Ugh, weeknights. Between homework, work, and just trying to keep the house from looking like a tornado hit it, the last thing anyone wants to stare down is a complicated dinner. I totally get it! There were times I felt completely wiped out, staring into the fridge, and just wishing a magic wand would appear and poof – dinner! That’s exactly why I started getting serious about meal prepping, and it honestly changed our evenings. It wasn’t just about getting food on the table; it was about bringing back that calm, happy family time. This Easy Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito recipe is my absolute go-to for exactly those nights. It’s super satisfying, comes together with hardly any effort, and the best part? You can totally make it ahead. It’s a lifesaver, trust me!
Why Everyone Loves This Easy Dinner Recipes (+ Make-Ahead Tips)
Seriously, who doesn’t love a dinner that’s both super simple and totally delicious? This recipe is a superstar for a reason! It’s the kind of easy dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, even when you’re totally swamped. You get that satisfying, comforting flavor that everyone in the family raves about, hitting all those notes for a perfect family meal without a ton of fuss. Plus, the fact that you can get most of the work done ahead of time? Pure genius! It’s a lifesaver for those crazy weeknights when you need something quick but still want that homemade goodness. Discover more easy dinner ideas that will make your weeknights a breeze!
Key Features of Our Easy Dinner Recipes
- Super Simple: Seriously, anyone can make these! Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Ridiculously Quick: Perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something hearty.
- Family Approved: Tastes so good, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Packed with cheesy, bean-y goodness that hits the spot every time.
Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos
Okay, so the best part about these burritos? They’re ridiculously easy to throw together! You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry right now. I mean, who doesn’t love a quick fix that still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This recipe is proof that deliciousness doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s all about simple flavors coming together in the best way possible. You can find tons of other great ideas like this over at Taste of Home, but honestly, these bean and rice ones are a staple for me!
Ingredients for the Burritos
- 1 can (16 ounces) vegetarian refried beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cooked long grain rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 12 flour tortillas (6 inches)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced olives
- Halved grape tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
How to Prepare This Easy Dinner Recipe
Alright, let’s get these amazing burritos rolling! Honestly, these are so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about weeknight dinners. The recipe is really forgiving, which is always a win in my book. First things first, get that oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 190 Celsius). While it’s warming up, grab your biggest bowl. Dump in the can of refried beans, pour in your favorite salsa – use a medium one if you don’t want it too spicy – and then add the cooked rice and one cup of that yummy shredded cheddar cheese. Give it all a good mix until everything is nice and combined. It should look like a hearty, delicious filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Dinner Recipes
Now for the fun part – the rolling! Grab your tortillas. Warm them up just a tiny bit if they feel stiff; I usually give them about 15 seconds in the microwave. This makes them super pliable so they don’t crack when you fold them. Spoon about a third of a cup of that bean and rice mixture right onto the center of each tortilla, but slightly off to one side. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the filling outwards, tucking everything in. Place each rolled burrito seam-side down in your greased baking dish. Don’t worry if they look a little snug; they’re supposed to be! Once they’re all in there, sprinkle the rest of that glorious cheddar cheese all over the top. Cover it up tight with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want everything to be nice and hot, and that cheese all melty and bubbly. When they come out, serve them up right away with whatever toppings you fancy!
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights
Life gets bonkers sometimes, right? That’s why I ADORE this recipe because it’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights. You can totally do the assembly part ahead of time, like on a Sunday afternoon when you have a little more breathing room. Just mix up that yummy bean and rice filling, spoon it into your tortillas, and roll ’em up just like the instructions say. Then, instead of baking, just pop them into your baking dish, cover the whole thing really well with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to two days! When you’re ready to eat, just take off the plastic wrap, sprinkle on that last cup of cheese, cover it with foil this time, and bake it for about 30-35 minutes. You might need to take the foil off for the last 5-10 minutes so the cheese gets all gooey and golden. It’s like magic – dinner ready in minutes! For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out my Vegetarian Gluten-Free Stir-Fry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Dinner Recipes
Got questions about whipping up these amazing burritos or just making dinner easier in general? I’ve got you covered! It’s all about finding those simple swaps and tricks to make your life smoother. Let’s dive into some common queries and make your weeknight cooking a breeze. If you want to get in touch about anything else, feel free to contact me!
Can I use different types of beans for this easy dinner recipe?
You bet! While vegetarian refried beans are awesome because they’re already smooth, you can totally swap them out. Try pinto beans or black beans, just mash them up a bit with a fork before mixing them with the other ingredients.
How long can I store the assembled burritos before baking?
You can keep the assembled, unbaked burritos in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped or covered in their baking dish. They hold up really well!
Are these burritos freezer-friendly?
Yes, they absolutely are! Once assembled and cooled, you can wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze them in a single layer in your baking dish before transferring to a freezer bag. Just bake them from frozen, adding a bit more time (about 30-40 minutes total) and keeping them covered with foil until heated through.
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Dinner
These cheesy bean and rice burritos are fantastic on their own, but they get even better with a few simple sides! Think about adding a dollop of sour cream or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy contrast. A simple side salad is always great, or maybe a quick sprinkle of shredded lettuce and some halved cherry tomatoes right on top. For something a bit more substantial, a fresh quinoa salad would be amazing, but honestly, even a bag of tortilla chips and some guacamole makes it a feast!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, those numbers can change a bit depending on exactly what you use, but here’s a good ballpark for one of these yummy burritos. We’re looking at roughly 216 calories, about 9 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, and 24 grams of carbohydrates per burrito. It’s a pretty balanced meal that tastes incredible!
Share Your Easy Dinner Creations!
So, that’s it! Super easy, right? I really hope you give these cheesy bean and rice burritos a try. If you do, please let me know how they turned out! Drop a comment below, star rating, or tell me your favorite topping if you get a chance. Seeing your creations is the absolute best part for me! You can also find more simple ideas over on my sample page!
Easy Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the refried beans, salsa, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of the bean and rice mixture off-center onto each flour tortilla. Fold the sides and ends of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly to form a burrito.
- Arrange the rolled burritos seam-side down in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the burritos.
- Cover the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the burritos warm with your desired optional toppings.
