There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy baked burrito that hits all the right notes—hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. If you’re hunting for an easy weeknight dinner or a budget-friendly recipe that the whole family will love, these baked burritos are exactly what you need. They’re simple to make, super customizable, and perfect for meal prepping to save you time on busy days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious high protein meal option, this recipe has you covered.
Imagine soft flour tortillas wrapped around savory, seasoned fillings—beef, chicken, or beans—topped with melty cheese and baked to golden perfection. That crispy edge you get from baking? Absolutely irresistible. Plus, these burritos freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep microwave lunches or prepared meals for two on those hectic nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked burritos strike the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. They’re a healthy comfort food classic reinvented for busy families, offering you a chance to enjoy all the authentic Tex-Mex goodness without the fuss of assembly line cooking every night.
They’re also incredibly adaptable to your lifestyle. Looking for easy high protein high calorie meals? Load up with shredded chicken and cheese. Following a keto meal plan or wanting low calorie premade meal delivery options? Choose seasoned beans and veggies. You can even double or triple the batch for meal planning chicken lovers or those wanting healthy meal plans for two prepped in advance.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets these baked burritos apart is their golden, crispy exterior combined with a rich, flavorful filling that stays moist and tender inside. Baking them allows the cheese to melt just right while giving the tortilla a satisfying crunch around the edges.
Unlike frying or quick wraps, baking ensures even heat distribution, making every bite comforting and delicious. And the flexibility to customize fillings—from classic ground beef to veggie-loaded beans—means you can always tailor them to your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken (halal)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans or black beans
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce or salsa (optional for topping)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing)
- Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro (for serving)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or heat shredded chicken. Drain any excess fat to keep it lean.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Mix in refried beans and cooked rice if you’re using it—this makes for a heartier burrito and adds a nice texture.
- Lay out a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the filling down the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold the sides in and roll tightly to form a burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Arrange the burritos seam-side down in your baking dish for a neat presentation.
- Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Optionally, pour enchilada sauce or salsa over the burritos and sprinkle with extra cheese for a saucier, cheesy bake.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until heated through and the tops are beautifully golden.
- Serve immediately with dollops of sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overfill your burritos to prevent sogginess and ensure they hold together during baking.
- Using fresh tortillas and brushing with oil before baking gives you that coveted crispy edge.
- Let your baked burritos rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps the filling settle and makes them easier to eat.
- If freezing, wrap burritos individually in foil and freeze on a baking sheet before storing in freezer bags to avoid sticking.
- Reheat frozen burritos in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness, avoiding the microwave if you want to keep that crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian version: Swap meat for seasoned black beans, sautéed peppers, onions, and corn for a filling vegan meal prep plan.
- Breakfast burritos: Use scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and potatoes for a high protein breakfast twist.
- Buffalo chicken: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, add ranch dressing, and mozzarella cheese for a spicy, tangy flavor.
- Tex-Mex beef: Enhance your ground beef with diced tomatoes, corn, and jalapeños for a lively, colorful filling.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese and skip the sour cream, perfect for best vegan meal prep needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your baked burritos with fresh sides to balance the meal. A crunchy cabbage slaw or simple green salad with lime vinaigrette adds brightness and texture. Roasted sweet potatoes or cilantro lime rice make excellent companions for a more filling plate.
For meals for 2 delivered style simplicity, pair your burritos with a side of black bean salad or guacamole. This combo makes for healthy eating for two that’s easy, satisfying, and delicious.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Pair these baked burritos with an ice-cold Mexican lager or a refreshing sparkling water with lime for a light, bubbly contrast.
For non-alcoholic options, try homemade hibiscus iced tea or citrus-infused water to keep the meal fresh and vibrant. Chips and salsa or a bowl of zesty corn salad round out the best dinner prep meals with layers of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Keep leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake them in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes. For that crispy edge, reheating in an air fryer or skillet works wonders. Avoid microwaving from frozen to preserve texture.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These burritos are meal prep microwave lunch champions. Assemble your burritos ahead of time, then freeze before baking for effortless dinners during the week.
If freezing raw burritos, wrap each tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing burritos, which can cause them to burst or become soggy.
- Skipping the oil or spray on top, which prevents achieving that beautiful crisp texture.
- Baking at too low a temperature, leading to uneven heating.
- Not draining excess grease from the meat, resulting in a greasy filling.
- Microwaving frozen burritos without thawing or using an alternate method to maintain crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work best for baking since they hold up better, but corn tortillas can be used for smaller, enchilada-style burritos.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Adjust baking time based on whether they’re chilled or frozen.
How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling, brush tops with oil, and bake uncovered for a crispy finish.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all seasonings and beans are gluten-free certified.
What protein works best?
Ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas, or tofu all shine in this recipe when well-seasoned.
Can I bake them with sauce on top?
Yes! Pour enchilada or salsa sauce over burritos before baking for a smothered version.
Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely. They freeze well and reheat easily for quick, satisfying meals.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish or casserole pan
- Medium skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)
- Brush for oil or cooking spray
This recipe is a shining star in the world of best meal prep healthy options, balancing flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It’s a perfect addition to any protein eating plan or high carb high protein low fat meals strategy, helping you stay fueled with minimal effort.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Baked Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken (halal)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce or salsa (optional)
- As needed olive oil or cooking spray for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in refried beans and cooked rice if using. Mix until combined.
- Spoon filling into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Roll up tortillas into burritos, folding sides in tightly.
- Place burritos seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Brush tops lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Optional: Pour enchilada sauce or salsa over burritos and sprinkle extra cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
- Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.
