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Easy Make-Ahead Freezer Burritos Recipe for Busy School Days

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These easy make-ahead freezer burritos are quick to prepare, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings. They combine simple ingredients like beans, cheese, rice, and protein wrapped in a warm tortilla for a comforting, grab-and-go meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Large flour tortillas (burrito-sized), preferably fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (or substitute pinto beans)
  • 1 cup cooked protein (shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked ground beef, or sautéed tofu)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup sautéed veggies (diced bell peppers and onions, cooked until soft)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • ½ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
  • Optional: corn kernels, diced jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté diced bell peppers and onions for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add cooked shredded chicken (or chosen protein) and black beans. Stir together for 2-3 minutes, warming through.
  3. Stir in cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  4. Pour in about ½ cup of salsa or enchilada sauce to moisten the filling. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer filling to a bowl. Let cool slightly before stirring in shredded cheese to prevent melting too soon.
  6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 20 seconds to make rolling easier.
  7. Lay a tortilla flat, spoon about ½ cup of filling onto the center. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from one end to the other.
  8. Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe container or large zip-top bag.
  9. Freeze burritos for up to 3 months. Label and date for easy tracking.
  10. To reheat, unwrap and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Do not overfill burritos to avoid bursting during reheating. Burritos can be reheated in microwave or oven; flipping halfway through microwave heating ensures even warming. For crispier texture, bake burrito in oven for last 5 minutes after microwaving. Burritos freeze well up to 3 months. Customize fillings to suit dietary preferences.

Nutrition

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