Name: Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided; ½ medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup packed, roughly chopped baby spinach; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6-7 whole wheat tortillas (8-inch size); Extra salsa or fresh pico de gallo; Extra cheese; Avocado slices or guacamole; Greek yogurt or sour cream; Chopped fresh cilantro; Hot sauce or sriracha; Pickled red onions; Pickled or fresh jalapeños

There’s something so comforting about a warm, savory wrap packed with wholesome flavors that just hits the spot. This Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe brings together hearty rice and beans with melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas—perfect for an easy dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

A white plate holds a toasted burrito cut in half, showing layers of light brown rice mixed with black beans and a reddish sauce inside a golden-brown grilled tortilla. One half is stacked on top of the other, revealing its filling. Behind the burrito, there is a halved avocado with a bright green inside and brown seed, with fresh green cilantro next to it. To the side, there is a small pile of finely chopped red, orange, and green salsa. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a colorful blue and orange striped cloth is blurred in the background. 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 Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe countless times, and every time it feels like wrapping up a little package of comfort and flavor. It’s straightforward, guilt-free, and incredibly satisfying—something I turn to when I want a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious without complicated prep.

Simple yet Flavorful: The combination of spices with beans and rice creates a filling that’s anything but boring.
Customizable: Whether you love it spicy, cheesy, or with extra veggies, this recipe bends easily to your preferences.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat—it tastes just as good the next day.
Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like beans and rice makes it easy on your wallet without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe plays a role in balancing taste and texture. Here’s why I stick with these staples and tips for choosing the best ones at the store.

Flat lay of a small bowl of cooked brown rice, a small bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, half a medium yellow onion chopped, two cloves of garlic minced, a small bowl of rinsed black beans, a small bowl of roughly chopped baby spinach, a small white bowl with a mix of chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika, a small white bowl with kosher salt and black pepper, a small white bowl piled with shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, and a stack of whole wheat tortillas (8-inch size), all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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

Brown Rice: It has a lovely nutty flavor and a chewy texture that stands up well inside the burrito.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness when sautéing the onions and spices without overpowering the other flavors.
Yellow Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness that mellows out the savory spices.
Garlic: Essential for a fragrant base that lifts the whole filling.
Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber plus they carry the spices beautifully.
Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh boost of color and nutrition that you barely notice but definitely appreciate.
Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Paprika: These spices bring warmth and depth without overwhelming the dish.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Just the right seasoning balance to make the flavors pop.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly, creating that irresistible gooey texture inside the wrap.
Whole Wheat Tortillas: Whole wheat adds a nice nutty dimension and holds together well when you fold those burritos.

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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

I love taking this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe as a starting point and switching things up depending on what I have on hand or my mood. I encourage you to do the same—there’s really no wrong way to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: I once added diced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce to the bean mix—wow, that gave my burritos great heat, perfect for spice lovers!
Extra Veggies: Throw in sautéed peppers or grated zucchini for an extra veggie boost without changing the overall flavor too much.
Cheese Variety: Swapping cheddar for pepper jack gives a subtle smoky fire that’s a game changer if you like a little punch.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to enjoy this recipe while accommodating dietary needs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe

A close-up view of a woman’s hand holding a half burrito showing its inside layers: light brown rice on top mixed with black beans, orange sauce, bits of onion, and some green leafy vegetable at the bottom. The burrito is lightly toasted with a golden brown color and grill marks on the outside. It rests on top of a whole burrito on a white plate. In the background, there is a halved avocado and some green leafy vegetable on a white marbled surface, with a blue cloth that has colorful stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Rice and Prep the Filling

Start by cooking your brown rice according to the package. While it’s simmering, heat most of your olive oil in a skillet. I sauté the chopped onion for about five minutes until soft and translucent—it smells amazing already! Then add garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant; don’t let it brown to avoid bitterness. Next, stir in the black beans, spinach, and spices. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes until the beans are warm and the spinach wilts. This step brings out the best flavors and soft textures you want in your filling.

Step 2: Assemble Your Burritos

Lay out each tortilla flat on a clean surface. I like to use a plate for easy handling. Spoon in about a third of a cup of rice, then add the black bean mixture and finish with a good quarter cup of shredded cheese. Don’t overstuff or your burritos will be tricky to roll! Folding the sides in first, then the bottom up and rolling tightly makes sure everything stays inside when you eat.

Step 3: Sear for a Crispy Finish

Wipe out your skillet and warm the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Place each burrito seam side down in the pan—this helps seal them—and cook about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. This step adds wonderful texture contrast to the soft filling and keeps the burrito intact. If you’re making a lot, do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Top Tip

From personal experience, these tips make assembling and cooking your Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe smoother and the results tastier.

Don’t Overfill: I’ve learned that stuffing too much filling makes rolling tricky and increases the chance of bursting during cooking.
Use a Hot Pan: Searing the burritos on a hot skillet seals the edges quickly and crisps up the tortilla without drying out the filling.
Let Onion Softly Cook: Taking the time to soften onions fully mellows their sharpness and adds great flavor depth.
Layer Cheese Last: Putting cheese on top of the filling helps it melt into the rice and beans for a gooey, perfect texture.

How to Serve Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my burritos with fresh pico de gallo or just a dollop of Greek yogurt—it adds a cool, creamy contrast that balances the warm, spicy filling. Avocado slices or guacamole give a rich, buttery texture that’s irresistible. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat!

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with fresh tortilla chips and salsa or a crisp green salad. I also like serving them with a side of Mexican street corn (elote) when I want to make dinner feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like cutting the burritos in half and arranging them on a serving platter with colorful bowls of assorted toppings nearby—lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, salsa, guac—so everyone can customize. Wrapping each in a colorful napkin adds a festive touch too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap to keep it together and pop them in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to three days, making weekday lunches a breeze!

Freezing

These burritos freeze beautifully. I double-wrap them in plastic and foil, then label and freeze. When I want one, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat—it’s a lifesaver on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I nuke the burrito in the microwave for a minute or so to warm it through, then quickly sear it again in a hot skillet to revive that crispy tortilla edge. It’s like fresh all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice works just fine in this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and firmer texture, but feel free to use what you prefer or have on hand.

What if I don’t have black beans?

You can substitute pinto beans or any cooked beans you like. Just be sure to rinse canned beans well before using for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make these burritos vegan?

Yes! Simply skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute, and make sure to use plant-based tortillas, then enjoy a delicious vegan version of this recipe.

How do I keep the burrito from falling apart?

The key is not to overfill and to fold the sides in tightly before rolling. Searing the burrito seam side down also seals it well and helps keep everything together.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Beef and Rice Burritos Recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights or whenever I need a comforting meal that doesn’t require a ton of effort. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, how well the ingredients come together, and how much room there is to make it truly yours. Give it a try; I think it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine!