The Ultimate Vegetarian Burrito Recipe (Irresistibly Good)

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A deliciously good smothered vegan burrito

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Written by Julie on May 24, 2024

Searching for a comforting main dish that’s perfect all year round?

You’re going to love this Ultimate Vegetarian Burrito Recipe — it’s simple, incredibly flavorful, and irresistibly good smothered in authentic Mexican flavor. Packed with lots of nutritious ingredients, this irresistibly good vegan burrito is sure to become a favorite. 

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This recipe always brings me back to some of my first white-sand beach vacations in Mexico. The rich, vibrant flavors I experienced at beachside Mexican restaurants back then seemed so out of reach to recreate at home. 

Determined, I began learning about the essential ingredients in Mexican cuisine. Cilantro, with its fresh, bright taste, was a staple in many dishes, like pico de gallo. Tomatillos, the little green Mexican tomatoes, added the authentic tangy flavor to salsas. This transformed my Mexican cooking, infusing it with the rich, authentic tastes I craved. 

This Mexican-inspired burrito, smothered in delicious tomatillo sauce, brings all those vibrant flavors together — in a deliciously healthy way. It’s one of my favorite dinners (or even breakfasts if I’m keeping it real) , and I keep coming back to it time and again.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a flavorful indulgence, this Vegetarian Burrito Recipe is sure to hit the spot.

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Why You’re Going to Love It

• Inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, this burrito is smothered in a tangy tomatillo sauce that brings a burst of flavor to every bite.

• Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like black beans, rice, and fresh vegetables, this burrito is as nutritious as it is delicious.

• Perfect for any season, you can enjoy this burrito grilled, baked, or even over a campfire (if you prep ahead). Customize it with your favorite fillings to make it your own.

• This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for all levels of cooks.

Healthy Ingredients 

• Tomatillos: High in vitamins C and K, supports immune health and bone strength.

• Cilantro: Rich in antioxidants, aids digestion and detoxification.

• Black Beans: Excellent source of protein and fiber, promotes heart health and digestion.

• Onions: Contains antioxidants, supports heart health and immune function.

• Garlic: Known for anti-inflammatory properties, enhances immune function.

• Jalapeño: Contains capsaicin, enhances metabolism, and provides vitamin C.

• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamins A and C, boosts immune function and eye health.

• Chile de árbol: Contains capsaicin, boosts metabolism and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Lime: Rich in vitamin C, boosts immune system and aids in digestion.

• Pine Nuts: Good source of healthy fats and protein, supports heart health and provides energy.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Ultimate Vegetarian Burrito

1. Prepare the Tomatillo Salsa and rice.

2. While the sauce is cooking, prepare your favorite burrito fillings and sauté in water or olive oil until softened. 

3. Add beans, water, and seasonings to the skillet. Simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. 

4. Once the salsa is finished, add 3/4 cup of salsa to the bean mixture.

5. Warm your tortillas and spread 2 tsp sour cream each. Layer them with your chosen fillings. Roll them up tightly to ensure they hold together.

6. Place the rolled burritos in a baking dish and pour about 2 1/2 cups of the tomatillo sauce over them, leaving some sauce for serving. Make sure each burrito is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Bake the burritos for 30 minutes, until they are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Garnish with chopped lettuce, a squeeze of lime, cilantro, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños if you like it spicy! 🌶️ Serve with a dollop of the leftover salsa on top or on the side.

This creamy smothered vegetarian burrito is a perfect blend of authentic Mexican flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’ll definitely impress and satisfy!

Making Ahead Tips

• Double the Salsa: My tomatillo salsa is perfect for smothering burritos and tends to disappear fast! I usually double it.

• Meal Prep: Make a batch of rice and tomatillo salsa ahead of time. Store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Efficient Cooking: While the rice and salsa are cooking, prepare the bean mixture to save time.

• Assembly Line: Set up an assembly line with all your burrito components to streamline the stuffing process.

• Freezing: These burritos can also be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw and bake as directed, and pour warmed salsa over the burritos.

Additional Tips

Heat Your Tortillas for Easier Rolling

• In a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.

• In the Microwave: For multiple tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds.

To Roll Your Burritos

1. Place a tortilla on a flat surface.

2. Spread on sour cream. Spoon your bean and rice mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Don’t overfill or it will be difficult to close.

3. Fold in the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling.

4. Roll the tortilla from the bottom (the edge closest to you), tucking in the filling as you roll, until it’s completely wrapped.

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Have You Tried Tomatillos?

Native to Mexico, tomatillos are a staple in many beloved Mexican sauces. Versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients, they’re a delicious and easy way to get more fruits in your diet.

Not sure if you’ve ever tried them? If you’ve ever had green sauce or salsa verde, you’ve likely tasted tomatillos. If not, they’re definitely worth getting to know. You can find them in most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and Mexican grocers.

Versatile

This recipe is perfect for those who like easy and for those who like to cook. It’s extremely versatile and you get to choose how easy or homemade you want it to be:

• Canned or homemade beans

• Vegan store-bought or homemade sour cream

• Store-bought or homemade pico de gallo

• Store-bought or homemade tomatillo salsa

• Store-bought or homemade guacamole

These Mexican-inspired burritos truly adapt to your lifestyle and still taste incredible.

FAQ

• Can I use different beans for this recipe?
  Yes, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans. Choose your favorite or mix them up for variety.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?
  Add more jalapeño or chile de árbol to the bean mixture and salsa. You can also sprinkle in some extra cayenne pepper.

• Can I freeze these burritos?
  Yes, these burritos can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw and bake as directed.

• What can I serve with these burritos?
  Serve with sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, chopped lettuce, lime wedges, and extra salsa.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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The Ultimate Vegetarian Burrito Recipe (Irresistibly Good)

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The Ultimate Vegetarian Burrito Recipe (Irresistibly Good)

Yield: 8

Author: Julie

Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 55 Min

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Ingredients

• 8 burrito-size flour tortillas (whole-grain if possible)
• 2 cans drained pinto or black beans (or about 3 1/2 cups homemade beans)
• 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
• Juice from 1 lime and 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
• 1 batch of creamy tomatillo salsa or your favorite creamy salsa
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or water (for oil-free)
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, diced and deseeded (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water or more if needed (you don't want the beans to be dry.)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
• 2 tsp vegan sour cream per burrito
• 2- 1/2 cups salsa (for layering))
• 3/4 cup salsa (for the bean mixture)

Instructions

Baking in an Oven

1. Combine cooked rice with lime juice and cilantro (if using).
2. Follow the recipe for creamy tomatillo salsa or use your favorite salsa.
3. Next, heat olive oil or water in a skillet.
4. Sauté onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic until softened.
5. Add beans, water, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and sea salt.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup salsa.
7. Turn off the heat. If the bean filling looks too dry add up to 1/2 cup more water, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Spread 2 tsp vegan sour cream on 8 tortillas. (Warm tortillas for an easier wrapping process)
9. Layer each with roughly 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup bean mixture (see notes), and any additional fillings as desired (be mindful of room). Roll up tightly.
10. Place rolled burritos in a baking dish.
11. Pour 2 1/2 cups salsa over burritos, ensuring they are well-coated.
12. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, covered with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
13. Serve and garnish with chopped lettuce, lime, cilantro, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños.
14. Serve with additional salsa on the side.

Cooking on a Grill

1. Follow the same instructions up to step 11.
2. Place rolled burritos on a preheated indoor grill. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side until heated through and grill marks appear.
3. Serve and garnish with chopped lettuce, lime, cilantro, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños.
4. Serve with additional salsa on the side.

Notes

• Depending on the size of your tortillas, you may use 1/4 cup each of rice and beans or 1/2 cup each of rice and beans. Use your best judgment to determine the appropriate amount so the burritos can be easily rolled and closed. With my smaller-sized burrito tortillas, I was able to make eight, but it can vary, depending. 
• I like to add lime and cilantro to the rice, but it’s optional.

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Delicious and Creamy Tomatillo Salsa

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This Ultimate Vegetarian Burrito Recipe is a perfect blend of authentic Mexican flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. 

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a meal prep option, these smothered vegan burritos are sure to impress and satisfy. 

The versatility of the recipe allows you to make it your own. Enjoy the rich, vibrant flavors of a deliciously good and creamy smothered burrito. I’d love to hear how it goes — let me know how you made it yours!