Bean & Cheese Burrito Packets

Bean & cheese burrito packets are a twist on a Mexican classic I’ve been eating my entire life- bean and cheese burritos.  They were my favorite as a kid and remain to this day.  I love the simplicity of them and most of all the taste.  So adding a crispy exterior to an already perfect dish sounded like a good idea.  Chimichangas are a deep-fried burrito, which is very similar to these packets except for the deep frying.  I use an air-fryer to achieve the crispy flour tortilla, but an oven also will work.  I don’t think it gets as crispy as the air fryer, but it’s okay nonetheless.  

During the pandemic, I stumbled across a TikTok video that folded up eggs, cheese, and bacon in a flour tortilla, and back then everyone was putting everything into an air fryer so I did too. 

I didn’t like the breakfast one that much so I tried just cheese which gave me a crispy quesadilla.  It was flat and needed something else inside, so of course I decided on refried beans.  I’ve used black beans as well, which are still good, but I prefer refried. 

Before you ask, yes you could add chicken or rice, but I like to keep it simple using only beans and cheese.  On the side I like to dip the packet into sour cream and my favorite hot sauce “Franks”.  You could serve it with guacamole, jalapeño peppers, or salsa.  Whatever you decide these little packets are perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack. 

Here’s what you need to make bean & cheese packets:

Flour tortillas– 1 large, burrito-size flour tortilla.  I like the Mission brand, but any kind will work.

Refried beans– 2/3 cup of refried beans.  I like Rosarito beans as well as Trader Joe’s.  Any variety.  Black beans are also good, just make sure to drain them first before adding to the tortilla.  The extra liquid will make the packets soggy.

Cheese– 1/2 -1 cup or more.  The amount depends on your taste.  I like it cheesy so I add about one cup.  I love sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pre-shredded Mexican blend.  Jalapeño jack cheese would also be great.  

Cooking spray–  I use avocado oil spray, but any cooking spray will work.  If you don’t have a cooking spray just brush the outside with vegetable oil or even melted butter.  

Optional for the side–  Sour Cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, avocado, sliced jalapeños

How to make bean & cheese burrito packets:

Begin by laying the flour tortilla out on a flat surface.  Next, sprinkle half of the cheese in the center of the tortilla.  After that, spoon the beans on top of the cheese.  This can be a little tricky because the cheese tends to stick to the back of the spoon.  Do your best, it doesn’t have to be perfect.  Now, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the beans.

How to fold the packet:

Fold the bottom half to the center, then fold the top half to meet the bottom half.  Next, fold in each side.  Spray both sides with cooking spray.

Time to cook!

Put the folded side down into an air-fryer. (Smooth side up). Cook at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes.  You want it lightly golden brown.  

Let’s eat!

Remove from the air fryer and let cool for at least a few minutes before cutting.  Once it’s cooled slightly, cut in half and enjoy.  I like to dip it into sour cream and hot sauce.  

More recipes to try!

Spanakopita Grilled Cheese

Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Homemade Guacamole

Quick Homemade Salsa