Easy Beef and Bean Burrito Recipe (Freezer Meal)

Better than Store-Bought Frozen Burritos

These beef and bean burritos are perfect for meal prepping. They are much healthier than popular frozen burrito brands because they use fresh ingredients and contain fewer preservatives. They are loaded with fresh, flavorful ingredients and can be frozen for later, making them a convenient meal option.

With this air fryer method, you’ll get crispy, perfectly cooked burritos every time, thanks to the air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air effectively around the burritos.

Ingredients for Beef and Bean Burritos

Rice

• Uncooked rice 
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes 
• Salt
• Minced garlic
• Chopped cilantro 

Beef & Beans

• Pinto beans, drained and rinsed 
• Low-sodium chicken broth 
• Avocado oil 
• Onion, finely chopped
• Minced garlic 
• Ground cumin 
• Dried oregano 
• Chili powder 
• Ground beef or turkey 
• Lime juice
• Salt 

Burritos

• Burrito-size flour tortillas
• Sharp shredded cheddar cheese
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Frank’s Hot Sauce or salsa 

Recipe Alterations and Variations

Meat Options

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the beans or add crumbled tofu for a protein boost.

Sauce Variations

• For added flavor, replace the Greek yogurt and hot sauce mixture with classic sour cream, chipotle sauce, or even guacamole.
• Add a bit of taco seasoning to the yogurt mixture for a more traditional burrito flavor.

Adding More Veggies

• Add bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling to increase the nutritional value.
• Sautéed mushrooms also make a great addition to add more depth of flavor.

How to Make Beef and Bean Burritos

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice according to the instructions in a rice cooker or a saucepan on the stovetop, but instead of adding water, add chicken broth, tomatoes, salt, and garlic. After the rice cooks, stir in the chopped cilantro. The broth, garlic, and tomatoes give the rice a rich and flavorful base, while the cilantro adds freshness.

Step 2: Prepare the Bean Filling

Meanwhile, combine ½ cup of broth and half of the beans in a medium bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to coarsely mash the beans with the broth, and set aside. Mashing the beans creates homemade refried beans that are healthier than refried beans in a can. The mashed beans create a creamier texture for the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir the mashed bean mixture into the beef mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until nearly all the liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining whole beans, lime juice, and salt. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

Wrap tortillas in a clean dish towel and microwave until soft, about 90 seconds. Arrange the tortillas on the counter.

Mix the Greek yogurt and hot sauce (or use sour cream if preferred) and spread about 1 tablespoon over each tortilla.

Divide the rice, beef-and-bean filling, and cheese evenly among the tortillas. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, fold the bottom over the sides and filling, and roll tightly. Place the burritos seam-side down on a tray.

Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

To Serve Immediately

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the burritos from sticking and to ensure even cooking.

Place the burritos in the basket seam-side down, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The burritos should be golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle them with extra cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking for a melty topping.

Preparing for the Freezer

Place the tray of assembled burritos in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Wrap each freezer burrito individually in foil. Place wrapped burritos in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cooking from Frozen

Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil from the burrito and place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top and air fry for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.

Microwave Method: Remove the foil from the burrito and poke holes in the top several times with a fork. Microwave for about 2 minutes. Gently poke a few more holes, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, and microwave for 1 more minute. Heat your air fryer as hot as it will go, and briefly broil the burritos in the air fryer for a crispy outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of making freezer burritos instead of buying the popular frozen brands?

Homemade frozen burritos are generally healthier because you can control the ingredients, such as sodium levels, types of oils, and the absence of preservatives. Store-bought brands often contain preservatives, high sodium levels, and artificial additives. 

This homemade recipe contains fewer calories and less sodium than many popular brands, making it a healthier choice. On average, a store-bought frozen burrito has about 500-600 calories, while this homemade version has around 450 calories per serving.

How do you keep frozen burritos from getting soggy?

To keep frozen burritos from getting soggy, make sure all ingredients are cooled before assembling the burritos. Wrapping them tightly in foil also helps prevent moisture from seeping in. When reheating, use the air fryer to maintain a crispy exterior.

How can you meal prep burritos for later?

These burritos are perfect for meal prep! Simply assemble the burritos and freeze them individually wrapped in foil. You can cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer. Having a batch of these burritos in the freezer makes for a quick and easy meal option on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef and Bean Burrito recipe is delicious, versatile, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you cook them right away or freeze them for later, these burritos are healthier and more flavorful than the store-bought versions. Make them your own by experimenting with different fillings, sauces, and cooking methods. Try this recipe, and let it become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

Learn More About Freezer Meal Cooking:

• Top 5 Benefits of Freezer Meal Cooking
• Freezer Meal Cooking: Is It Better In a Group?
• 24 Freezer Meal Tips to Make Your Life Easier
• Foods You Shouldn’t Freeze

More Freezer Meal Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Cream Cheese Chicken Crescent Roll Recipe
• Homemade Manwich Sloppy Joe Recipe
• Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Recipe
• Keto Taco Bites Recipe

Find all our freezer meal recipes here!

Easy Beef and Bean Burrito Recipe (Freezer Meal)

Quick and easy beef and bean burrito recipe you can freeze for later.

4.80 / 5 ( 5 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Serves: 9

Adjust Servings: 9

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Skillet

Ingredients

Rice:

• 1 cups uncooked rice
• 1 can low-sodium chicken broth 14.5 oz
• ½ can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Beef & Beans:

• 1 can pinto beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 onion chopped fine (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice about 1 lime
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Burritos:

• 9-10 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ tablespoon Frank's Hot Sauce or salsa

Instructions

For the Rice:

• Cook rice according to cooking instructions for a rice cooker or in a saucepan on the stove top, but instead of adding water, add the chicken broth, tomatoes, salt, and garlic.
• When rice is done cooking, stir in the chopped cilantro.

For the Beef and Bean Filling:

• Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup broth and half of beans in a small or medium bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to coarsely mash the beans together with the broth. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add beef and cook until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir mashed bean mixture into meat mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until nearly all liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining whole beans, lime juice, and salt. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside.

To Assemble:

• Wrap tortillas in clean dish towel and microwave until soft, about 90 seconds. Arrange tortillas on counter.
• Mix yogurt and hot sauce together (or use just sour cream) and spread about 1 tablespoon over each tortilla.
• Divide rice, beef-and-bean filling, and about 1 1/2 cups cheese evenly among tortillas. Fold sides of tortilla over filling, fold bottom of tortilla over sides and filling, and roll tightly. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet, seam side down.

To serve immediately:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with avocado oil.
• Place the burritos seam side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The burritos should be golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with shredded cheese the last 1-2 minutes if desired.

Preparing For the Freezer:

• Place baking sheet of burritos in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help keep them from coming apart while wrapping. Wrap each burrito individually in foil. Place wrapped burritos in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prepare after Freezing:

• Microwave - Remove foil from burrito. Poke holes in the top several times with fork. Microwave for about 2 minutes. Gently poke a few more holes, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, then microwave for 1 more minute. For a crispy outside, briefly air fry the burritos.
• Air Fryer - Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and place the burritos in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Sprinkle with cheese the last 1-2 minutes.

Recipe Notes

The rice and filling can be made and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 808mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g