If there’s one meal that brings together simplicity, comfort, and unbeatable flavor, it’s gotta be a bean cream cheese burrito. Seriously, this dish is a dream come true for anyone who’s hungry and on a tight schedule. You’ve got creamy, cheesy goodness, protein-packed beans, and a soft flour tortilla—what’s not to love?
But wait, it gets better. Not only are these burritos super easy to whip up, but you can customize them however you like. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, bean cream cheese burritos check all the boxes.
Let’s break this down and dive into everything you need to know about this comfort food classic.
Why You’ll Love These Bean Cream Cheese Burritos
Let’s face it—sometimes, you just need a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and crazy delicious. These burritos are like a big, warm hug from your kitchen. They’re:
- Easy to make: You only need a few ingredients, and the prep is a breeze.
- Perfect for meal prep: Wrap ‘em up, store ‘em, and reheat them when you’re hungry.
- Fully customizable: Add your favorite veggies, hot sauce, or even some seasoned meat.
- Kid-friendly: Super simple, and kids love them (my daughter calls these “cheesy bean rockets”—don’t ask why, but it stuck!).
Whether you’re looking to throw something together after a busy day or you need to pack a lunch, these bean cream cheese burritos will always be a hit. Oh, and they’re cheap to make too! It’s one of those meals you can easily throw together without breaking the bank.
Looking for more tasty meal ideas? Check out our ultimate chicken pita recipe!
What You Need to Make Bean Cream Cheese Burritos
Here’s what you’ll need to make these bad boys:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of refried beans (you can also use black beans or pinto beans, but refried beans are creamy perfection)
- 8 oz of cream cheese (softened, to make everything easy to mix)
- Flour tortillas (burrito-sized, duh)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- Sour cream (optional, but adds a nice zing)
- Chopped green onions (if you want to get fancy)
- Hot sauce (if you like a little kick)
- Olive oil or butter (for frying)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped bell peppers
- Sliced jalapeños
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado slices
- Grilled chicken or ground beef (if you’re feeling extra carnivorous)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Bean Cream Cheese Burritos
Alright, let’s get to it. You’re just a few minutes away from the most delicious, cheesy bean burrito you’ve ever had.
Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready
Start by opening your can of refried beans. If you’re using black or pinto beans, drain and rinse them first. Grab your cream cheese and let it soften a bit—trust me, this will make everything easier when you mix it all together.
If you want to add any extras (like veggies or proteins), chop them up now so you can easily toss them in later.
Step 2: Mix the Beans and Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans and the softened cream cheese. Stir them together until you get a creamy, smooth mixture. If you’re feeling fancy, you can toss in some sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
This is the base of your burrito filling, so feel free to taste test here. Want it a little cheesier? Add more cream cheese. Want a little spice? Toss in some hot sauce or jalapeños!
Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos
Now comes the fun part. Grab your flour tortillas and spread a generous scoop of the bean and cream cheese mixture down the center of each one.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese blend you like), and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top if you’re using them.
Step 4: Roll and Cook
Carefully fold in the sides of your tortilla, then roll it up tightly like a little bean burrito package. Now you’ve got two options for cooking:
- Pan-fry method: Heat a little olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the burrito seam-side down in the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. This adds a nice crunch to the outside, which I absolutely love.
- Baked method: If you’re more of a set-it-and-forget-it person, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the tortillas are lightly crispy and the cheese is melted inside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your burritos are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan or oven. Let them sit for a minute (don’t burn yourself with that hot cheese!) and then cut them in half or serve them whole.
Top them off with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa—and don’t forget to drizzle a little hot sauce on top if you want some extra spice. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Tips & Tricks to Make Your Burritos Even Better
- Make them vegetarian: These burritos are naturally vegetarian, but you can always add grilled veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, to bulk them up.
- Throw in some rice: If you want to turn this into a heartier meal, add a spoonful of seasoned rice into your burrito.
- Add extra cheese: Because you can never have enough cheese, right? Sprinkle a little more cheese inside before frying or baking for an extra gooey bite.
- Meal prep: These burritos are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them ahead of time and freeze them. Just heat them up in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
The Versatility of Bean Cream Cheese Burritos: So Much More Than Just a Quick Meal
One of the best things about bean cream cheese burritos is just how versatile they are. You can totally make them your own by adding different fillings, sauces, and toppings. It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for you to get creative.
For instance, if you’ve got a picky eater in the house (we all do, right?), you can easily customize the filling. Some people love to throw in a handful of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even a little salsa for that extra burst of freshness. Not to mention, if you want to up the protein game, a scoop of grilled chicken or seasoned ground beef can go a long way in making these burritos feel like a full meal.
Also, let’s not forget about the spices! You can totally kick up the heat with some chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper. Or, if you’re not big on the spice, just skip the hot sauce and go with a mild salsa or ranch dressing instead.
Bean Cream Cheese Burritos for Every Meal of the Day
You know how some foods just feel like they’re meant for a specific time of day? Like pancakes for breakfast or burgers for lunch? Well, bean cream cheese burritos are one of those magical dishes that can honestly be eaten at any time.
- Breakfast burritos: Add scrambled eggs, a little bit of salsa, and some breakfast sausage or bacon. Wrap it up in a tortilla, and you’ve got a hearty breakfast that’ll keep you full for hours.
- Lunch: These burritos are perfect for lunch on-the-go. Wrap them up and toss them in a lunchbox. They taste just as good warm or at room temperature, which is a lifesaver for busy days.
- Dinner: After a long day of work or errands, nothing beats a simple, filling dinner that’s packed with flavor. You can pair your burritos with a side of guacamole, chips, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Why Bean Cream Cheese Burritos are Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep for the week ahead, then bean cream cheese burritos are your best friend. They freeze beautifully, and they’re so easy to make in bulk. Here’s why they’re great for meal prep:
- Quick to make: Unlike some meal prep recipes that require hours of cooking, these burritos come together in no time. You can even prep them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer.
- Affordable: The ingredients are super budget-friendly. You can buy a big pack of flour tortillas, a can of refried beans, and some cream cheese, and you’ll be set for a whole bunch of burritos.
- Freezable: Once your burritos are made, simply wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just pop one in the microwave, and you’ve got a hot, filling meal in minutes.
- Endless variations: The best part? You can mix up the ingredients each week to keep things interesting. Add in some different veggies, meats, or sauces to make your burritos feel fresh.
What to Serve with Bean Cream Cheese Burritos
While these burritos are a meal all on their own, sometimes you want to jazz them up a little bit with a tasty side. Here are some ideas for things to serve alongside your bean cream cheese burritos:
- Mexican Rice: This simple side dish complements the creamy texture of the burritos and adds a nice touch of flavor. You can even use leftover rice from your last meal to make things quicker.
- Chips and Salsa: This is a classic side that never goes wrong. The crunch of the chips and the tangy kick of the salsa balance out the softness of the burrito.
- Guacamole: Who can resist a little extra creamy guac on the side? It adds freshness and richness to every bite.
- Pickled Jalapeños: If you like your meals with a little zing, serve up some tangy pickled jalapeños alongside your burritos. The heat is perfectly balanced with the cool, creamy filling of the burrito.
Bean Cream Cheese Burritos: A Comfort Food Everyone Can Enjoy
What’s not to love about bean cream cheese burritos? They’ve got that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make them hard to resist. They’re also super forgiving, so whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, these burritos will always turn out great.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a five-star chef to make them taste amazing. You just need the right ingredients, a few minutes, and a whole lot of love. So, whether you’re feeding a group, prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a comforting meal, these burritos hit the spot every time.
FAQs
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of refried beans, black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans work great. Just make sure to mash them up or warm them through to get the right texture.
Definitely. You can assemble them, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze them. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or oven. They’ll be just as delicious!
Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove to get the crispy exterior back.
If you use gluten-free tortillas, yes! Just be sure to double-check the labels, as some tortillas do contain gluten. But most stores now carry gluten-free flour tortillas that work great.
Conclusion
There you have it! Bean cream cheese burritos are a must-try for anyone who loves quick, tasty, and satisfying meals. Whether you’re looking for a speedy dinner after a busy day or a fun dish to serve at a family get-together, these burritos have you covered. The creamy combination of beans and cream cheese, wrapped up in a soft tortilla, is an absolute winner.
What makes these burritos even better is their versatility. You can make them your own by adding whatever you’ve got in the fridge—from fresh veggies and meats to spicy sauces and cheeses. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping, so you can have a delicious and filling meal ready whenever you need it.
Don’t forget: these burritos aren’t just for dinner—they make for a great breakfast, lunch, or snack too. So go ahead, grab those tortillas, and get creative. Whether you’re enjoying them as a simple snack or making them for the whole family, bean cream cheese burritos are sure to become your new favorite go-to recipe.