Black bean burritos are a simple, filling option for busy weeknights. Black beans pair well with rice, vegetables, cheese, salsa, avocado, and a variety of spices, making it easy to create different combinations without complicated cooking techniques. They can also be customized for vegetarian meals or adapted with chicken, eggs, or other favorite fillings.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, an easy meal-prep option, or a family-friendly recipe, these burritos can be adjusted to suit different tastes. Using canned black beans and prepared ingredients can make weeknight preparation even faster. Here are 10 easy black bean burrito ideas to try.
1. Classic Black Bean and Cheese Burritos
Keep things simple with creamy beans and melted cheese.
You’ll need:
- Black beans
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Cooked rice
- Salsa
- Cumin
- Chili powder
Warm the beans with the spices, layer everything inside the tortilla, roll tightly, and heat until the cheese melts.
2. Black Bean and Corn Burritos
Sweet corn adds color and texture to a classic bean filling.
Add:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Rice
- Bell peppers
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese
- Cilantro
Sauté the vegetables before combining them with the beans for extra flavor.
3. Spicy Black Bean Burritos
For a little heat, add your favorite spicy ingredients.
Try:
- Black beans
- Rice
- Jalapeño
- Salsa
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Chili powder
- Lime juice
Adjust the amount of jalapeño and salsa according to your preferred spice level.
4. Black Bean and Avocado Burritos
Creamy avocado balances the seasoned black bean filling.
Combine:
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Rice
- Tomato
- Lettuce
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
Add avocado just before serving to preserve its fresh texture.
5. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos
Roasted sweet potato gives these burritos a naturally sweet and hearty filling.
Use:
- Black beans
- Roasted sweet potato
- Rice
- Red onion
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Lime
Roast the sweet potato until tender before assembling the burritos.
6. Chicken and Black Bean Burritos
Add cooked chicken to turn a simple bean burrito into a protein-rich dinner.
Ingredients:
- Black beans
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Rice
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Bell peppers
- Cumin
This is also a useful way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken.
7. Black Bean Breakfast-for-Dinner Burritos
Eggs aren’t just for breakfast. Combine them with black beans for an easy evening meal.
Fill with:
- Scrambled eggs
- Black beans
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Green onions
Serve with fresh fruit or a simple salad for a complete meal.
8. Black Bean Fajita Burritos
Turn sautéed fajita vegetables into a flavorful burrito filling.
Add:
- Black beans
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Rice
- Fajita seasoning
- Cheese
- Salsa
Cook the vegetables until lightly browned before assembling.
9. Black Bean and Spinach Burritos
Fresh spinach adds color and an easy vegetable boost.
Try:
- Black beans
- Spinach
- Rice
- Corn
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Salsa
- Garlic
Quickly wilt the spinach before combining it with the other ingredients.
10. Crispy Black Bean Burritos
Give your burritos a crisp exterior by finishing them in a skillet or oven.
Use:
- Black beans
- Rice
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Corn
- Green onions
- Flour tortillas
Roll the burritos tightly, then cook them seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet until golden and crisp.
Summary
Black bean burritos are an easy way to create satisfying weeknight dinners with flexible ingredients. Classic beans and cheese, sweet potato, avocado, corn, fajita vegetables, chicken, eggs, and spinach can all bring something different to the same basic format. For faster preparation, cook rice and vegetables ahead of time and keep canned beans in your pantry. You can also assemble extra burritos for later and adjust the fillings to suit your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are black bean burritos good for weeknight dinners?
Yes. Black beans, tortillas, rice, vegetables, and cheese are easy to combine, and many ingredients can be prepared ahead of time.
Can I make black bean burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely. Black beans, rice, vegetables, cheese, avocado, and salsa can create a satisfying vegetarian burrito without meat.
Can I use canned black beans?
Yes. Canned black beans are convenient for quick dinners. Drain and rinse them before using, then season them according to your recipe.
What vegetables go well with black beans?
Corn, bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce, and avocado all pair well with black beans.
How can I make burritos crispy?
After rolling them tightly, place the burritos seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet or bake them until the exterior becomes golden and crisp.
Can I freeze black bean burritos?
Many bean-and-rice burritos freeze well when wrapped securely. Ingredients with high water content, such as fresh lettuce or avocado, are generally better added after reheating.
How can I make black bean burritos more filling?
Add rice, sweet potatoes, cheese, eggs, chicken, or other protein- and fiber-rich ingredients according to your preferences.
What toppings go well with black bean burritos?
Try salsa, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped tomatoes, hot sauce, or shredded lettuce.
