Black Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a wholesome, hearty meal that’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor, you’re going to want to bookmark this Black Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe. I absolutely love how the zesty lime and fresh cilantro brighten up the earthy tones of the black beans and rice. Plus, these burritos are super versatile, satisfying, and perfect for any day of the week. Stick around—I’m going to share all my tips and little tricks that’ll help you nail this recipe every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together for a balanced, flavorful filling that’s both nutritious and comforting. You’ll notice I use brown rice for nuttiness, but I’ve also swapped it out for cauliflower rice when I’m keeping things lighter.

• Brown rice: I always recommend cooking it a little ahead so it’s fluffy and ready when you start assembling.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice adds a pop of brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Fresh cilantro: You’ll want to chop it finely for that fresh herbaceous flavor in every bite.
• Black beans: Drained and rinsed for a smooth texture and less sodium.
• Water: This helps soften the beans while cooking with the onions and spices.
• Yellow onion: Sautéed until tender for a sweet, mellow undertone.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing—adds just a hint of richness.
• Taco seasoning: Makes the filling flavorful with a perfect spice balance—use your favorite brand or homemade.
• Tortillas: I usually go flour but grain-free or gluten-free tortillas work just as well once warmed up to be pliable.
• Salsa: This brings a great tang and freshness—tomato-based or even a smoky chipotle is awesome.
• Avocado: Creamy and cooling, the perfect foil to the spiced beans and rice.

Variations

I love switching up this Black Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the flavors I’m craving. This recipe is a fantastic blank canvas—feel free to make it your own!

• Add Cheese: When I’m not keeping it vegan, melty cheese or a sprinkle of queso fresco inside adds a beautiful richness.
• Spice it up: Toss in chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling fiery.
• Load with veggies: I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers or corn to boost the texture and taste.
• Use different rice: White rice, wild rice, or cauliflower rice all work well if you want to swap out brown rice.

How to Make Black Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice Perfectly

Start by cooking your brown rice exactly according to the package instructions. I like to rinse my rice first to get rid of excess starch, so it ends up fluffy and not sticky. Once it’s done, fluff it up with a fork and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. This little twist makes the rice vibrant and fresh, which I’ve found really makes a difference in the burrito filling.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Warm Beans

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add your chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. You don’t want browning here—just softened sweetness. Then, add your drained black beans, water, and taco seasoning. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the beans warm through. You’ll notice the mixture thickens slightly, which is great for keeping your burritos nice and packed without being soggy.

Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos

Warm your tortillas slightly so they’re pliable—microwaving wrapped in a damp towel works well. Spoon a generous amount of the lime cilantro rice and the black bean mixture down the middle of each tortilla. Top with a couple of tablespoons of salsa and some diced avocado. I like to go easy on the salsa so the burrito doesn’t get messy, but feel free to pile it on if that’s your style.

Step 4: Wrap and Enjoy

Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly to enclose the filling. Serve immediately while everything is warm and the flavors are fresh. I’ll be honest, these burritos are so good that sometimes I eat half before they even make it to the plate!

How to Serve Black Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple garnishes that add a bit of crunch or creamy contrast. Fresh lime wedges for squeezing, chopped cilantro on top, and a dollop of sour cream or vegan cashew cream really bring the burritos to life. And of course, diced avocado isn’t just inside the burrito—it’s great sprinkled on top too!

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve alongside these burritos are Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, or even some tortilla chips with guacamole. These add texture and refreshment that complement the filling perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I once made these burritos for a family picnic and wrapped each in foil with colorful paper labels tied around them with twine—it was a fun, travel-friendly way to serve. For game day or casual get-togethers, I like slicing burritos in half and arranging them on a platter with small bowls of different salsas and dips for a DIY burrito bar feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover burritos wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the fridge. This recipe holds up really well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option. When I grab them for lunch, they still taste surprisingly fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Freezing these burritos works like a charm! I wrap each burrito individually in foil or plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy one, just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen, which is super convenient for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I either pop a burrito in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep it moist, or heat it in a skillet over medium-low heat to get the tortilla slightly crisp again. Both ways work well, but the skillet method gives a nicer texture if you have the time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Black Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I roll one up and take that first bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and hits all the right notes—earthy beans, fragrant cilantro, zesty lime, and creamy avocado. I’m so excited for you to try it out and make it part of your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you taste these burritos, your family will be asking for this recipe again and again!

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