Refried Bean Burritos
Try this Refried Bean Burritos recipe
Try this Refried Bean Burritos recipe
- sour cream
- hot sauce
- shredded lettuce
- sliced black olives
- guacamole
- sliced scallion
- 1 (14 ounce) can refried beans (i use fat free)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or 1 teaspoon ground dried chile
- 1 ⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 ⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 -5 dashes garlic powder
- 1 cup hot cooked rice (i usually omit) (optional)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese or 8 ounces monterey jack pepper ch shredded or thinly sliced (i use low fat)
- your favorite salsa
- 1 package flour tortilla (10-in. the recipe usually uses 5 t
- chopped tomato
- sliced jalapeno
- Carbohydrate 3.89145116666667 g
- Cholesterol 4.68 mg
- Fat 2.29939216666667 g
- Fiber 1.37174504916767 g
- Protein 1.27545983333333 g
- Saturated Fat 1.00994353333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Units US (161g)
- Sodium 78.8661166666667 mg
- Sugar 2.51970611749899 g
- Trans Fat 0.147740733333333 g
- Calories 38 calories
Step-by-step
- Place beans in microwave-safe dish.
- Stir in next 5 ingredients.
- Heat on medium power for about 3 minutes or until hot, stirring once halfway through.
- Alternatively, heat over low heat on stovetop until warmed through.
- If mixture becomes too thick, add water.
- Mix in rice, if using.
- Meanwhile, heat the tortillas.
- Use the method you like best. I usually just heat them one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 20-30 secs per side, or just until pliable.
- Place about 1/3 cup bean mixture in each tortilla, add cheese, salsa and toppings, and roll.
- You can bake them in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes if you want them firmer/crisper.
- I like to skip this step.
- That's it!
- These refrigerate well for a few days. I can't speak for the freezer.
- I end up with 5 medium-sized burritos; if you use the rice or more veggies, you will get more.
- Since I usually reheat one or two at a time, I add sour cream after reheating.
- No one would call these authentic Mexican food; they taste more like a fresher and better version of Taco Bell, but they are very good.
Refried Bean Burritos: My Weeknight Go-To
Let's be honest, as a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be fast, easy, and ideally, something the entire family will enjoy. That's where these Refried Bean Burritos come in. They’re a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights when takeout feels like the only option. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen; this recipe takes minutes to throw together and delivers big on flavor. These aren't your grandma's burritos (unless your grandma was seriously cool!), but they're comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your family's preferences. Don't like olives? Leave them out! Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! The beauty of this recipe is that it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I often find myself improvising depending on what I have on hand, adding things like leftover roasted sweet potatoes or corn. Sometimes, if I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I'll even make a quick pico de gallo to add a fresh and vibrant touch. It's about making it your own! This isn't about following strict rules; it's about creating a meal that tastes good and makes you happy.
The ingredients are simple, readily available, and often already in my pantry. The convenience factor alone makes this a winner. I usually buy the refried beans in bulk to save time and money – a small trick I learned from my own mom, who was a master of efficient cooking. The process is so straightforward, even my kids can help out with the simpler steps, making it a fun family activity. And don't even get me started on the leftovers! These burritos reheat beautifully, making them perfect for lunches during the busy workweek.
I usually make a big batch on the weekend and portion them out for quick meals during the week. This helps save me precious time on busy weekdays, and also ensures that my family is eating wholesome and nutritious meals. It's also a great way to involve the kids in meal preparation. They love helping with simple tasks like assembling the burritos, and it's a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits.
Beyond the Practical: A Taste of Home
These burritos aren't just about convenience; they're about comfort. The familiar flavors bring a sense of warmth and homeliness, even on the busiest of days. The satisfying warmth of the refried beans, the sharp tang of the salsa, and the melty goodness of the cheese—it's the kind of food that nourishes not just the body, but also the soul. For me, these aren't just burritos; they're a symbol of simple pleasures and the joy of creating something delicious, even amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Variations and Ideas
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture for an extra kick. For those who really love spice, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is always a good idea! Veggie Boost: Don't limit yourself to the suggestions in the recipe. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some sautéed mushrooms. Protein Power: Add some cooked chicken or ground beef to the bean mixture for a heartier meal. Black beans could also be a nice addition. Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites could add interesting flavor dimensions.
The Secret to Success: Fresh Ingredients
While the recipe is simple, the key to truly delicious refried bean burritos is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. This might seem obvious, but it makes a huge difference. Fresh salsa adds a vibrancy that canned salsa just can't match, and the same goes for the other toppings. Invest in good-quality cheese, and don't skimp on the guacamole – it's the perfect complement to the beans.
More than Just a Meal: A Connection
In the end, these refried bean burritos are more than just a quick and easy meal; they're a way to connect with my family. The shared act of preparing and enjoying a meal together creates memories and strengthens our bond. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of modern life, there's always time for simple pleasures and the comfort of good food.
