Save A cost-effective, portable, and flavorful meal featuring tender rice, hearty beans, and zesty salsa, all wrapped up for easy eating. Perfect for lunch on the go or a casual dinner.
I first made these burritos for a family picnic and was amazed by how quickly they disappeared. The combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors makes them a regular request in our house.
Ingredients
- Long-grain rice: 1 cup uncooked (white or brown)
- Water: 2 cups
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black or pinto beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels: 1 cup canned, drained (optional)
- Romaine lettuce: 1 cup, shredded
- Tomato: 1 medium, diced
- Red onion: ½ small, finely chopped
- Salsa: ¾ cup (choose mild, medium, or hot)
- Cheddar or vegan cheese: ½ cup shredded (optional)
- Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
- Flour tortillas: 4 large (10-inch/25 cm)
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Warm the beans:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the drained beans until just warmed through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Prep the fillings:
- Prepare lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble the burritos:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon ¼ cup cooked rice along the center. Top with ¼ of the beans, 2 tbsp corn (if using), lettuce, tomato, onion, 3 tbsp salsa, cheese, and cilantro as desired.
- Fold and roll:
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or wrap tightly in foil for a portable meal.
Save My kids love helping layer the burritos with their favorite toppings, and it quickly became a hands-on family dinner tradition.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, small saucepan, knife and cutting board, skillet or microwave, spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas) and milk (cheese, if using). Use gluten-free tortillas and dairy-free cheese to meet dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Each burrito (with cheese, without optional toppings) contains approximately 375 calories, 7 g fat, 65 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Save Serve burritos fresh for best texture, or wrap them for a tasty lunch on the go.
Recipe Help
- → How should I cook the rice for the burritos?
Use long-grain white or brown rice. Boil water with salt, then simmer the rice covered on low heat until tender and water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- → Can I use other beans in place of black or pinto beans?
Yes, feel free to substitute with kidney beans or cannellini beans depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
- → What are some good toppings to add?
Fresh lettuce, diced tomato, chopped onion, salsa, shredded cheese, and cilantro make great additions for added flavor and texture.
- → How do I keep the tortillas soft and pliable?
Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them easier to fold without cracking.
- → Can I make these burritos vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it plant-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- → What variations can add more protein to this meal?
Consider adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or tofu for an extra protein boost tailored to your preference.