There’s no better weeknight meal than these black bean burritos: they’re quick, tasty, and filling. These burritos are fantastic for meal prep and are light on the wallet, thanks to the filling of black beans, rice, guacamole, and salsa.
Also, see Black Bean Millet Salad and Black Bean Recipes
We just returned from a weekend camping vacation in the mountains with our family, and it was wonderful. I enjoy spending a few days outside, just being closer to nature. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take a few more deep breaths, relax a bit more, and reconnect – both with each other and ourselves. We had a lot of rain, but we took advantage of it. I packed a lot of delicious food for all of us to eat, we had it with books and games, and we went kite flying and hiking when the weather was nice.
Overall, I’m feeling recharged and ready to tackle the new week. (Though I’m glad my kids and I are off from school and work today!) There is a great deal of unpacking and reassembly to be done.) So, if you and your family enjoy camping, I’m telling you how to simplify things and enjoy it.
Now, let us return to food and today’s new recipe is the black bean burrito.
Cooked rice, seasoned black beans, and cheese are stuffed into burritos for a wonderful healthy lunch or easy vegan dinner. They have exactly the correct amount of flavor and are quite tasty.
My entire family is a huge fan of burritos. No matter what time of day it is, people always get excited when burritos come on the menu and enjoy burritos at breakfast.
With burritos, you truly cannot go wrong. Burritos are inexpensive, and simple to prepare, and everyone enjoys them! And luckily for those in need of some quick meal prep ideas, they’re also easy to prepare ahead of time.
Burritos are the ideal food in many ways. To begin with, a burrito is a complete meal in and of itself, filled with all of the macronutrients you require (protein, carbohydrates, and fat), as well as a range of pleasing textures and flavors. Secondly, it’s portable, and there’s a primordial allure to a cuisine that you can eat without utensils.
What Exactly Are Burritos?
Burritos are an important part of Mexican cuisine. It takes a lot of large, gentle flour tortillas to make them. They’re then wrapped around a variety of fillings to make perfect little (or bigger) cylinders. Because of their shape, they are easy to eat by hand, particularly if they are covered in paper or foil.
Black Bean Burritos
As a mother, it is great to have healthy, quick, and easy meals to prepare for my family with ingredients that are commonly already found in my kitchen. Black bean burritos are a go-to meal that my entire family enjoys.
I usually have rice and black beans that are cooked ahead of time, so all I have to do is reheat, cook the tortillas and add fresh ingredients. Suppose you have had a Taco Bell black bean burrito or even the veggie burrito at Chipotle. In that case, my version is similar but way better tasting, lower in calories, healthier, and hearty.
Are Black Bean Burritos Healthy?
I’m fine with the fact that some people will object to my tortilla-on-rice combination. Carbohydrates are an important part of my balanced diet. Yup, It’s Vegan. I don’t give nutritional advice. I won’t shame anyone (unless they’re making false and harmful health claims that aren’t supported by evidence).
Anyway, if you’re going to eat these black bean burritos for lunch as I did, you might want to assess how they fit into your total diet or whether they meet your vitamin and nutritional requirements.
Black Beans Nutrition
In only a cup of black beans, there are 15 grams each of protein and fiber. This is not the first time I have sung the praises of the combination of fiber and protein in foods.
A well-balanced diet with protein and fiber will keep you full and energized, making sure your body can function while keeping you from overeating. Beans of any kind, but specifically black beans, are such good food for anyone wanting to healthily maintain or lose weight or stay away from “empty calories.”
A particular feature of black beans is resistant starch, which is a type of indigestible fiber that passes through the small intestine without being turned into sugar, perfect for people with diabetes who need to keep their blood sugar under control.
Black beans have been and still are the staple of many Latin-American diets, and these frijoles negros have been the fuel source for generations of farmers.
It is not surprising why black beans have been continuously eaten in these cultures because it is an amazing, nutritiously compact food.
Black beans’ vitamin and mineral content hasn’t yet been mentioned, and it can’t be missed. Black beans have large amounts of thiamine, iron, magnesium, and folate, all vitamins and minerals that many are deficient in and take supplements for.
With a so nutritious and diverse bean, I recommend adding it to as many foods and meals as you can!
As always, consult your medical provider before making any major changes to your diet.
Avocado Nutrition Facts
Avocados found in guacamole are so versatile and so often eaten because of their dense nutrition. They can be enjoyed in sushi, avocado toast, and sliced on salads and sandwiches. You can also find avocados in milkshakes, smoothies, creamy desserts, sauces, and baked as a snack.
They are high-fat food, but they are full of essential fats that your body needs. Despite being high in fat, avocados have no cholesterol. In addition, oleic acid, a type of fatty acid found in avocado, is actually good for heart health.
Avocado also has many vitamins and minerals, in particular lots of vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting and potassium, essential for cell and heart function.
Lastly, and perhaps surprisingly, avocados also have lots of fiber. One serving of avocado has 27% of the recommended daily intake of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full.
With avocados having all of these benefits, plus many more, I believe it is well-deserving of their Superfood and trendy status.
Nutritional Value of Rice
Rice is a staple food for nearly every culture. Everyone can usually think of a particular rice dish that their families commonly made to accompany meals or for special occasions, of course, with mine being Jamaican Rice and Peas.
The reason why it is a great staple food is that it is high in carbohydrates. Carbs are demonized in our society now, but our ancestors found them to be an essential source of energy.
Our bodies need carbohydrates to function, and they are usually the easiest and cheapest food sources. Entire civilizations would go through famine, and many would die because the staple crop failed, and they could not survive off of other foods.
Brown rice is the original grain when it has not been processed by having the bran and germ removed. Combined with the endosperm, these parts make brown rice a good energy source. This is because not only does it contain carbohydrates, it also has fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Why You’ll Love These Black Bean Burritos?
I’m sure you’ll love these black bean burritos because it is:
- Gluten-free
- Meat-less
- Easy to make
- Hearty
- Flavorful
- Satisfying
- Crowd-pleasing
- So Tasty than quesadillas
How To Make Black Bean Burrito?
These black bean burritos are perfect for easy and quick lunch and dinner ideas with little effort but big flavors. Plus, they are vegan.
- I love BFree Gluten-Free Tortillas, and there is a lot on the market now to choose from.
- We usually add black beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, and lettuce on top of our tortillas.
- Sometimes we add vegan cheese and/or sour cream. For example, we love ‘Follow Your Heart sour cream and Violife shredded cheese.’
Make this fun for everyone and assemble them with the entire family!
Ingredients
To make this black bean burritos recipe, you require the following things:
- Gluten-Free Tortillas
- Black Beans
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Cumin
- Dried Oregano
- Salt
- Water
- Brown Rice
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Lettuce
- Vegan Sour Cream
- Vegan Shredded Cheese
Instructions
Black Beans Recipe
If you are using dried beans, soak them overnight in water. The following day, drain the beans, rinse, and drain again. Place the beans in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer, and cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, and sauté until translucent. Then, add garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and sea salt, and cook while stirring for one minute. Add the cooked or canned black beans and water, and bring to a boil.
Turn down the stove to low heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the stove, partially mash beans to thicken, and set aside.
Bean Burrito Recipe
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tortilla to the skillet and cook on both sides, flipping the tortilla with tongs. Next, transfer the tortilla to a cutting board, and repeat the process with all of the tortillas.
Spoon about a ¼ cup of beans into the middle of each tortilla. Top with brown rice, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and any additional ingredients you desire.
Fold the ends and sides of the tortillas over the filling. Serve immediately, or freeze for later.
What Is The Best Way To Serve A Burrito?
We normally eat our burritos alone, as they comprise all of the main food groups. There’s no reason to serve a side dish with a burrito, especially because it’s already quite filling.
However, if you want to make a more varied meal, presenting your burrito alongside a salad is a safe idea — something quite light. In addition, it’s usually a good idea to have some additional sauces on hand for dipping.
Here are a few ideas:
- For a more flavorful alternative to regular rice, try Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Serve with your favorite salsa, such as Fresh Corn Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, or Tomatillo Salsa Verde.
- Topping your vegan burrito with a creamy condiment like Cashew Sour Cream, Chipotle Tahini Dressing, Cilantro-Lime Cashew Cream, or Cumin-Lime Tahini Dressing is a great way to go.
- Serve alongside an appetizer of Vegan Queso and a small bowl of green Vegan Pozole for a hearty supper!
Substitutions, Adjustments, Or Additions
You might want to consider any of the following substitutions, adjustments, or additions, depending on your unique health and nutrition goals:
- Use a whole-grain tortilla for added fiber and a reduced glycemic index.
- For extra protein, use a mix-in like soyrizo.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for the base rice and black bean recipes to make them lower in fat.
- Increase your intake of leafy greens and cruciferous veggies to obtain a wider range of vitamins and minerals.
How To Store It?
Refrigerate: Store the leftovers for up to 7 days in the fridge. After that, foil, Ziploc bags, or an airtight container can be used to store them.
Freezer: These black bean burritos will last 1–2 months in the freezer. If you want to freeze it, leave out the lettuce and guacamole because they don’t freeze well. Simply fill the burritos with bean mixture and rice and wrap them in parchment paper, sandwich bags, tin foil, or freezer Ziploc bags. Allow defrosting in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods
Reheat refrigerated burritos by placing them in a covered oven-safe dish or by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a 350°F preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, cook for 1 minute in the microwave.
If you’re reheating something that was previously frozen, use a covered oven-safe dish or wrap it in foil to keep it warm in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Alternatively, cook for 2 minutes on high in the microwave.
Is It Possible To Make These Burritos Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas of your choice.
Want To Experiment With A Different Bean Variety?
I used black beans, but Pinto, kidney, and navy beans are all excellent choices.
What Is Guacamole?
It is a word in Spanish that comes from the Aztec language. Avocado was called “Ahuacati,” while “Molli” was a sauce. Guacamole is now defined as a sauce made from the pulp of an avocado.
Which Kind Of Rice Should be Used?
This recipe can be made with white or brown rice, as well as any sort of bean you have on hand. But I have used brown rice.
What Kind Of Cheese Can I Use?
My favorite is vegan shredded cheese which is what I used. However, use ordinary cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack cheese for a little extra kick. Alternatively, you can use a pre-shredded Mexican-style cheese mix. Whatever you’ve got, go for it!
What Makes A Delicious Breakfast Burrito?
When cereal or waffles are not available, the traditional American breakfast consists of eggs, tomato, bacon-wrapped sausage meat, and hash browns in a flour burrito.
Recipe Notes For Black Bean Burritos
Here are a few recipe notes which will help you to make perfect black bean burritos:
- You can make your burritos even easier by using store-bought guacamole and salsa. The recipe will be a lot quicker as a result of this.
- If canned beans work best for you, go ahead and use them
- Increase or decrease the salt proportionately to your taste and the type of beans you’re using. If you don’t want to use it, leave it out.
- To cut down on sodium, thoroughly wash canned goods (beans or corn) or use less salt.
- If you want to make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free corn flour tortillas or make your own gluten-free chickpea flour tortillas.
- Although it’s convenient, aluminum foil isn’t necessary for making burritos, especially if you plan to freeze them or are making them for the first time.
- Arrange your burrito layers in any way you choose. There is no specific method; simply do what makes you happy!
- Do you enjoy burritos but want to cut calories from your meal? Instead, try a burrito bowl. Simply omit the tortillas (each tortilla contains roughly 150 calories!) Then mix everything together in a large mixing bowl. Simply top with a little more shredded lettuce, and you’re ready to go. This is something we do all the time!
- In my Instant Pot, I normally make brown rice. It’s a lot simpler and takes only approximately 20 minutes. Then season with salt and cumin powder. The weight of cooked rice doubles. For the three cups of cooked brown rice, you’ll require 1.5 cups of uncooked rice.
- It’s simple to double the recipe.
Find Other Favorite Black Bean Recipes Here:
- Vegan Brazilian Black Bean Stew (Feijoada)
- Vegan Black Bean Quinoa Patties
- Black Bean and Butternut Squash Stew
- Black Bean Salad With Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- Spicy Black Black Bean Hummus
Give this recipe a try. I’m sure you’re going to adore these Black Bean Burritos! And, don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments! I’d love to hear from you… Have fun cooking!
Categories
- Categories: Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Courses: Entrée, Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
(Per portion)- Energy: 208 kcal / 869 kJ
- Fat: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 40 g
Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 min
- Cooking: 45 min
- Ready in: 1 h 5 min
- For: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 gluten-free tortilla
To Prepare Black Beans
- 1/2 cup dried black beans, or 1 can 1drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small Roma tomato, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
To Prepare The Burrito
- 4 large Tortillas, (I used gluten-free ones)
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup guacamole, or 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Romaine lettuce, shredded
Additional Ingredients
- Vegan sour cream, optional
- vegan shredded cheese, optional
Instructions
For The Dried Beans
- If you are using dried beans, soak them overnight in water. The following day, drain the beans, rinse, and drain again. Place the beans in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water, and bring to boil. Lower heat to simmer, and cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and sea salt, and cook while stirring for one minute. Add the cooked or canned black beans and water, and bring to a boil.
- Turn down the stove to low heat, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the stove, partially mash beans to thicken, and set aside.
For The Burrito
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tortilla to the skillet and cook on both sides, flipping tortilla with tongs. Transfer the tortilla to a cutting board, and repeat the process with all of the tortillas.
- Spoon about a 1/4 cup of beans into the middle of each tortilla. Top with brown rice, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and any additional ingredients you desire.
- Fold the ends and sides of the tortillas over the filling. Serve immediately, or freeze for later.
Notes
These look divine. I’m so excited that they are gluten free, I will definitely have a go making these!
I clicked on General Tso’s ChickPeas and it brought me to this recipe. I think your web developer has the code pointing to the incorrect recipe. This looks great but Id like the other one too, lol
Hello Ann, I’m so sorry. Here is the recipe https://healthiersteps.com/recipe/general-tsos-chick-peas-vegan-gluten-free/
I love black beans so I know this is something I will have to try. Thanks for sharing
This looks very healthy and yummy
This was great and SOO filling. I added taco seasoning to the rice for an extra layer of flavor! and I think I will add corn next time!
Jennifer, I’m so happy you enjoyed it and I love how you added taco seasoning.
I really enjoy your recipes. A search feature on the website would be very helpful. Please consider adding this feature. Thank you.
Thank you Cassandra, there is one on each page above my photo on desktop but you would have to scroll way down to the bottom of the page to find the one above my photo on mobile. I’ll ask my web developer to take a look at it. Thank you.
This looks so fresh and filling. Thanks for the idea!
Thank you Jane, hope you enjoy!
Easy to make and plus it tastes great!
Thank you Shanel, so happy it tastes great for you!
Going to try and find those tortillas…looks amazing will let u know how it goes…. question… have u made created your own salsa yet with no vinegar. I would love to try if u have.
Philly, I love them because they hold up pretty well for the fact that they are gluten-free. I have made my own salsa but I haven’t had a chance to post a recipe as yet. I hope you enjoy.
Love burritos and this one looks amazing!