them in a large Ziploc bag, or you can wrap foil around them individually. Place them in the freezer to finish freezing.

Reheat. Wrap a damp paper towel around the burrito and place it into the microwave. Cook on high for 2 minutes.

How do I reheat my burritos?

To reheat, take your burrito out of the freezer and wrap a damp paper towel around it. Place it in the microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that the Spanish rice mix you choose is also gluten-free.

Can I Make This Dairy Free?

Yes, you can! You’ll need to use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Also, check your tortilla ingredients to make sure they don’t contain dairy. The other ingredients should naturally be dairy-free, but it’s always a good idea to verify by reading the ingredient labels.

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