Rice Bean Burritos

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Flames

This easy-to-make dish combines tender long-grain rice with seasoned beans and fresh vegetables all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, the combination of rice, beans, salsa, and optional toppings like cheese and cilantro delivers satisfying flavors and textures. Cooking takes just 35 minutes total, making it an ideal portable meal that can be customized with vegan or gluten-free ingredients as needed.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:25:00 GMT
Steaming rice and beans are nestled inside a flavorful Rice & Bean Burrito, ready to be wrapped. Save
Steaming rice and beans are nestled inside a flavorful Rice & Bean Burrito, ready to be wrapped. | fireandbites.com

A cost-effective, portable, and flavorful meal featuring tender rice, hearty beans, and zesty salsa, all wrapped up for easy eating. Perfect for lunch on the go or a casual dinner.

Rice & Bean Burritos have always been a staple in my kitchen. They are perfect for busy weekdays and every family member loves picking their own toppings.

Ingredients

  • Grains: 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice, uncooked; 2 cups water; ½ tsp salt
  • Beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • Vegetables: 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained (optional); 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded; 1 medium tomato, diced; ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • Salsa & Toppings: ¾ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot to taste); ½ cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese (optional); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Wraps: 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch/25 cm)

Instructions

Cook the rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Warm the beans:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the drained beans until just warmed through, about 3–4 minutes.
Prep the fillings:
Prepare lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other desired toppings.
Warm the tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
Assemble the burritos:
Lay a tortilla flat. Spoon ¼ cup cooked rice along the center. Top with ¼ of the beans, 2 tbsp corn (if using), lettuce, tomato, onion, 3 tbsp salsa, cheese, and cilantro as desired.
Fold and roll:
Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
Serve:
Serve immediately, or wrap tightly in foil for a portable meal.
Save
| fireandbites.com

My kids love helping wrap these burritos, especially when we set up a toppings bar during family movie night.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan, small saucepan, knife & cutting board, skillet or microwave, spoon

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (flour tortillas) and milk (cheese, if used). For dairy-free or gluten-free, adapt accordingly.

Nutritional Information

Per burrito (with cheese, no optional toppings): Calories: 375, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 65 g, Protein: 13 g

A close-up of a perfectly constructed Rice & Bean Burrito shows layers of filling ready to eat. Save
A close-up of a perfectly constructed Rice & Bean Burrito shows layers of filling ready to eat. | fireandbites.com

Enjoy these burritos fresh, or wrap them up for a delicious and filling meal on the go. Perfect for meal prep or making ahead.

Common Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used for added fiber and a nuttier flavor; just allow longer cooking time.

What types of beans work best in these burritos?

Black beans or pinto beans are ideal as they hold their shape and have a hearty texture.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely, and ensure salsa and tortillas are free from animal products.

What’s the easiest way to warm the tortillas?

Heat tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds until pliable for easy rolling.

Can I add protein like chicken or tofu?

Absolutely, adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or tofu boosts protein and adds variety to the flavors.

Rice Bean Burritos

Hearty rice and beans wrapped in warm tortillas with zesty salsa and fresh veggies for a simple flavorful meal.

Setup Duration
15 min
Time at Heat
20 min
Complete Duration
35 min
Created by Logan Hayes


Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portion Count

Special Diet Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Grains

01 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice
02 2 cups water
03 ½ teaspoon salt

Beans

01 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

01 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained (optional)
02 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
03 1 medium tomato, diced
04 ½ small red onion, finely chopped

Salsa & Toppings

01 ¾ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot according to preference)
02 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese (optional)
03 ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Wraps

01 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch diameter)

Method Steps

Phase 01

Cook rice: Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.

Phase 02

Warm beans: Heat drained beans in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 03

Prepare fillings: Prepare romaine lettuce by shredding, dice tomato, and finely chop red onion along with any optional toppings desired.

Phase 04

Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until pliable.

Phase 05

Assemble burritos: Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface; spoon ¼ cup cooked rice along the center. Top with ¼ of the warmed beans, 2 tablespoons corn if using, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped onion, 3 tablespoons salsa, optional cheese and cilantro as desired.

Phase 06

Roll burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll tightly from the bottom up to enclose the fillings completely. Repeat with remaining tortillas and ingredients.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve immediately or wrap each burrito in foil for an easy, portable meal.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Small saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet or microwave
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat from flour tortillas and milk from cheese if used.
  • For gluten-free, opt for gluten-free tortillas.
  • Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives to avoid dairy allergens.
  • Check labels on tortillas and salsa for other potential allergens.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 375
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Proteins: 13 g