Craving a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This cheesy bean and rice burrito recipe is a delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly dinner solution perfect for busy weeknights. It's the ultimate homemade comfort food, packed with cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Get ready to experience the joy of simple, delicious, and satisfying homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large burrito-size tortillas
- Your favorite burrito toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
Add the rinsed and drained black beans, corn, cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the mixture is creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Warm the tortillas according to package directions (you can heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven). Spoon a generous amount of the bean and rice mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
Step 5: Roll and Enjoy!
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Tightly roll the burrito from the bottom to the top. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder burrito, omit it altogether. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your filling, such as diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Use a vegan cheese alternative and ensure your other ingredients are plant-based.
- Leftovers: These burritos are great for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per burrito, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12g
This cheesy bean and rice burrito recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meal planning. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights, and the customizable nature of the recipe makes it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy!