These Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos are everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. Stuffed with seasoned beans, fluffy rice, and layered with gooey cheddar, they’re the perfect comfort food for busy nights or cozy weekends at home. What makes them truly special is the oven-baked finish, which melts the cheese topping into golden, bubbly bliss.
This dish is simple, affordable, and easily feeds a crowd—plus it’s vegetarian-friendly! Whether you’re prepping ahead for family meals or looking to spice up your dinner routine, these burritos are guaranteed to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy the classic flavor of Tex-Mex comfort in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon chili powder
-
1 teaspoon ground cumin
-
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
-
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
-
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
-
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
8 large flour tortillas
-
Nonstick cooking spray
-
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
-
Add minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
-
Add pinto beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and green chiles. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and fold in the cooked rice and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
-
Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon the filling into the center of each tortilla and roll tightly into a burrito.
-
Place burritos seam-side down in a baking dish coated with nonstick spray.
-
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
A Hearty Comfort Classic: Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos
Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos are a warm, satisfying, and deeply comforting dish that captures the soul of Tex-Mex cuisine. A fusion of familiar flavors and ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy food. Whether you’re serving a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or entertaining guests with hearty vegetarian fare, these burritos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re baked until golden and bubbly, delivering that irresistible combination of crispy edges and melty, gooey cheese.
A Dish Rooted in Simplicity and Flavor
What makes this dish particularly special is how it turns a few pantry staples—beans, rice, tomato sauce, and tortillas—into something extraordinary. There’s a beauty in its simplicity. The beans provide a creamy, earthy base with protein and fiber, while the rice adds bulk and texture. Together, they create a filling that’s rich and balanced. The tomato sauce and green chiles give the burritos their signature Tex-Mex flair, and the cheddar cheese brings it all home with its melty decadence.
It’s a dish that doesn’t try to be fancy, but always delivers comfort and satisfaction. If you’re someone who likes practical, no-fuss cooking with big flavor payoffs, these burritos will absolutely become part of your regular rotation.
Perfect for Weeknights and Meal Prep
Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos shine in their practicality. The entire dish comes together in under an hour, including bake time, and can be assembled in advance. This makes them ideal for busy weeknights when you want something home-cooked but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
You can batch-prepare the filling, roll the burritos, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When it’s time to eat, just bake and serve. The oven does the heavy lifting, making your evening less stressful and your mealtime more enjoyable.
For meal preppers, these burritos are a gift. They hold up well for several days in the fridge and can even be wrapped individually and frozen. Simply pop one in the oven or microwave and you’ve got a delicious, satisfying meal ready in minutes.
Versatility and Customization Options
One of the biggest appeals of this dish is how easily customizable it is. While the original version is vegetarian, you can adapt it to suit a wide variety of dietary needs and flavor preferences. Want to add some meat? Cooked ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken can easily be added to the filling. Prefer it vegan? Use a dairy-free cheese and ensure the tortillas and canned goods are plant-based.
You can also play around with spice levels. If you like heat, add some jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. Not a fan of pinto beans? Use kidney beans or all black beans. This recipe is forgiving and adaptable, which is one of the reasons it’s a staple in so many households.
Other fun additions include corn, diced bell peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, or even a layer of refried beans for added creaminess. The burritos can be served as is or dressed up with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, or a sprinkle of scallions.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
These burritos aren’t just a hit with adults—they’re a favorite with kids too. The flavors are mild enough to be approachable for little ones, and the cheesy, handheld format makes them fun to eat. If you have picky eaters at home, this dish is a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and protein without any complaints.
The make-ahead aspect is especially useful for families. You can prepare a tray of burritos and have dinner covered for a few nights. Pair it with a quick salad or some steamed veggies, and you’ve got a well-rounded, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Balanced Nutrition in Every Bite
Though it tastes indulgent, this dish can actually be quite balanced when prepared thoughtfully. Beans are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. Rice provides energy-sustaining carbs, while the tomato-based sauce adds antioxidants such as lycopene.
Using a moderate amount of cheese gives you that beloved melty texture and flavor without going overboard. If you want to boost the nutritional profile even more, opt for brown rice instead of white, or throw in some sautéed spinach or kale into the mix.
For those following a vegetarian diet, this recipe provides excellent protein without meat. It’s also a great option for “Meatless Mondays” or for reducing your overall meat consumption without sacrificing taste or satiety.
A Dish That Brings People Together
There’s something about a tray of hot, cheesy burritos coming out of the oven that brings people to the table. It’s a dish that invites sharing, conversation, and second helpings. Whether you’re gathering for a casual weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend dinner, these burritos create a sense of comfort and community.
They also scale easily, so whether you’re feeding two people or ten, the recipe can be doubled or tripled with minimal extra effort. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, which is always a bonus.
Baked, Not Fried: A Healthier Approach
One of the stand-out features of this recipe is its baked format. Unlike traditional burritos that may be fried or pan-grilled in oil, these are rolled, placed in a baking dish, and baked until the cheese is melty and golden. This reduces the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor or texture. You still get a satisfying crispness around the edges and a warm, cheesy center.
This method not only lightens the dish a bit but also makes it easier and less messy to prepare. There’s no splattering oil or flipping required—just roll, fill, top with cheese, and let the oven work its magic.
Ideal for Casual Entertaining
If you’re looking for a no-stress option for feeding a small crowd, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Prepare the burritos ahead of time, line them up in a casserole dish, and bake just before serving. They look great on the table and smell even better.
Add a side of tortilla chips and salsa, a green salad, and a pitcher of margaritas or iced tea, and you’ve got an easy, satisfying dinner party menu that’s both budget-friendly and impressive.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Favorite Worth Repeating
Cheesy Baked Bean and Rice Burritos offer the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and comfort. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, this dish is a reliable go-to that delivers every time.
Beyond the cheesy top and hearty filling lies a recipe that welcomes personalization and encourages creativity. With their wholesome ingredients, baked-not-fried approach, and universal appeal, these burritos have earned their place as a beloved staple in any home cook’s repertoire. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they keep making a return to the table—week after week.
If you’re craving a cozy, melty, easy-to-make meal that everyone will love, this is the dish for you.