Enjoy the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine in the comfort of your own home. These vegetarian bean burritos are packed with nutrients and bursting with taste. Whether you're a vegetarian or not, this recipe will give you a delicious and filling meal in just a few easy steps.
The ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in most supermarkets. Watch out for the taco seasoning mix as it can sometimes be placed in the ethnic food aisle. Pinto beans are a type of kidney bean, so they may also be labeled as such. Colby jack cheese is a common type of cheese, but if you can't find it, a mix of Colby and Monterey Jack or even just cheddar will do.
Vegetarian Bean Burritos Ingredients
Pinto beans: A hearty and nutritious base for your burritos.
Tomato sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the other flavors.
Taco seasoning mix: Gives the burritos their Mexican flare.
Flour tortillas: The canvas for your ingredients. Choose a good quality for a better tasting burrito.
Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to each bite.
Colby jack cheese: Gives the burritos a creamy, cheesy goodness.
One reader, Benson Pyles says:
This vegetarian bean burrito recipe is a game-changer! The blend of pinto beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning creates a mouthwatering filling. The warm tortillas, fresh lettuce, and melted cheese make it a delightful treat. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's perfect for any day of the week!
Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Vegetarian Bean Burritos
How to blend pinto beans: Blend the pinto beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning in a food processor until a smooth paste forms.
How to cook pinto bean mixture: Cook and stir the pinto bean mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed, about 5 minutes.
How to warm tortillas: Place tortillas on a plate and heat in the microwave on high until warm, about 30 seconds.
How to assemble burritos: Spread the warm pinto bean mixture, shredded lettuce, and colby jack cheese onto each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla around the filling to form a burrito.
How To Make Vegetarian Bean Burritos
If you’re looking to eat healthier, whip up a wrap or two of these vegetarian bean burritos, loaded with pinto beans, crispy lettuce, and mild colby jack!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15.5ozpinto beans,(1 can), drained
- 2tbsptomato sauce
- 2tbsptaco seasoning mix,or more to taste
- 8flour tortillas
- 2cupslettuce,shredded
- 2cupscolby jack cheese,grated
Instructions
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Blend the pinto beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning in a food processor until a paste forms.
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Cook and stir the pinto bean mixture in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until warmed.
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Place the tortillas on a plate and heat in microwave on high for for about 30 seconds, until warm.
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Spread the warm pinto bean mixture, shredded lettuce, and Colby Jack cheese onto each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla around the filling to form a burrito.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 475.74kcal
- Fat: 15.03g
- Saturated Fat: 7.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.61g
- Carbohydrates: 61.10g
- Fiber: 10.18g
- Sugar: 3.13g
- Protein: 23.86g
- Cholesterol: 31.35mg
- Sodium: 742.29mg
- Calcium: 373.34mg
- Potassium: 937.69mg
- Iron: 5.02mg
- Vitamin A: 110.79µg
- Vitamin C: 4.24mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Vegetarian Bean Burritos
To ensure a well-balanced flavor in your vegetarian bean burritos, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before adding the pinto bean mixture to the skillet. This will add a depth of flavor to your burritos. Additionally, warming the flour tortillas before filling them makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegetarian Bean Burritos
Prep ahead: Prepare the bean mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it easy to assemble the burritos when needed.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned pinto beans instead of dried beans to skip the soaking and cooking process, saving time and effort.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of bean mixture and freeze it in portions for quick and convenient burrito assembly in the future.
Pre-shredded cheese: Use pre-shredded colby jack cheese to eliminate the time-consuming step of grating the cheese by hand.
One-pan assembly: Cook the bean mixture and warm the tortillas in the same skillet to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetarian Bean Burritos Recipe
pinto beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and flavor to pinto beans, making them a great substitute in bean burritos.
tomato sauce - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can add a flavorful and slightly chunky texture to the burritos, providing a zesty kick.
taco seasoning mix - Substitute with homemade taco seasoning: Making your own taco seasoning allows you to control the spice level and avoid any unwanted additives.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option or for a different texture and flavor profile.
lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage can provide a crunchy texture and a slightly sweeter flavor to the burritos.
colby jack cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick to the burritos, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Presentation Ideas for Vegetarian Bean Burritos
Elevate the plating: When presenting the vegetarian bean burritos, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Arrange the burritos in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other for an elegant presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the plate by garnishing with fresh salsa and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the burritos to stand out. This will draw attention to the main dish and create a sense of balance and sophistication.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component. Ensure that the lettuce is delicately shredded and evenly distributed, and the cheese is artfully sprinkled to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Garnish with a touch of sophistication: Consider adding a drizzle of avocado cream or a dollop of sour cream on the side of the plate for a touch of elegance and a creamy contrast to the savory burritos.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Bean Burritos
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to blend, chop, puree, and mix ingredients. It is perfect for creating a smooth paste from the pinto beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning in this recipe.
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is ideal for cooking and stirring the pinto bean mixture over medium heat.
Microwave: A microwave is a quick and convenient appliance for heating the tortillas. It helps to warm the tortillas before assembling the burritos.
Plate: A plate is a flat dish on which food can be served or placed. It is used to hold and warm the tortillas in the microwave.
Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is a versatile tool used for stirring and combining ingredients. It is essential for stirring the pinto bean mixture in the skillet.
Knife: A knife is a sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients. It can be used to shred the lettuce and cut the burritos before serving.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients. It is used for chopping and shredding the lettuce.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure and add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce to the pinto bean mixture.
Microwave-safe wrap: A microwave-safe wrap or cover is used to cover the tortillas when heating them in the microwave. It helps to retain moisture and heat the tortillas evenly.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Vegetarian Bean Burritos
- To store leftover burritos, wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped burritos in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When you're ready to eat a refrigerated burrito, remove the foil or plastic wrap and place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through.
- To freeze the burritos for longer storage, wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat a frozen burrito, remove the foil or plastic wrap and place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until it's heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw the burrito in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or oven until warm.
- If you prefer a crispy exterior on your reheated burrito, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the burrito loosely in aluminum foil, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through and the tortilla is crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Bean Burritos
To reheat leftover vegetarian bean burritos in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the texture of the tortilla and prevents it from becoming soggy.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the burritos in the microwave. Place the burrito on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the tortilla moist and prevent it from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you have multiple burritos, heat them individually for even reheating.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can reheat the burritos in a skillet or on a griddle. Heat a small amount of oil or butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown and the filling is heated through.
For a healthier option, you can also reheat the burritos in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the burritos in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the tortilla is crispy. This method uses little to no oil and can help to restore the texture of the tortilla.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the burritos as well. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the burritos on the baking rack. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the tortilla is crispy. This method is similar to using a regular oven but can be more convenient for smaller portions.
Interesting Trivia About Vegetarian Bean Burritos
Pinto beans are a great source of plant-based protein and are high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to a vegetarian diet.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Bean Burrito Recipe Economical?
This vegetarian bean burrito recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like pinto beans, lettuce, and cheese makes it a budget-friendly meal option. The simplicity of the recipe also reduces the overall cost, as it requires minimal preparation time and easily accessible ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Are Vegetarian Bean Burritos Healthy?
The vegetarian bean burrito recipe has some healthy elements, such as the use of pinto beans, which are a good source of protein and fiber. The lettuce adds a fresh crunch and provides some vitamins and minerals. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make this recipe healthier:
- The recipe relies on processed ingredients like canned beans and taco seasoning mix, which can be high in sodium
- Flour tortillas are typically made with refined grains and can be high in calories and low in fiber
- Colby jack cheese is relatively high in saturated fat and calories
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans, or better yet, cook your own beans from scratch to control the sodium content
- Replace the taco seasoning mix with a blend of fresh herbs and spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano
- Opt for whole wheat or sprouted grain tortillas to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose a lower-fat variety like reduced-fat cheddar or pepper jack
- Add more vegetables to the filling, such as sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and flavor
- Serve the burritos with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for added vitamins and healthy fats
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Vegetarian Bean Burrito Recipe
The vegetarian bean burritos recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of pinto beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning creates a delicious and hearty filling for the burritos. The addition of lettuce and colby jack cheese adds a refreshing crunch and creamy richness to each bite. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. It's a great option for a meatless meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
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Why trust this Vegetarian Bean Burritos Recipe:
This recipe uses pinto beans, a great source of protein and fiber, combined with flavorful taco seasoning mix and tomato sauce for a delicious and satisfying filling. The addition of lettuce provides freshness and crunch, while the colby jack cheese adds a creamy and savory element. The process of blending the ingredients creates a smooth and cohesive texture, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful burrito. With the convenience of using flour tortillas as the wrap, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal.
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