Crispy Vegetarian Burritos
If you’re in the mood for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s packed with flavors and textures, look no further than these Crispy Vegetarian Burritos! This recipe combines hearty black beans, fresh vegetables, and a melty cheese blend, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla shell. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, these burritos are sure to become a staple in your home. Plus, they’re easily customizable, so you can make them just the way you like!
Why Crispy Vegetarian Burritos is Worth Your Time
Crispy Vegetarian Burritos are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome meal option. They offer the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, thanks to the black beans and veggies. The crunch of the crispy tortilla adds an irresistible texture that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a meatless meal, these burritos are filling, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, they can be made ahead and stored for later, making them an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts!
The Essentials
To create the perfect Crispy Vegetarian Burritos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 15 oz black beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped (any color you prefer)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1.5 cups mozzarella or Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice (optional, for a heartier burrito)
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- Oil or cooking spray (for the pan)
Prep & Cook Tools
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the following tools:
- Large skillet (for sautéing the filling)
- Mixing bowl (to combine ingredients)
- Spatula (for stirring and flipping)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient measurements)
- Cooking spray or brush (for greasing the pan)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping burritos for storage)
Crispy Vegetarian Burritos, Made Easy
Creating these delicious burritos in your kitchen is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 2: Season and Combine
Stir in the black beans, corn, and spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper). Mix well and allow to cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. If using rice, add a scoop of rice in the center, then top with a generous portion of the bean and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom to enclose the filling.
Step 4: Cook the Burritos
In the same skillet (or a clean one), add a little oil or cooking spray over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once crispy, remove the burritos from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice in half and serve with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream!
In-Season Flavor Ideas
To elevate your Crispy Vegetarian Burritos, consider adding some seasonal flavors:
- Fresh avocado slices for creaminess
- Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo for freshness
- Spicy jalapeños for heat
- Grilled zucchini or summer squash for added texture
- Roasted sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness
Learn from These Mistakes
When preparing your Crispy Vegetarian Burritos, keep in mind these common pitfalls:
- Overstuffing the burritos can make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting.
- Not cooking the filling long enough can result in crunchy vegetables that clash with the crispy tortilla.
- Using cold tortillas can lead to tearing; warm them slightly before assembling.
- Neglecting to brown the burritos well can leave them soggy rather than crispy.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These burritos are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Assemble burritos but do not cook them. Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap each burrito in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To cook from frozen, remove the foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
- Leftover cooked burritos can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Popular Questions
Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor profile.
What can I add for extra protein?
Try adding cooked quinoa or lentils to the filling for an extra protein boost. You can also include tofu or tempeh if you’d like!
Can I make these burritos spicy?
Yes! Add some diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy cheese blend. You can also serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side.
What’s the best way to reheat these burritos?
The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until crispy again. You can also use a microwave but be aware that it may lose its crispiness.
What to Make After This
If you enjoyed making Crispy Vegetarian Burritos, you might also love trying these recipes:
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have the recipe for Crispy Vegetarian Burritos, it’s time to get cooking! With a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Enjoy the process of creating these scrumptious burritos and make sure to share them with family and friends. They’ll be begging for seconds! Happy cooking!
Crispy Vegetarian Burritos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper). Mix well and allow to cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. If using rice, add a scoop of rice in the center, then top with a generous portion of the bean and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom to enclose the filling.
- In the same skillet (or a clean one), add a little oil or cooking spray over medium heat. Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
- Once crispy, remove the burritos from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice in half and serve with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream!
Notes
- Assemble burritos but do not cook them. Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap each burrito in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To cook from frozen, remove the foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
