There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, melty burrito packed with beans and rice. This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe stands out with its perfect blend of creamy refried beans, zesty lime, and that irresistible kick from chipotle pepper. Trust me, it’s one of those meals you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.

A close-up view of a burrito sliced in half, showing two layers inside: a light tan rice layer mixed with a slightly darker brown filling and a melted golden cheese layer on top. The burrito is wrapped in a white tortilla with light brown toasted spots, stacked on a white marbled surface. Green cilantro leaves are scattered around the burrito, adding bright green color. There are black bowls in the background, one filled with creamy sauce and the other with shredded cheese, both placed on the same white marbled surface. A spoon with creamy sauce is at the front right edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This burrito recipe feels like a satisfying hug after a long day, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. I’m always amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients can turn into something so flavorful and filling without hours in the kitchen.

Quick and Easy: You can have these burritos ready in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Flavors: The chipotle pepper adds a smoky kick, but you can adjust the heat to suit your taste buds.
Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a hearty, protein-packed meal without meat, great for vegetarians or those wanting a meatless dinner.
Comfort Food Classic: Melted cheese, creamy beans, and fluffy rice come together in a cozy wrap you’ll want again and again.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, zest, and meltiness. I always recommend using good-quality tortillas and your favorite salsa to really make it shine.

Flat lay of a small mound of fluffy long grain basmati rice, a smooth heap of creamy refried beans on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat pile of shredded Tex Mex cheese with vibrant orange and white strands, a few whole uncracked large flour tortillas stacked evenly, a small white bowl filled with bright red salsa, a small white bowl of thick white sour cream, another small white bowl holding pale creamy mayonnaise, a tiny white bowl with freshly squeezed lime juice, and one glossy deep red chipotle pepper finely minced and presented neatly on the side, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long grain rice: I prefer basmati for its fluffy texture, which keeps the burritos from getting soggy.
Salsa: Choose your favorite—mild or spicy—depending on your heat tolerance.
Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy creaminess that balances well with smoky flavors.
Mayonnaise: A secret weapon here for extra creaminess and richness.
Chipotle pepper in adobo: A little goes a long way to infuse smokiness and heat.
Lime juice: Brightens and lifts the whole filling with fresh acidity.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Refried beans: Creamy and hearty, they create the burrito’s base.
Shredded Tex Mex cheese: Melts perfectly to bind everything in gooey harmony.
Tortillas: Large ones work best to hold all the filling without breaking.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this burrito recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. I like adding extra fresh cilantro or swapping in black beans when I want a bit of variety. Don’t be afraid to experiment — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: I once added corn and diced avocado for a fresher, summery twist that my family loved.
Spice level: If you want milder burritos, reduce the chipotle or omit it altogether; crushed red pepper flakes work well if you prefer dry heat.
Dietary swaps: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make it vegan-friendly without losing that creamy texture.
Serving style: Try baking the burritos in the oven topped with extra cheese for a crispy, melty finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

The image shows four soft toasted burritos placed on crinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Two burritos are whole, with light brown toasting marks on their white tortillas. Two burritos are cut in half vertically, revealing three layers inside: the outer white tortilla, a middle layer of orange-yellow melted cheese with a creamy texture, and the innermost filling of light brown rice mixed with beans. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered around the burritos. In the foreground on the left, there is a small white bowl filled with light beige sauce, and a metal spoon rests on its edge. The background includes blurred parts of a drink and another bowl with melted cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the rice and prepare the creamy sauce

I start by cooking the rice according to package instructions—basmati works great for fluffiness. While it’s cooking, mix the salsa, sour cream, mayonnaise, finely minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creamy sauce is what gives the burritos their signature tang and smoky heat.

Step 2: Combine rice with the sauce

Once the rice is cooked and still warm, gently fold it into the sauce mixture. This step makes sure every bite is infused with flavor, and the rice stays nice and fluffy instead of clumping together.

Step 3: Heat refried beans and assemble your burritos

Warm up the refried beans on the stove or microwave until they’re easy to spread. Lay out your tortillas, spoon on some beans, then the rice mixture, and finally a generous sprinkle of shredded Tex Mex cheese.

Step 4: Roll and melt

Roll your burritos tightly to keep everything inside. Heat them in a skillet or oven for a few minutes on each side so the cheese melts perfectly and the tortillas get a little crispy. This step is where burrito magic really happens.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these burritos truly shine and save you from common pitfalls.

Keep rice fluffy: Fluff the rice gently with a fork before mixing in the sauce to prevent it from getting mushy.
Don’t overfill: A modest amount of filling keeps wrapping neat and avoids messiness when eating.
Heat tortillas properly: Warm them slightly before rolling to avoid tearing—microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel works wonders.
Melting cheese last: After rolling, briefly toast the burritos to get that beautifully gooey finish every time.

How to Serve Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe

cheesy bean burritos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually pile on fresh cilantro and add a dollop of extra sour cream or guacamole on the side. A squeeze of lime over the top brightens every bite. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped green onions for a little crunch and color—that simple touch makes it feel homemade in the best way.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp mixed green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips with salsa. Sometimes, I make a quick corn salad with tomatoes and lime for a fresh contrast—it's a real crowd-pleaser alongside these burritos.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual parties, I like to slice the burritos in half and arrange them on a platter with bowls of toppings and sauces nearby. It turns into a fun, interactive meal everyone can customize. Another favorite is layering the filling in a casserole dish topped with cheese, like an easy burrito bake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover burritos refrigerate beautifully. I wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats nicely without losing texture or flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these burritos with good results too. Wrap them well in foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll last for about 2 months, making them great for meal prep or busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap and warm in a skillet over medium heat to revive that crispy tortilla and melted cheese. You can also microwave briefly but finishing in a hot pan always gives better texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based options. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

What type of beans can I use besides refried beans?

You can use mashed black beans or pinto beans as alternatives. If using whole beans, mashed potatoes with taco seasoning can work as a creamy binder.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?

The chipotle pepper adds a moderate smoky heat. You can easily reduce the heat by using less chipotle or choosing a mild salsa. For more spice, add extra chipotle or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I prepare these burritos ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble the burritos in advance, refrigerate, and then heat them when you're ready to eat. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos Recipe has earned a special place in my go-to meal list. It’s quick, tasty, and comforting — everything I want from a home-cooked meal on a busy night. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too. Nothing quite beats wrapping up that cheesy goodness in a soft tortilla and savoring every bite.