Need a quick lunch idea to meal prep this week?
Cooking on a budget can sometimes be tough. But if you find the right foods, you can make the process a lot easier.
My family typically eats dinner leftovers for lunch. It’s an easy way to save money! But I know that sometimes we don’t have enough leftovers and will need something quick and easy.
These budget-friendly homemade bean and cheese burritos can also be frozen to reheat later! Made with simple ingredients and one of those easy meals where you may already have all the ingredients needed.
Scroll to the bottom of the post to get to the recipe card, or keep reading to find extra helpful tips!
A healthy protein-filled lunch option
Nowadays, I’m looking to save a little money on food. And sometimes that means going for meatless options.
But eating vegetarian foods doesn’t mean you won’t get a lot of protein! One cup of refried beans has about 230 calories and 13 grams of protein. And 1/4 cup of shredded cheese adds another 7 g protein. Vegetarian foods are a great way to get in your protein!
How much does this recipe cost?
Your prices may vary depending on where you live, but here’s a breakdown based on the prices in my Ohio stores.
- 1 can refried beans: $1.00
- Flour tortillas: $1.95 per package, or $.78 for the recipe
- Shredded cheese: $3.79 per package, or $.94 for the recipe
- Taco seasoning: $.45
- Total cost: $3.17, or $.79 per serving
That’s assuming it serves 4 people, and each person gets 2 burritos. You may need more or less depending on your family size.
Ingredients
Canned refried beans
Shredded cheddar cheese- Monterey Jack cheese would work too!
Fajita sized tortillas
Taco seasoning (Or use your own favorite mixture of garlic powder, chili powder, etc.)
Can you use homemade refried beans?
Absolutely! If you plan to make a ton of these, then making your own creamy refried beans may be cheaper when you buy dried pinto beans. A lot of frugal burrito recipes actually recommend this. I have a small family of 3, so one or two cans from the grocery store is the best option for us.
And, well… if you’d rather use another kind of bean, like black beans, feel free! Refried beans are usually made from pinto beans, but you can totally use another kind.
And I definitely recommend cooking the beans in the Instant Pot. It’s the only way I cook beans anymore because it’s so flipping quick!
If you want specific instructions, check out my post on cooking refried beans in the Instant Pot.
How to make
Add the beans to a medium pot and add taco seasoning. Cook on medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the beans are heated through.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the beans into the center of a tortilla, then top with 2 tablespoons of cheese.
Fold sides into each other, then place seam-side down on a plate and serve.
For a more melty cheese, place the open burritos on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Use the broiler setting to melt the cheese.
How to store
When the beans have cooled to room temperature, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Use up within 3-5 days.
You can assemble the burritos first, or keep everything separate until you’re ready to reheat. Either one works fine!
How to freeze
Yes, you can freeze these burritos! It’s pretty easy.
The easiest way is to wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and put all of the wrapped burritos in a gallon-sized freezer bag.
Use them up within 3 months to help prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, I recommend thawing in the fridge overnight. Take off the plastic wrap, put on a microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second increments.
What to serve with this
This particular time, I made some instant brown rice on the stovetop and cooked it with taco seasoning. You could also serve this with some Mexican corn or even a Southwest-style salad!
Here are some dips/fillings I use for the burritos:
- Sour cream / plain Greek yogurt
- Jarred salsa or homemade salsa
- Guacamole / mashed avocado
- Pico de gallo
More budget meal ideas
Need some more meals on a tight budget? Check out my master post on meals to make when you have little money!
Grab the recipe for these cheesy bean burritos below:
Budget Bean and Cheese Burritos
Need a quick and cheap diner idea? These Bean and Cheese Burritos are frugal, vegetarian, and come together in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 fajita-sized tortillas
Instructions
- Add the beans to a medium pot and add taco seasoning. Cook on medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the beans are heated through.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the beans into the center of a tortilla, then top with 2 tablespoons of cheese.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the beans into the center of a tortilla, then top with 2 tablespoons of cheese.
- For a more melty cheese, place the open burritos on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Use the broiler setting to melt the cheese.
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.