If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, this Refried Bean Burritos with Cheddar and Salsa Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Packed with creamy refried beans, zesty salsa, and melty cheddar cheese all wrapped in soft, warm tortillas, these burritos deliver a perfect harmony of spicy, cheesy, and hearty goodness with every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, these burritos bring simple ingredients to life in an utterly delicious and filling package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each item plays a vital part: smooth refried beans provide creaminess and protein, chunky salsa adds brightness and a little kick, onions introduce crunch and a hint of sharpness, taco seasoning brings that signature Mexican flair, and cheddar cheese melts beautifully to pull it all together inside the cozy tortilla wrap.
- 1 ½ cups refried beans: Homemade or canned, they form the creamy base for rich texture and great flavor.
- ½ cup chunky salsa: Adds vibrant color and zesty undertones that awaken the palate.
- ¼ cup diced onion: Provides a subtle crunch and enhances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning: Delivers the perfect blend of spices for authentic Mexican taste.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances overall taste.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious pockets of sharpness and gooey goodness.
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas: These soft, pliable wraps hold everything together and make each bite delightfully satisfying.
How to Make Refried Bean Burritos with Cheddar and Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375º F and lightly greasing a sheet pan to prevent sticking. Getting the oven ready first means the burritos will go straight in as soon as you’re done assembling, ensuring they come out perfectly crispy and melty.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the refried beans, chunky salsa, diced onion, taco seasoning, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and bursting with flavor. This filling is the heart of the burritos, and mixing well is key to having every bite taste just right.
Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos
Take each flour tortilla and spread a quarter of the bean and salsa mixture evenly across it, leaving about an inch free at one end so you can tuck it in easily. This step ensures that all the ingredients stay snug inside without spilling out while baking.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bean mixture on each tortilla. The cheese will melt beautifully, providing a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the spicy beans and salsa. Cheese makes this dish irresistibly gooey and comforting.
Step 5: Wrap and Secure
Carefully roll up each tortilla into a burrito, folding in the sides as you go to keep all the filling contained. This wrapping technique creates a neat package that holds its shape during baking and guarantees bites loaded with flavorful filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the burritos seam-side down on the greased sheet pan so they don’t unravel. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the tortillas are golden and crisp, and the cheese inside is melted to gooey perfection. Let them rest for about three minutes before serving; this allows the filling to set slightly for easier eating.
How to Serve Refried Bean Burritos with Cheddar and Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Refried Bean Burritos with Cheddar and Salsa Recipe by adding fresh, colorful garnishes. Try a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, slices of ripe avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Each topping adds a burst of freshness that complements the warm, savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
To turn these burritos into a full feast, consider sides like Mexican rice, refried beans on the side, or a bright, crunchy salad with tomatoes and corn. Crispy tortilla chips and extra salsa can also add a fun textural contrast. These companions complete the meal with varied textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress up your burritos for a family dinner or casual party, slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing or serve them open-faced on plates with all the toppings on display. Wrapping each burrito in a colorful napkin or placing them in little baskets lined with parchment paper adds a festive, inviting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well, making them perfect for last-minute lunches or easy dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead with freezer-friendly options, wrap each burrito tightly in cling wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and place them in a labeled freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious taste or texture.
Reheating
For reheating, you have two options: in the microwave, unwrap the burrito completely, wrap it in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 3-4 minutes until heated through. For a crispy finish, reheat in the oven at 350º F by loosely wrapping the thawed burrito in foil and baking for about 45 minutes, then unwrap and bake 10-15 minutes more to achieve a delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned refried beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned refried beans work perfectly and save prep time while still delivering that creamy texture and rich flavor essential to the recipe.
What type of cheese works best in these burritos?
Sharp or medium cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts well and gives a wonderful tangy flavor that balances the spicy and savory filling.
Can I make these burritos vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian, and to make it vegan, just swap the cheddar cheese for your favorite plant-based cheese and ensure the tortillas contain no animal products.
Is it possible to add more protein to this dish?
Definitely! You can enhance the burritos by adding cooked ground beef, chicken, or even tofu for extra protein and heartiness.
How can I make the burritos spicier?
To turn up the heat, add extra salsa with jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture. Serving with spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side also gives guests control over the spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Refried Bean Burritos with Cheddar and Salsa Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining simple, wholesome ingredients into a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. I hope you give it a try soon — it’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to satisfy those burrito cravings whenever they strike.
Print
Refried Bean Burritos with Cheddar and Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make refried bean burritos, filled with a flavorful blend of refried beans, salsa, onion, and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese, wrapped in soft flour tortillas, and baked to perfection. A great vegetarian meal option that can also be prepared ahead and frozen for convenient reheating.
Ingredients
Refried Bean Mixture
- 1 ½ cups homemade or 1 (16-oz) can refried beans
- ½ cup chunky salsa
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas (often referred to as “burrito-sized”)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375º F and lightly grease a sheet pan to prevent burritos from sticking during baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine refried beans, chunky salsa, diced onion, taco seasoning, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended to create the burrito filling.
- Assemble Burritos: Take one flour tortilla and spread 1/4 of the refried bean mixture evenly over it, leaving about an inch from one end empty to facilitate rolling.
- Add Cheese and Wrap: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bean mixture on each tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla tightly to form a burrito, ensuring the filling is secured inside.
- Arrange for Baking: Place each wrapped burrito seam side down on the greased sheet pan, spacing them out evenly to ensure even baking.
- Bake Burritos: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake the burritos for 12 to 15 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Allow them to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving to let the filling settle.
- Freezing Instructions: After wrapping, tightly wrap each burrito in cling wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Place wrapped burritos into a labeled freezer-safe bag for storage.
- Microwave Reheating: To reheat from frozen, fully unwrap the burrito from foil and cling wrap. Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes until thoroughly heated. Rest for 3 to 5 minutes before eating.
- Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350º F. Remove plastic wrap but keep the aluminum foil loosely wrapped around the burrito. Place on a sheet pan and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to achieve desired crunchiness.
Notes
- Use homemade refried beans or canned for convenience.
- Adjust taco seasoning and salt to your taste preferences.
- Let burritos rest after baking to avoid burns and improve texture.
- Freezing and reheating instructions ensure easy meal prep and enjoyment later.
- Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, but feel free to substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Make sure to tightly wrap burritos before freezing to avoid freezer burn.
- Cooking times may vary based on oven and microwave wattage.
