Black Bean Burrito Recipe

Creamy black beans, sautéed onion and bell pepper, jalapeño, and tangy cream cheese come together in these easy Black Bean Burritos. Wrapped in warm flour tortillas and finished with fresh cilantro, they make a satisfying meatless meal in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Black Bean Burritos

These burritos are simple enough for a busy weeknight but have plenty of flavor packed into every bite.

The black bean filling gets its savory base from sautéed onion, garlic, and bell pepper, while jalapeño adds a gentle kick. Cream cheese melts into the beans, creating a rich, creamy texture that holds everything together.

Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish that balances the richness of the filling. Since the tortillas warm in the oven while the filling cooks, the entire meal comes together with very little fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño peppers
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Ingredient Notes

Black beans provide the hearty base for the burrito filling. Rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the skillet to remove excess liquid.

Cream cheese melts into the beans and vegetables, giving the filling its signature creamy texture.

Red bell pepper brings mild sweetness and color, while jalapeño adds a little heat. Adjust the amount of jalapeño if you prefer a milder or spicier burrito.

Fresh cilantro is stirred in at the end so its flavor stays bright.

Use large 10-inch flour tortillas so there is enough room to hold the filling and fold the burritos securely.

How to Make Black Bean Burritos

Warm the Tortillas

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the oven. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

Keeping the tortillas covered helps prevent them from drying out while they heat.

Cook the Vegetables

While the tortillas warm, heat the vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and jalapeño.

Cook and stir for about 2 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

Make the Creamy Bean Filling

Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet.

Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through.

Add the cubed cream cheese and salt. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese melts into the bean mixture and creates a creamy filling.

Stir in the chopped cilantro.

Fill and Roll the Burritos

Remove the warm tortillas from the foil.

Spoon the filling in a line across the middle of each tortilla.

Fold two opposite edges inward over the filling. Then roll one of the remaining edges around the filling, continuing until the burrito is securely wrapped.

Serve immediately while the tortillas are warm and the filling is creamy.

Helpful Recipe Tips

• Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly so excess liquid doesn’t make the filling watery.
• Cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces so they soften quickly.
• Add the cream cheese after the beans have warmed through so it melts smoothly.
• Stir the filling occasionally while the cream cheese melts to distribute it evenly.
• Warm tortillas are much easier to fold without cracking.
• For more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Serve the burritos immediately for the best texture.

Easy Variations and Substitutions

Add More Cheese

For an extra cheesy burrito, stir shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack into the warm filling after the cream cheese has melted.

Make Them Spicier

Add more minced jalapeño, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.

Add Extra Vegetables

Corn, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or finely chopped spinach can be added to the vegetable mixture for more variety.

Try a Different Bean

Pinto beans can replace black beans if you prefer a softer, more traditional refried-bean-style filling.

Make Them Crispier

After assembling the burritos, place them seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet and toast until the tortillas are golden and crisp on the outside.

What to Serve With Black Bean Burritos

These burritos are filling on their own, but a few fresh toppings or sides can make them even better.

Try serving them with:

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded lettuce
• Mexican rice
• Corn salad
• Fresh avocado

A squeeze of lime over the finished burrito adds a bright contrast to the creamy filling.

How to Store Leftovers

For the best texture, store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Because this recipe makes two servings, leftovers are easy to portion and reheat.

When possible, store toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole separately so the tortilla does not become soggy.

How to Reheat Black Bean Burritos

Reheat refrigerated burritos in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This gives the tortilla a lightly toasted exterior.

You can also microwave a burrito until hot throughout, although the tortilla will be softer.

If using a microwave, heating in short intervals helps prevent the filling from becoming excessively hot while the tortilla remains cold.