Introduction: Can a Flavorful, Plant-Based Burrito Be Ready in Just 1 Hour?
Craving a hearty, vibrant meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? The Vegan Burrito, rated 4.56 from 9 votes, is your answer! This plant-based recipe features a delicious filling of Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, guacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh veggies, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. Wondering how to create these restaurant-quality burritos at home in just 1 hour for a satisfying meal for 6? Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for vegan diets, meal prep, or casual gatherings!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The Vegan Burrito is a flavorful, vegan dish that delivers bold, Mexican-inspired flavors in a portable, hearty package. It’s healthy, customizable, and perfect for sharing. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Time Requirement: About 1 hour total (30 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! If you can sauté veggies and roll a tortilla, you’re set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s versatile (swap fillings or salsas), serves 6 generously (1 burrito each), and is perfect for vegan diets, quick dinners, or meal prep. Plus, it’s easy to prep components ahead for fast assembly!
With its vibrant fillings and zesty toppings, these vegan burritos are as appetizing as they are delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
To make Vegan Burritos for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this hearty dish:
For the Beans:
- Cooked Black Beans (1½ cups, drained and rinsed): Provides protein and heartiness.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1 tbsp): Adds bright, tangy flavor.
- Taco Seasoning (2 tsp): Brings bold, Mexican-inspired spice.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 tsp): Enhances flavor and texture.
- Sea Salt (¼ tsp): Boosts overall taste.
For the Peppers:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 tsp): Used for sautéing.
- Red Bell Peppers (2, stemmed, seeded, sliced into thin strips): Adds sweet, colorful crunch.
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances flavor.
For the Burritos:
- Large Flour Tortillas (6): The sturdy base for the fillings.
- Spinach or Lettuce: Adds fresh, leafy texture.
- Spanish Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: Provides a flavorful, starchy base.
- Guacamole: Brings creamy, rich texture.
- Pickled Red Onions: Adds sharp, tangy crunch.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Provides vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Jalapeño Peppers (thinly sliced): Adds a spicy kick.
- Homemade Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa, or Corn Salsa (for serving): Offers zesty, customizable flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or whole-wheat tortillas for added fiber.
- Beans: Swap black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans (vegan).
- Peppers: Replace red bell peppers with green bell peppers, poblano peppers, or zucchini.
- Rice: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Salsa: Swap with pico de gallo, mango salsa, or hot sauce for different flavors.
- Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegan; ensure guacamole and salsa are vegan (check labels).
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free (check labels).
- Add-Ons: Include roasted sweet potatoes, corn, or avocado slices for extra heartiness.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The black beans and rice provide protein and substance, while the peppers and greens add crunch and nutrients. The guacamole and salsa bring creamy and zesty flavors, making this a balanced, vegan meal perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make Vegan Burritos step by step. It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1½ cups cooked black beans, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tsp taco seasoning, 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, and ¼ tsp sea salt.
- Set aside to marinate while preparing other components.
Tip: Mix gently to coat beans evenly; let them sit to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 2 red bell peppers (sliced into thin strips), a pinch of sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, until the peppers are soft and browned in places.
- Remove from heat and season to taste.
Tip: Slice peppers thinly for faster cooking; stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Warm 6 large flour tortillas (grill, skillet, or microwave in a damp towel for 20–30 seconds to make pliable).
- Lay each tortilla flat and layer the center with a handful of spinach or lettuce, a scoop of Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice, a portion of marinated black beans, sautéed peppers, a dollop of guacamole, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapeños.
- Tuck in the sides and roll tightly to close.
Tip: Don’t overfill to ensure easy rolling; tuck sides firmly to keep fillings secure.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the burritos hot with homemade salsa, tomatillo salsa, or corn salsa on the side.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the warm fillings and fresh toppings at their best.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Vegan Burritos
Your Vegan Burritos are ready to impress! Here’s how to make them look as vibrant as they taste:
- Serving: Serve 1 burrito per person for 6 servings or cut in half and arrange on a platter for a shareable meal.
- Presentation Tips:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and pickled onions for a colorful, appetizing look.
- Serve on vibrant plates or a wooden board to highlight the fresh fillings.
- Place salsa in small bowls for dipping or drizzling.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with Mexican street corn, chips and guacamole, or a cucumber salad. A margarita, sparkling water with lime, or a Mexican beer like Corona complements the flavors.
Pro Tip: For a festive touch, wrap burritos in foil to keep warm and serve with a side of extra salsa and lime wedges for squeezing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Vegan Burrito recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to keep it tasty:
- Storage:
- Store assembled burritos (without salsa) in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store components (beans, peppers, rice, guacamole, toppings) separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing:
- Freeze assembled burritos (without guacamole or fresh toppings) wrapped tightly in foil and a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Freeze beans, rice, and peppers separately for better texture.
- Reheating:
- Reheat burritos in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until warmed through (165°F internal temperature).
- Microwave for 1–2 minutes, but oven or skillet retains better texture.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare beans, peppers, rice, and pickled onions up to 3 days in advance; store in the fridge.
- Make guacamole just before serving to prevent browning.
- Assemble burritos just before serving to keep tortillas fresh.
Tip: Add fresh toppings (guacamole, cilantro, salsa) after reheating to revive the flavors.
Recipe Variations
The Vegan Burrito is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegan; ensure guacamole and salsa are vegan (check labels).
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free (check labels).
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or chili flakes to the beans.
- Veggie Swap: Replace peppers with roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Protein Boost: Add tofu, tempeh, or vegan crumbles for extra heartiness.
- Rice Swap: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or skip for a lighter burrito.
Mix and match to suit your taste or pantry staples!
Conclusion: A Hearty, Plant-Based Mexican Classic
The Vegan Burrito is a flavorful, satisfying meal that brings vibrant, Mexican-inspired goodness to your table in just 1 hour. With seasoned black beans, Spanish rice, and fresh toppings, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, vegan meals, or meal prep. Try it as is or add your own spin—maybe some extra spice or veggies? Share your creations with us! Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every hearty, delicious bite!
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Vegan Burrito
Description
Craving a hearty, vibrant meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? The Vegan Burrito, rated 4.56 from 9 votes, is your answer! This plant-based recipe features a delicious filling of Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, guacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh veggies, all wrapped in a flour tortilla
Ingredients
To make Vegan Burritos for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this hearty dish:
For the Beans:
- Cooked Black Beans (1½ cups, drained and rinsed): Provides protein and heartiness.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1 tbsp): Adds bright, tangy flavor.
- Taco Seasoning (2 tsp): Brings bold, Mexican-inspired spice.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 tsp): Enhances flavor and texture.
- Sea Salt (¼ tsp): Boosts overall taste.
For the Peppers:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 tsp): Used for sautéing.
- Red Bell Peppers (2, stemmed, seeded, sliced into thin strips): Adds sweet, colorful crunch.
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Enhances flavor.
For the Burritos:
- Large Flour Tortillas (6): The sturdy base for the fillings.
- Spinach or Lettuce: Adds fresh, leafy texture.
- Spanish Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: Provides a flavorful, starchy base.
- Guacamole: Brings creamy, rich texture.
- Pickled Red Onions: Adds sharp, tangy crunch.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Provides vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Jalapeño Peppers (thinly sliced): Adds a spicy kick.
- Homemade Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa, or Corn Salsa (for serving): Offers zesty, customizable flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or whole-wheat tortillas for added fiber.
- Beans: Swap black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans (vegan).
- Peppers: Replace red bell peppers with green bell peppers, poblano peppers, or zucchini.
- Rice: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Salsa: Swap with pico de gallo, mango salsa, or hot sauce for different flavors.
- Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegan; ensure guacamole and salsa are vegan (check labels).
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free (check labels).
- Add-Ons: Include roasted sweet potatoes, corn, or avocado slices for extra heartiness.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The black beans and rice provide protein and substance, while the peppers and greens add crunch and nutrients. The guacamole and salsa bring creamy and zesty flavors, making this a balanced, vegan meal perfect for any occasion.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1½ cups cooked black beans, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tsp taco seasoning, 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, and ¼ tsp sea salt.
- Set aside to marinate while preparing other components.
Tip: Mix gently to coat beans evenly; let them sit to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 2 red bell peppers (sliced into thin strips), a pinch of sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, until the peppers are soft and browned in places.
- Remove from heat and season to taste.
Tip: Slice peppers thinly for faster cooking; stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
- Warm 6 large flour tortillas (grill, skillet, or microwave in a damp towel for 20–30 seconds to make pliable).
- Lay each tortilla flat and layer the center with a handful of spinach or lettuce, a scoop of Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice, a portion of marinated black beans, sautéed peppers, a dollop of guacamole, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapeños.
- Tuck in the sides and roll tightly to close.
Tip: Don’t overfill to ensure easy rolling; tuck sides firmly to keep fillings secure.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the burritos hot with homemade salsa, tomatillo salsa, or corn salsa on the side.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the warm fillings and fresh toppings at their best.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free (check labels).
2. How can I make it vegan?
The recipe is naturally vegan; ensure guacamole and salsa are vegan (check labels).
3. What are the health benefits of this dish?
This dish offers protein and fiber from beans, vitamins from vegetables, and healthy fats from guacamole, making it a balanced vegan meal.
4. Can I use canned beans?
Yes! Use 1½ cups drained and rinsed canned black beans for convenience.
5. How do I keep tortillas from tearing?
Warm tortillas (as noted) to make them pliable; don’t overfill to prevent tearing.
6. Can I grill the peppers?
Yes! Grill peppers over medium heat for 5–7 minutes for a smokier flavor.
7. How long does it take to make this dish?
Prep takes about 30 minutes (prepping components), and cooking takes 30 minutes, so you’re done in about 1 hour.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double ingredients and cook in batches if needed to serve 12.