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Vegan Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito - Comforting, Easy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Large flour tortillas (10-inch or burrito size)
  • Cooked rice (about 2 cups; white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
  • Black beans or pinto beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Vegan shredded cheese (cheddar-style or pepper jack-style)
  • Salsa (your favorite, mild to hot)
  • Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
  • Spices: ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Lime (1, for juice)
  • Optional add-ins: corn, diced bell pepper, pickled jalapeños, avocado, shredded lettuce, cilantro

Method
 

  1. Warm the rice. If using leftover rice, fluff it and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Stir in a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for brightness.
  2. Sauté aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Season the beans. Add beans, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of oregano. Stir in 1/4 cup water and simmer 2–3 minutes. Mash a few beans with the back of a spoon to thicken. Season with salt and pepper. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  4. Warm the tortillas. Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds. Warm tortillas are less likely to tear.
  5. Assemble. Lay a tortilla flat. Add a line of rice down the center, top with a generous scoop of beans, a spoonful of salsa, and a handful of vegan cheese. Add optional veggies if you like.
  6. Roll it right. Fold the sides inward over the filling. Tuck the bottom edge over everything and roll tightly to seal. Don’t overfill—it makes rolling harder.
  7. Melt and crisp. Place the burrito seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
  8. Serve. Slice in half and serve with extra salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole.