These homemade freezer beef and bean burritos are the ultimate make-ahead meal solution. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, zesty chilies, and melty cheese, they’re wrapped in soft tortillas and freeze beautifully for quick meals anytime. Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch boxes, or whenever hunger strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make a big batch once and enjoy homemade burritos for weeks
Customizable with your preferred level of spice and favorite ingredients
Much more economical than store-bought frozen burritos
Perfect for meal prep and busy families
Hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor
Great for quick lunches, dinners, or even breakfast
Kid-friendly but easily spiced up for adults
Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef forms the protein foundation of these burritos, providing rich flavor and hearty texture. You can easily substitute ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing much flavor.

Onions add aromatic depth and natural sweetness when cooked with the beef. They melt into the filling, providing essential flavor without being too noticeable for picky eaters.

Refried beans create the creamy base that helps bind everything together while adding protein and fiber. The brand you choose makes a difference in the final flavor, so use one you already enjoy.

Green chiles bring a mild heat and authentic Southwestern flavor that elevates these burritos beyond basic. You can control the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties.

Taco sauce and enchilada sauce (both green and red) create the perfect saucy consistency while adding complex flavors. The combination of both colors creates a more balanced and interesting flavor profile.

Salsa contributes chunks of tomato, peppers, and additional spices, adding texture and brightening the filling. Use your favorite variety – either red or green works beautifully.

Spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder are the soul of these burritos, providing that authentic Mexican-inspired flavor without requiring numerous fresh ingredients.

Cheese creates that irresistible melty goodness that makes these burritos so satisfying. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack offers the perfect balance of flavor and meltability.

Tortillas are the essential wrapper that holds everything together. The 10-inch size works perfectly for standard burritos, but 8-inch tortillas make smaller portions that are great for kids or lighter appetites.

Directions

In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef and onion with the salt and pepper until cooked through, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Add the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese and tortillas) and mix to combine. Heat through, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Let the mixture cool slightly. Spread about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the filling on each tortilla (depending on the size of the tortilla and how stuffed you want them). Sprinkle about 1/4 cup cheese (or so!) on the filling. Fold in the sides and then roll the burrito closed.
Roll all the burritos and place them on a large sheet pan. After they are all rolled, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then put them in gallon-size ziplock bags and freeze.
To reheat, unwrap burrito from plastic wrap and microwave for one minute. Poke holes in the semi-thawed burrito with a fork or cut the burrito in half and microwave for 1-minute intervals until heated through. They’ll be piping hot, so eat carefully!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 20 burritos (using 10-inch tortillas) or 30 burritos (using 8-inch tortillas)
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serving Size: 1 burrito per person (larger appetites may want 2 smaller burritos)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and double the refried beans, or add diced sautéed bell peppers, corn, and black beans for a hearty meatless option.
Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of ground beef for a morning variation.
Spicy Lovers: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick.
Chicken Alternative: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast for the ground beef.
Rice Addition: Mix in 1-2 cups of cooked Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice to stretch the filling further and add texture.
Bean Variety: Use black beans or pinto beans instead of or in addition to refried beans for different texture and flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a carb-conscious version (these won’t freeze as well but are great for fresh eating).

Storage/Reheating

Freezing: Individually wrap cooled burritos in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. Label with the date. Burritos will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Refrigeration: If you plan to eat them within 3-4 days, you can store wrapped burritos in the refrigerator instead of freezing.
Microwave Reheating: From frozen, unwrap the burrito and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 1 minute, then poke holes in the semi-thawed burrito or cut it in half. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through (typically 2-3 minutes total).
Oven Reheating: For a crispier exterior, remove plastic wrap, wrap in foil, and bake frozen burritos at 350°F for about 30 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, remove foil for a crispier tortilla.
Toaster Oven: For a quick crispy option, thaw the burrito in the microwave for 1 minute, then finish in a toaster oven until the exterior is crispy.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe as they are more pliable and freeze better. Corn tortillas tend to crack when rolled and don’t hold up as well to freezing and reheating. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free flour tortillas.

How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy when reheated?

Let the filling cool completely before assembling your burritos. Also, don’t overfill them with wet ingredients. For crispier results when reheating, use the oven method or finish microwaved burritos in a skillet with a little oil to crisp the exterior.

Can I add rice to these burritos?

Absolutely! Cooked Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice makes a great addition. Add 1-2 cups of cooked rice to the mixture or sprinkle some on each tortilla before adding the main filling. Just be aware that adding rice will increase your yield.

My tortillas crack when I try to roll them. What am I doing wrong?

Cold tortillas tend to crack when rolled. Warm your tortillas slightly before filling them – either wrap the stack in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or heat each one briefly in a dry skillet until pliable.

How long will these burritos last in the freezer?

When properly wrapped and stored in freezer bags, these burritos will maintain good quality for up to 3 months. For best results, remove as much air as possible from the freezer bags.

Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and double the refried beans, or add plant-based meat alternatives, more beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.

How can I make these burritos spicier?

Choose hot green chiles instead of mild, use spicy salsa, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling, or serve with hot sauce on the side after reheating.

Is it necessary to use both red and green sauces?

Using both red and green sauces creates a more complex and balanced flavor, but you can certainly use just one type if you prefer. Just substitute an equal amount of your preferred sauce.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers work wonderfully for reheating frozen burritos. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, place the unwrapped frozen burrito in the basket, and cook for about 12-15 minutes until heated through and crispy outside.

What sides go well with these burritos?

These burritos are quite satisfying on their own, but they pair beautifully with Spanish rice, a simple green salad, corn salad, or tortilla chips with guacamole and extra salsa for dipping.

My Mom's Famous Freezer Beef and Bean Burritos

Conclusion

My Mom’s Famous Freezer Beef and Bean Burritos represent the perfect intersection of convenience, flavor, and practicality. The genius of this recipe is that one cooking session rewards you with weeks of ready-to-eat meals that taste homemade because they are homemade. The combination of savory beef, creamy beans, warming spices, and melty cheese creates a satisfying meal that family members of all ages will request again and again.

What makes these burritos truly special is their adaptability – adjust the heat level, swap proteins, or add your favorite ingredients to make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for one, or looking to have emergency meals on hand, these freezer burritos are a game-changer in the kitchen.

So set aside an hour or two on a weekend, make a big batch, and enjoy the satisfaction of having delicious, homemade meals ready whenever hunger strikes. Your future self will thank you!

My Mom’s Famous Freezer Beef and Bean Burritos