Kamil Perry
Bean and cheese burritos are a classic, comforting meal that can be made in a variety of ways. While some people prefer to use canned refried beans, others opt for homemade refried beans, which can be made with pinto or black beans, caramelized onion, bell pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika. The beans can be seasoned with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salsa, or chicken broth. As for the cheese, popular options include shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend. Additional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, and rice can also be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the burrito.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beans | Refried beans, pinto beans, black beans |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mexican blend, Tex Mex shredded cheese |
| Tortillas | Flour tortillas, El Machete (brand), Vista Hermosa (brand) |
| Toppings | Guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, rice, lettuce, taco sauce |
| Seasonings | Salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, lime juice, chicken broth |
| Add-ins | Caramelized onion, bell pepper, garlic, pico de gallo |
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What You'll Learn
The best types of beans to use
When it comes to making a bean and cheese burrito, the type of beans you use can vary depending on your preference. Some of the most popular types of beans used in burritos include:
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are a classic choice for burritos and are commonly used in Tex-Mex and northern Mexican cuisine. They have a creamy texture and a slightly fatty taste, making them a great option for refried beans. If you're short on time, you can use canned pinto beans, which are readily available and convenient.
Black Beans
Black beans are another excellent option for burritos. They have a slightly firmer texture than pinto beans and a distinct flavour that pairs well with various ingredients. Black beans are versatile and can be used in vegetarian or vegan burritos or as a complement to meat fillings. They are also commonly used in Mexican cuisine and can be easily found in canned form.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a traditional choice for burritos and are made by mashing and frying cooked beans, typically pinto or black beans. You can make your own refried beans from scratch or use canned refried beans, which are readily available in most grocery stores. Refried beans have a creamy texture and a rich flavour, making them a popular choice for burrito fillings.
Other Bean Options
While pinto and black beans are the most common, you can also experiment with other types of beans such as kidney beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean has its own unique flavour, texture, and nutritional profile, so feel free to mix and match to find your perfect combination. Additionally, you can season your beans with various spices and ingredients like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onions to enhance their flavour.
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Cheese options
When it comes to cheese options for bean and cheese burritos, shredded cheese is the most popular choice. The type of shredded cheese you use is up to your personal preference, but here are some options:
- Cheddar: Shredded cheddar cheese is a common choice for burritos. It has a sharp and slightly tangy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Monterey Jack: This cheese has a mild and creamy flavour, and it melts well, making it a great option for burritos.
- Mexican blend: A Mexican blend of shredded cheese can add a nice kick to your burrito. This blend often includes cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco.
- Pepper Jack: If you prefer a spicier option, pepper Jack cheese will add a nice kick to your burrito. It has a similar texture to Monterey Jack but includes spicy peppers for added flavour.
- Fresh cheese: Using fresh cheese, such as queso fresco or paneer, can add a creamy and tangy flavour to your burrito.
When choosing the cheese for your bean and cheese burrito, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. If you want a more subtle flavour, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend might be a good choice. For those who prefer a sharper flavour, cheddar or pepper Jack could be a better option. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
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How to fold a burrito
A bean and cheese burrito is a classic, comforting meal that's easy to make and can be made in less than 30 minutes. It's also a great option for meal prep and can be frozen for later.
- Choose the right tortilla: Use a large flour tortilla, which can roll without cracking and hold a good amount of filling. A 10 to 12-inch tortilla is a good size. To make the tortilla more pliable, warm it in the microwave or in a dry skillet for a few seconds before filling and rolling.
- Add the filling: Place the tortilla on a clean, flat work surface and add the filling to the centre or just below the centre. Avoid overstuffing the burrito, as this can cause it to burst. For a 10-inch tortilla, use about 3/4 to 1 cup of filling.
- Fold the sides: Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling. This will prevent the filling from falling out of the bottom as you eat.
- Fold the bottom: Start to fold up the bottom flap of the tortilla over the filling, keeping the sides tucked in as you go.
- Roll the burrito: Continue rolling the burrito from the bottom up, tucking the flap firmly inwards as you roll to secure the fillings. Keep rolling until your burrito is seam-side down.
- Seal and cook: To seal your burrito, you can toast it in a toaster oven for a few minutes, or place it seam-side down in a hot skillet on the stove and cook until browned and crisp. This will help the burrito hold together and give it a delicious, toasty texture.
Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly folded bean and cheese burrito!
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Cooking methods
There are several ways to cook a bean and cheese burrito. The most common methods are baking, pan-frying, or using an air fryer or oven. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:
Baking
To bake your burrito, preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray. You can also line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the assembled burritos in the dish or on the baking sheet, making sure they are seam-side down. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until they are warm all the way through and slightly crisp on the outside.
Pan-frying
To pan-fry your burrito, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Place the burritos seam-side down in the pan and cook for 2 to 5 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crisp. Transfer to serving plates and repeat with any remaining burritos.
Air fryer
To use an air fryer, place the assembled burrito in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is seam-side up. Cook at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes, flipping the burrito once to ensure even cooking.
Oven
Remove the burritos from the freezer and place them on a baking sheet, keeping them wrapped in foil. Heat them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes or until they are heated through.
Tips for a perfect bean and cheese burrito
- Use a flour tortilla that is at least 10 inches in diameter, also known as "burrito-sized." Freshly made tortillas are the best option, but you can also use store-bought ones.
- For the beans, you can use canned refried beans or make your own by mashing cooked beans with spices and seasonings.
- The cheese can be shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both. If you want a kick of spice, you can use pepper jack cheese.
- Spread the beans and cheese onto the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges. Start rolling from the bottom, folding in the sides as you go to prevent the filling from falling out.
- You can also add other ingredients such as salsa, diced onions, garlic, spices, and sour cream to enhance the flavour of your burrito.
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Toppings and sides
A classic bean and cheese burrito is a delicious, comforting, and easy meal that can be customised with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your burrito:
Guacamole
Avocado-based guacamole is a popular choice to add a creamy texture and fresh flavour to your burrito. It pairs well with the melted cheese and beans, and can be placed inside the burrito or used as a dipping sauce.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a versatile topping that can be added directly to the burrito or served on the side as a dip. It provides a tangy and creamy contrast to the other ingredients. For a lighter option, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yoghurt.
Hot Sauce or Salsa
Adding a spicy kick to your burrito, hot sauce or salsa are great options to include inside the burrito or as a side. You can use a store-bought salsa or make your own by blending fresh ingredients. For a milder flavour, opt for a chunky salsa or pico de gallo.
Rice
Cooked rice is an excellent side dish to accompany your burrito. It adds substance to your meal and can be seasoned with Mexican or cilantro lime flavours for an extra punch.
Salad
A fresh salad can balance out the richness of the burrito. Opt for a simple shredded lettuce or get creative with your favourite vegetables. You can also include salad ingredients inside the burrito, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for an extra crunch and spice.
Sides and Dips
In addition to the toppings and sides mentioned above, you can experiment with various dips and sauces. Try a green tomatillo salsa, Tabasco sauce, or even a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need refried beans, shredded cheese, salsa, and a tortilla. You can also add spices, such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
You can use canned refried beans or make your own by mashing cooked beans. If you're making your own, you can use pinto or black beans.
You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Spread beans and cheese in the center of a tortilla, then fold in the sides and roll it up. You can then bake or pan-fry the burrito until it's warm and the cheese is melted.
