Name: Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups long-grain brown rice; 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 lime, zested and juiced; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves, packed; 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained; 1 cup water; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 3 to 4 dashes Tabasco sauce, to taste; 12 medium tortillas, at room temperature; 7 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 15 ounces jarred salsa, divided; Sour cream, for serving; Guacamole, for serving

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that is comfortingly satisfying, incredibly versatile, and a total breeze to prepare ahead of time, this Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It marries fluffy brown rice, hearty pinto beans, zesty lime, and rich cheddar cheese all wrapped in warm tortillas—perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend meal prep session. The best part is these freezer burritos hold up beautifully in the freezer, so you’ll always have a delicious, wholesome meal ready to grab whenever the hunger strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five white bowls and plates on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there is a white plate stacked with soft tortillas. Next to it, a white bowl filled with light brown refried beans with a slightly creamy texture. Below the beans, another white bowl holds cooked white rice mixed with small green herbs. To the right, a small white bowl contains chunky red salsa, and next to it is a small bowl with shredded orange cheddar cheese, showing fine thin strips. A blue box of aluminum foil is placed at the top right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To whip up this Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe, you’ll just need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavor, texture, and color. From nutty toasted brown rice to creamy, slightly spicy beans, every component plays a meaningful role in this satisfying dish.

Olive oil: Used to toast the rice, bringing out a subtle nutty flavor and keeping the grains separate and fluffy.
Long-grain brown rice: A wholesome base that adds hearty texture and earthy taste to the burritos.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the rice and beans perfectly.
Lime zest and juice: Brighten the rice with a fresh citrus pop that balances the savory elements.
Chopped cilantro: Adds vibrant green color and a lovely herbaceous note.
Pinto beans: The star protein of the dish, offering creamy, mild richness with great texture.
Garlic powder: Infuses the beans with warm, savory depth.
Tabasco sauce: A few dashes introduce a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
Medium tortillas: The perfect wrap that holds all the delicious fillings together without tearing.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts delightfully inside each burrito, adding gooey, tangy satisfaction.
Jarred salsa: Provides moisture and fresh, bold flavors both inside and as a topping.
Sour cream and guacamole: Optional but highly recommended accompaniments that complement the burritos beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Cook the Rice

Start by heating olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat and add the brown rice. Stir the rice for 2 to 3 minutes to toast it evenly. This toasting step is key because it deepens the flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Then add the water and salt, cover the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook gently for 40 to 45 minutes until tender and perfectly fluffy.

Step 2: Flavor the Rice

When the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. This combination of bright, fresh flavors transforms simple rice into the vibrant, mouthwatering base for your burritos.

Step 3: Prepare the Beans

While the rice is cooking, place the drained pinto beans, water, garlic powder, and salt in a medium pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat and let the beans cook gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Then add the Tabasco sauce to taste, and lightly mash the beans with a potato masher, leaving some beans whole to create a luscious mix of creamy texture and pleasant bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. On the bottom third of the tortilla—about 2 inches from the edges—layer 2 tablespoons of the mashed beans, 3 tablespoons of lime-cilantro rice, 1 tablespoon of salsa, and 2 tablespoons of shredded sharp cheddar. This careful layering ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavors. Fold the sides in tightly and roll the tortilla from the bottom up to encase the filling snugly. Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil and label with the date. Repeat until all 12 burritos are assembled and wrapped.

Step 5: Freeze or Enjoy Fresh

If you’re ready to eat one right away, simply unwrap the foil and microwave the burrito for about 20 seconds or toast each side in a skillet until warm and melty. Otherwise, seal the foil-wrapped burritos in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners effortless and delicious.

How to Serve Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe

A toasted wrap cut in half shows three main layers inside: the outer warm, slightly crispy light brown tortilla; a middle layer of melted orange cheese flowing out from the edges; and an inner layer of rice mixed with small bits of vegetables like red and green peppers and onions. The wrap is placed on a white plate lined with brown parchment paper, next to a small dollop of thick, bright red sauce. A wooden handled knife lies beside the wrap on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your burritos from delicious to next-level, serve them topped with a generous dollop of sour cream or a scoop of creamy guacamole. The cool richness perfectly contrasts the warmth and light spiciness in the burrito. Fresh salsa on the side invites a fresh, tangy kick with every bite.

Side Dishes

Complement your burritos with simple sides like a mixed green salad tossed with a bright lime vinaigrette or some oven-roasted corn seasoned with chili powder and lime. These sides bring added freshness and crunch that balance the filling, hearty burritos.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Slice the burritos into pinwheels for a fun party platter or cut in half and serve open-faced with extra cheese melted on top under the broiler. You can even shape the rice and beans mixture into smaller patties for a creative twist on burrito bowls when you want to skip the tortilla.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe is assembled, leftovers are best stored wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days, ready to reheat whenever hunger calls.

Freezing

Freezing is the magic behind the convenience of this recipe. Burritos wrapped in foil and sealed in a freezer-safe bag can stay fresh for about 3 months. This makes batch cooking a dream, ensuring you always have a filling, homemade meal on hand without stress.

Reheating

To reheat the burritos, unwrap the foil and microwave for around 2 and a half minutes until hot throughout. Alternatively, keep them wrapped and bake frozen in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Either way, top with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an irresistible meal.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice cooks faster and has a softer texture, which some folks prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure to season as you would with brown rice for that citrusy lift.

What if I don’t have Tabasco sauce?

You can swap Tabasco with any hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a nice kick of heat to the beans. Adjust to your preferred spice level and enjoy the friendly fire!

Are these burritos freezer safe for meal prep?

Yes! This Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe is specifically designed to be freezer friendly. Wrapped in foil and stored in zip-top bags, they keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Can I add other veggies to the burritos?

Definitely. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn kernels would add wonderful texture and color to the filling. Just cook them first to avoid excess moisture inside your burrito.

Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan?

The burritos are vegetarian as is. To make them vegan, simply omit the cheddar cheese or use your favorite plant-based alternative, and skip the sour cream or use a vegan substitute when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves flavorful, wholesome meals that come together effortlessly. Whether for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, these burritos bring comfort, nutrition, and joy in every bite. Give it a try and see how quickly they become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!

Easy Rice and Beans Freezer Burritos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need