Freezer-Friendly Hearty Burritos

Featured in: Dinner Grin

This dish features hearty burritos filled with seasoned black beans, rice, bell pepper, and cheese, wrapped in soft tortillas. The filling is sautéed with spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a rich flavor. Each burrito is assembled with layers of rice, bean mixture, salsa, and cheese, then rolled tight and wrapped for freezing. When ready, simply microwave or bake from frozen to enjoy a convenient meal bursting with savory, satisfying flavors.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:21:00 GMT
A close-up shot of delicious, freezer-friendly burritos, filled with beans, cheese, and vegetables. Save
A close-up shot of delicious, freezer-friendly burritos, filled with beans, cheese, and vegetables. | grinnosh.com

Hearty, delicious burritos packed with budget-friendly ingredients, perfect for meal prep and ready to heat up straight from the freezer.

I first made these burritos on a busy weeknight, and it instantly became a staple for rushed mornings and evenings when I just want something satisfying from the freezer. They are a hit for anyone craving comfort with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Large flour tortillas: 8 count (10-inch, use gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free option)
  • Cooked rice: 2 cups white or brown
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
  • Frozen corn: 1 cup, thawed
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Onion: 1 small, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: 1½ cups, shredded
  • Salsa: 3⁄4 cup, mild or medium
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Cumin: 1 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1⁄2 tsp
  • Salt: 1⁄2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1⁄4 tsp

Instructions

Sauté Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add Beans and Spices:
Stir in black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Warm Tortillas:
Microwave tortillas briefly covered with a damp towel to make pliable.
Assemble Burritos:
Spread 1⁄4 cup rice in the center of each tortilla. Top with 1⁄3 cup bean mixture, 2 tbsp salsa, and 2 tbsp cheese. Fold in sides and roll up tightly.
Freeze Burritos:
Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or parchment. Place in labeled freezer bag.
Reheat:
Unwrap and microwave on a plate for 2–3 minutes (turn halfway), or bake wrapped in foil at 180°C/350°F for 25–30 minutes until piping hot.
Golden-brown freezer-friendly burritos ready to enjoy, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Save
Golden-brown freezer-friendly burritos ready to enjoy, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. | grinnosh.com

My family loves pulling out a few frozen burritos on busy days. Each bite brings back memories of fun meal preps and everyone choosing their favorite add-ins like salsa or extra cheese.

Required Tools

Large skillet, mixing spoon, measuring cups and spoons, microwave or oven, foil or parchment paper, freezer bags.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (tortillas) and milk (cheese). Gluten-free option available. Check all labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each burrito contains approximately 350 calories, 10 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.

Steaming plate with easy freezer-friendly burritos; imagine the savory taste of Mexican flavors. Save
Steaming plate with easy freezer-friendly burritos; imagine the savory taste of Mexican flavors. | grinnosh.com

Enjoy these make-ahead burritos as a fast, tasty meal any time. They heat up beautifully and save you time on busy days!

Recipe FAQ

How can I reheat these burritos from frozen?

Unwrap the frozen burrito and microwave on a plate for 2–3 minutes, turning halfway, or bake it wrapped in foil at 350°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Can I add meat to the filling?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or turkey can be added to the filling for a non-vegetarian option.

What’s the best way to keep the tortillas pliable before wrapping?

Briefly warming the tortillas in the microwave covered with a damp towel helps make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for this dish?

Gluten-free tortillas can be used to make this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Which vegetables work well in the filling?

Besides bell peppers and onions, additions like zucchini or jalapeños can enhance the flavor and texture.

Freezer-Friendly Hearty Burritos

Hearty burritos with beans, rice, and cheese, ready to freeze and enjoy later with simple reheating.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Base

01 8 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
02 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
03 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
04 1 cup frozen corn, thawed

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, diced
02 1 small onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese & Extras

01 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
02 ¾ cup salsa (mild or medium heat)

Spices

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 ½ teaspoon salt
06 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare vegetable base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Stage 02

Cook bean mixture: Incorporate black beans, thawed corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Stage 03

Warm tortillas: Place tortillas covered with a damp towel into the microwave and heat briefly until flexible and easy to fold.

Stage 04

Assemble burritos: Lay each tortilla flat. Spread ¼ cup cooked rice in the center, add ⅓ cup of the bean mixture, top with 2 tablespoons salsa and 2 tablespoons shredded cheese. Fold sides inward and roll tightly from the bottom to enclose filling.

Stage 05

Freeze burritos: Individually wrap burritos tightly in foil or parchment paper. Place wrapped burritos into a labeled freezer bag before storing.

Stage 06

Reheat from frozen: To reheat, unwrap burrito and microwave on a plate for 2 to 3 minutes, turning halfway through. Alternatively, bake wrapped in foil at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave or oven
  • Foil or parchment paper
  • Freezer bags

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas) and milk (cheese). Gluten-free option possible using gluten-free wraps.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 12 g