Description
Crisp Bean Burritos are a deliciously crispy and cheesy snack or meal that’s simple to prepare. Filled with refried beans seasoned with taco spices, wrapped in flour tortillas, and fried to a golden brown, these burritos are perfect for satisfying cravings with a flavorful, crunchy bite. They can also be baked as a healthier alternative.
Ingredients
Scale
Refried Bean Filling
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) refried beans
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
Tortillas and Cheese
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
For Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the refried beans together with the taco seasoning packet until fully combined to ensure the beans are evenly flavored.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spread about 1/3 cup of the seasoned refried beans down the center of each flour tortilla. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beans. Roll the tortilla up tightly, keeping the ends open, and repeat this with all tortillas, beans, and cheese.
- Freeze Burritos: Place the assembled burritos into two large freezer zip-lock bags and freeze for one hour. This important step helps the filling firm up so that it doesn’t spill out during frying. (If you choose to bake instead of fry, this step can be skipped; see notes.)
- Heat Oil and Oven: In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium-low heat. At the same time, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place it in the oven to keep cooked burritos warm.
- Fry the Burritos: Using tongs, carefully place two burritos seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 40 to 60 seconds until golden brown, then flip and fry the other side for another 40 to 60 seconds. Remove the fried burritos to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, then transfer them to the warm baking sheet in the oven. Repeat with the remaining burritos.
- Serve: Serve your crisp bean burritos warm. Enjoy them with traditional Mexican accompaniments such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a complete meal.
Notes
- Freezing the burritos before frying is crucial to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- If you prefer baking over frying, skip freezing and bake the burritos at 400°F (204°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes or until crisp and golden.
- You can substitute mild cheddar with your favorite cheese or use a blend of cheese for variation.
- For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat tortillas.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
