Quick Bean Burrito: Microwave Magic

how to cook 4 bean and cheese burrito in microwave

Bean and cheese burritos are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in advance and frozen for a later date. To make four bean and cheese burritos in the microwave, you will need refried beans, salsa, cheese, and tortillas. First, make the bean mixture by combining the refried beans, salsa, and any desired seasonings. Spread the bean mixture onto the tortillas, top with cheese, and roll them up. Then, microwave each burrito for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the beans are hot and the cheese has melted.

Characteristics Values
Preparation Combine refried beans, diced onions, salsa, and dried seasonings. Mix everything until it is incorporated into the refried beans. Spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese in the middle of the tortilla. Then spread 1/2 cup of the refried bean mixture on top of the cheese.
Cooking Place the burritos on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the beans are hot and cheese has started to melt.
Reheating To reheat from frozen, unwrap the burrito and microwave for 2 minutes on high.
Storage Store the burritos in a freezer bag or freezer container and freeze for up to 6 months.

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Preparing the beans

Once you've decided on your beans, it's time to season them. In a bowl, mix your refried beans with salsa, diced onions, and spices such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a serrano pepper to your bean mixture for an extra kick. Stir everything together until it's well combined, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

If you want to include rice in your burrito, cook the rice separately by boiling it with water and a pinch of salt until tender. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet and add peppers and onions, cooking until softened. Combine the cooked rice, peppers, and onions, and season with lime juice, zest, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Now it's time to assemble your burrito. Spread your bean mixture onto a tortilla, topping it with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and any other desired fillings. Finally, roll your burrito, folding in the sides first to prevent the filling from falling out, and then rolling it up from the bottom.

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Choosing the cheese

When it comes to choosing the cheese for your bean and cheese burrito, there are several options to consider. The type of cheese you select can enhance the flavour and texture of your burrito. Here are some recommendations and factors to consider:

Traditional Mexican Cheese

If you're aiming for an authentic Mexican flavour, consider using queso chihuahua, also known as queso quesadilla or simply "queso". This is a classic Mexican melting cheese, perfect for burritos. It has a mild and creamy flavour that pairs well with various fillings. However, queso chihuahua can be challenging to find in certain regions, so a suitable alternative is Monterey Jack, which is widely available and similar in taste and texture.

Cheddar and Monterey Jack Combination

A popular choice for bean and cheese burritos is a combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This blend creates a delicious mix of flavours. Start by spreading a layer of shredded cheese onto the centre of your tortilla before adding the bean filling. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly throughout the burrito.

Other Cheese Options

While cheddar and Monterey Jack are commonly used, you can also experiment with other types of cheese. Mozzarella, for example, has a stretchy texture and mild flavour that can work well in burritos. You can also explore other Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or even try a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavour.

Quantity

Lastly, consider the quantity of cheese you use. If you're a cheese lover, feel free to add extra cheese to your burrito. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences. Remember that cheese not only adds flavour but also helps bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and satisfying bite.

When selecting cheese for your bean and cheese burrito, consider the flavour, texture, and availability of the cheese. Whether you choose a single variety or a blend, ensure you use enough cheese to complement the other ingredients and create a mouthwatering Mexican dish.

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Rolling the burrito

Rolling a burrito is an art, and there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, you need to prepare your tortilla. You can steam the tortilla in the microwave to make it pliable and easy to roll. Place it on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30 seconds.

Now, you can add your fillings. Spread your beans, cheese, and any other fillings in the centre of the tortilla. It is recommended to leave a gap of about 1-2 inches at the edges. Some people like to fold in the sides first, like a book, to prevent the filling from falling out. Then, you can add your fillings and roll from the bottom up, tucking the flap inwards as you go to secure the fillings.

Another method is to fold in the top and bottom first, and then roll the tortilla tightly from one side to the other. This method is good for securing the filling and preventing leaks.

Once you have rolled your burrito, you can wrap it in foil and freeze it for later, or heat it up and serve.

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Cooking methods

To cook a bean and cheese burrito in the microwave, first prepare the filling by mixing refried beans with diced onions, salsa, and dried seasonings. You can also add in some garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for extra seasoning. Next, spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the bean mixture onto a tortilla, followed by about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. You can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese or just one kind, depending on your preference.

Once the filling is prepared, it's time to roll the burrito. First, fold in the sides of the tortilla, and then roll it up tightly from bottom to top. You can also try first folding the bottom over the filling and then rolling from the bottom up, tucking the flap inwards as you go to secure the filling. Wrap the burrito in foil and place it in the freezer if you want to save it for later.

To cook the burrito in the microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute on high. If you're cooking it from frozen, increase the cooking time to 2 minutes or until heated through. Flip the burrito over and heat for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. If the burrito is still cold, continue heating in 30-second intervals until it's heated through.

Alternatively, you can cook the burrito in an oven, air fryer, or on a stovetop. To cook in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the burrito for 10 to 40 minutes, depending on whether it's frozen or thawed. For a crispy burrito, unwrap the burrito after 45 minutes and bake for an additional 10 minutes. To cook in an air fryer, place the burrito in the air fryer basket, still wrapped in foil, and cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping it once. To cook on a stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the burrito seam-side down. Cook on both sides until toasted and heated through.

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Storing and reheating

To reheat your frozen burrito, it is recommended to thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can then either microwave it for 2 minutes on high power or heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you are reheating from frozen, the oven will take a little longer, around 20-30 minutes.

You can also reheat your burrito in the microwave without defrosting it first. In this case, use the defrost setting for a few minutes, and then heat on high for 1-2 minutes.

If you want to avoid the microwave, you can reheat your burrito in a frying pan on the stovetop, in an air fryer, or in a toaster oven. For the stovetop, heat a skillet to medium-high and place the burrito seam-side down, cooking until toasted and heated through. For the toaster oven, wrap the burrito in foil and heat at 400°F for 8-12 minutes.

If you want to retain moisture and achieve a soft, scrumptious burrito, the oven is the best option. Wrap your burrito in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This will ensure even heating and a soft, juicy burrito.

So, whether you're reheating in the microwave or oven, with some simple steps, you can enjoy your bean and cheese burrito just the way you like it!

Frequently asked questions

You should microwave the burrito for 1 minute on high. Flip the burrito over and heat for an additional minute. If the burrito is still cold, heat for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.

You should microwave your burrito on high.

First, mix your beans with enchilada sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Next, spread 1/4 cup of shredded cheese in the middle of a tortilla and spread 1/2 cup of the refried bean mixture on top. Fold the sides, 1 to 2 inches inwards, then fold the bottom over so it completely covers the filling. Starting with the bottom flap, roll the burrito, tucking the flap firmly inwards as you roll.

You will need refried beans, spices, salsa, and cheese. For the beans, you will need salsa, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and diced onions. For the cheese, you can use shredded cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack cheese.

Yes, you can make a batch or two and store them in the freezer. They will last for up to 6 months.

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