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Easy Copycat Taco Bell Bean Burrito Recipe for Beginners

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This Easy Copycat Taco Bell Bean Burrito is a warm, soft tortilla stuffed with creamy refried beans, zesty red sauce, diced onions, and melty cheese—just like the fast-food favorite! Simple, delicious, and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect grab-and-go meal! 🧀✨

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2/3 cup refried beans – Canned refried beans work perfectly, but you can also mash your own cooked beans for a homemade touch.
  • 4 heaping tablespoons finely shredded cheese – A bagged Mexican-style or fiesta cheese blend is ideal, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow or white onion – Fresh onions add a bit of crunch and a mild sharpness to balance the creamy filling.
  • 4 tablespoons taco sauce – Taco Bell’s mild sauce is a great option, but any taco sauce or even a mild salsa can be used.
  • 2 burrito-sized flour tortillas – Soft, large tortillas that are pliable enough for folding without breaking.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Refried Beans

  1. Place the refried beans in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to loosen them up, as canned refried beans are often thick. Stir well to create a smoother consistency.
  3. Cook until the beans are hot, then remove from heat and cover with a lid to keep them warm.

Beginner Tip: The amount of water needed will depend on the brand of beans you use. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary. You want the beans to be spreadable but not too runny.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

  1. Heat a large, dry pan over medium heat.
  2. Place one tortilla in the pan and heat for about 20 seconds on each side, just until warm and flexible.
  3. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the second tortilla.

Beginner Tip: You don’t need to use oil or cooking spray. Just a few seconds in a warm pan will make the tortilla soft and easy to fold.

Step 3: Assemble the Burrito

  1. Place one warm tortilla on a flat surface.
  2. Spread about 1/3 cup of the heated refried beans in the center of the tortilla.
  3. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese on top of the beans.
  4. Add about one tablespoon of chopped onion.
  5. Drizzle one to two tablespoons of taco sauce over the filling.

Step 4: Fold and Roll the Burrito

  1. Fold in the sides of the tortilla to keep the filling secure.
  2. Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla tightly over the filling until it is completely wrapped.
  3. If needed, place the burrito seam-side down in the pan for a few seconds to help seal it.

Beginner Tip: If you want extra melty cheese, assemble the burrito quickly while everything is still hot. Letting it sit for a minute before eating can also help the cheese soften.

Notes

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

  • If the beans are too thick and hard to spread… Add a little more water while heating them to make them smoother.
  • If the tortilla tears when rolling… Make sure it is warm and pliable before assembling the burrito.
  • If the cheese doesn’t melt enough… Wrap the burrito in foil and let it sit for a few minutes, or place it in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Helpful Kitchen Tips:

  • Prepping efficiently: Chop the onions and have all ingredients ready before heating the tortillas. This will help with quick assembly.
  • Substituting tools: If you don’t have a pan to warm the tortillas, you can use a microwave. Wrap the tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 15 seconds.