If you’re hunting for a satisfying, simple, and utterly delicious meal, you’ve got to try this Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together with just a handful of ingredients, yet packs so much flavor and heartiness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy comfort food fix, this burrito is a total winner. Stick around—I’m excited to share how to make it perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Brown rice, black beans, and fresh lime come together for a nutritious punch.
- Simple & Quick: You’ll be amazed at how fast this comes together, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for these burritos, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a role in creating those cozy burrito vibes. The brown rice adds a nutty, chewy bite, while black beans bring a creamy texture and extra protein. Fresh lime and cilantro brighten everything up, and seasoning makes it pop. Here’s the scoop on what you’ll gather for this recipe:
- Brown rice: I always choose brown rice for its nuttiness and fiber; it holds up nicely in the burrito.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed adds that essential tang that lifts the whole dish.
- Cilantro: Chop it fresh for vibrant color and flavor; it’s a game changer.
- Black beans: Drained and rinsed canned beans save you prep time without skimping on taste.
- Water: Just a splash to help the beans soak up seasoning in the skillet.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed slowly to soften and sweeten—it’s the flavor foundation.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing the onions and adding richness.
- Taco seasoning: Your secret weapon—adds warmth and those classic Mexican notes.
- Tortillas: Soft and warm make the burritos easy to fold and delicious to eat.
- Salsa: Use your favorite kind; a fresh tomato salsa works wonders.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness—plus, who doesn’t love avocado?
Variations
I love how customizable this Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe is. Over time, I’ve experimented with swapping rice types and toppings, depending on what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own!
- Use Cauliflower Rice: One of my guilt-free favorites—just substitute brown rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Try Different Beans: Pinto beans work great too, especially when you want a creamier texture.
- Spice It Up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce into the beans to give it a nice kick.
- Switch Tortillas: Gluten-free or corn tortillas warm up just as well and make the burritos friendly for all diets.
- Top It Your Way: I’ve topped mine with everything from cashew cream to vegan avocado crema, and it’s all fantastic.
How to Make Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice to Fluffy Perfection
Start by cooking your brown rice according to the package instructions. I find that rinsing the rice first helps remove excess starch, which keeps it nice and fluffy. Once cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. This simple addition makes such a difference—it brightens up the rice and gives it a fresh, springy flavor that you’ll love with every bite.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Seasoned Black Beans
While the rice is cooking, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown too much; you want sweetness, not bitterness. Then, add the black beans, water, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully. The beans soak up the seasoning and develop this cozy, smoky aroma that fills your kitchen with all the good vibes.
Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos
Warm your tortillas just enough so they’re soft and pliable — I pop them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds each side or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 20 seconds. Then, lay them flat and spoon generous amounts of the cilantro-lime rice and seasoned black beans onto the center. Top with fresh salsa and diced avocado—you’ll enjoy how the creamy avocado balances the spice from the beans. Finally, fold in the edges and roll your burrito tightly but gently so it holds together without bursting open.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
I like to serve these hot right off the stove. The warmth ties all the flavors together and makes the burrito taste even more comforting. If you’re anything like my kids, you might find them devouring these before you get a chance to snap a pic!
Pro Tips for Making Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Lime and Cilantro: When I first tried this recipe without the lime juice and cilantro, it felt flat—adding these takes the flavor from good to memorable.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: I learned the hard way that cold tortillas crack when you roll them; warming them just right keeps everything neatly wrapped.
- Use Fresh Salsa: Fresh salsa brings brightness and texture; jarred varieties often lack that vibrant punch.
- Keep Beans Slightly Saucy: Adding a little water when cooking beans with seasoning prevents dryness and helps them coat the rice beautifully.
How to Serve Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with extra diced avocado, a drizzle of fresh salsa, and sometimes a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a squeeze of lime to keep things fresh. If you like a little heat, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce take it to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair your burritos with a crisp green salad or a simple corn salad to add a light crunch. Sometimes, I make a quick slaw with cabbage, lime, and a bit of chili powder to complement the beans and rice perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the burritos in half and arrange them on a large platter with colorful bowls of toppings on the side—avocado crema, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro—so everyone can build their perfect bite. It makes for a festive, interactive meal that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover black bean rice mixture and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The rice and beans keep delicious for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy quick burritos throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the cooked bean and rice filling. I portion it into freezer-safe bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tortillas don’t freeze well once filled, so I recommend assembling fresh each time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your bean and rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to bring back moisture. Warm the tortillas separately until pliable, then assemble the burrito right before eating to maintain that fresh, just-made texture.
FAQs
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Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice works fine and will cook faster, though brown rice offers more texture and nutritional benefits. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
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How do I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip cheese or sour cream toppings. For gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas or certified gluten-free wraps. It’s super adaptable!
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Can I add meat or other proteins?
Yes! I’ve added grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables and loved it. But the black beans already provide plenty of protein if you want a plant-based option.
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What’s the best way to prevent tortillas from tearing?
Warm tortillas just before assembling to make them soft and flexible. You can heat them in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave briefly.
Final Thoughts
This Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something hearty, healthy, and satisfying without fuss or fancy ingredients. I love how the bright lime and cilantro transform simple rice and beans into something special, and how easily you can swap in ingredients based on what you’ve got. Honestly, this recipe always brings my family together around the table and I’m sure your crew will feel the same. So, grab those tortillas, and let’s get making—you’re going to love every delicious bite.
Print
Black Bean Rice Burrito Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Bean and Rice Burrito recipe is a delicious and wholesome vegetarian meal featuring perfectly cooked brown rice seasoned with lime and cilantro, paired with savory black beans sautéed with onions and taco seasoning. Wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh salsa and diced avocado, this burrito is both satisfying and packed with flavor. A quick and easy dish ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Bean Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- ¼ cup water
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Assembly
- 4 tortillas
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork, then stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro to infuse the rice with bright, fresh flavors.
- Sauté the onions: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Add beans and seasoning: To the softened onions, add the drained black beans, ¼ cup water, and taco seasoning. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined.
- Warm the tortillas: Slightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them more pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the burritos: Spoon a generous portion of the cilantro-lime rice and seasoned black beans onto each warm tortilla. Add salsa and diced avocado on top to add moisture and creaminess.
- Wrap and serve: Fold the sides of the tortilla and roll it into a burrito tightly. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this flavorful, nutritious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the brown rice with your preferred rice variety, including cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Gluten-free or grain-free tortilla shells may be used; just warm them first to ensure flexibility and avoid cracking when wrapping.
- Top your burritos with a variety of additional toppings such as cashew cream or vegan avocado crema for extra creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg