Start your day with these hearty Black Bean Breakfast Burritos, a nutritious and satisfying morning meal.
Packed with plant-based protein from black beans, fiber-rich veggies, and protein-rich eggs, these burritos offer a perfect balance of flavor and health.
Quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep, they’re low in saturated fat, versatile, and a delicious option for busy mornings.
Black Bean Breakfast Burritos
Equipment
- 1-Large skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Foil or parchment paper (for wrapping)
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 8 large eggs whisked
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Dice the red bell pepper and yellow onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Rinse and drain the canned black beans thoroughly to remove excess liquid. Wash and roughly chop the spinach, then set aside. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until fully blended and slightly frothy, which will make your eggs fluffy. Measure out your spices and shredded cheese so everything is ready to go.
- Heat the Skillet for Sautéing: Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers slightly. This step ensures the vegetables won’t stick and will sauté evenly, creating a perfect flavor base for your burritos.
- Sauté the Onions and Bell Peppers: Add the diced onions and red bell peppers to the warm skillet. Stir occasionally with a spatula for 7–8 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers become tender but still retain a bit of crunch. The gentle cooking process releases their natural sweetness, which balances the savory eggs and beans.
- Incorporate Beans, Spinach, and Spices: Once the vegetables have softened, add the drained black beans to the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and smoked paprika. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables and beans with the spices. Next, add the fresh spinach, stirring for 1–2 minutes until the leaves wilt but remain bright green. This creates a colorful and nutrient-rich mixture that will form the filling of your burritos.
- Cook the Eggs: Lower the heat to low to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet over the vegetable and bean mixture. Using a spatula, stir gently every minute, allowing the eggs to cook evenly without becoming dry or rubbery. Continue cooking for 5–6 minutes, until the eggs are set but still creamy. This low-and-slow method keeps the eggs tender and perfectly textured.
- Add Cheese for Creaminess: Once the eggs are almost fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the mixture. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the eggs and vegetables. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and binds the filling together, making it easier to roll into burritos.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the egg, bean, and vegetable mixture into the center of the tortilla. Fold the sides in toward the center, then roll the bottom up tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Wrap for Storage or Serving: Individually wrap each burrito in parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step makes them easy to store, transport, or freeze for future use. Proper wrapping also helps preserve freshness and maintain the shape of the burritos.
- Store and Freeze Options: Store the wrapped burritos in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Refrigerated burritos can be kept for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freezing allows you to prep a week’s worth of breakfasts in advance, saving time on busy mornings.
- Reheating from Frozen: To reheat frozen burritos, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for about 90 seconds. For a crispier exterior, place the burrito in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or sear on a heated skillet for 5 minutes. This restores a freshly cooked texture and enhances the flavors.
- Reheating from the Refrigerator: If your burritos are refrigerated rather than frozen, reheat them directly on a skillet over medium heat with a light spray of cooking oil. Alternatively, bake or air-fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This ensures the burrito filling is warmed through and the tortilla gets lightly crisped, maintaining a delightful texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian-friendly version, this recipe already fits perfectly. You can also swap the mozzarella for a vegan cheese to make it fully plant-based.
- Use fresh, firm tortillas to avoid tearing when rolling; flour tortillas work best for pliability.
- The recipe is highly adaptable: feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Black beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, making this a hearty, satisfying breakfast that keeps you full longer.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep; prepare a batch and freeze for up to 3 months to save time on busy mornings.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Burritos
Achieving a perfectly balanced burrito starts with cooking your vegetables slowly.
Sautéing the onions and bell peppers until soft develops a natural sweetness that complements the savory eggs and beans.
Using low heat for the eggs ensures they remain creamy and tender, avoiding a rubbery texture.
Fresh spinach added at the end maintains its vibrant color and subtle flavor.
For a gooey, satisfying bite, always stir in the cheese just before assembly.
Lastly, wrapping burritos tightly in foil or parchment helps them hold their shape and keeps the filling evenly distributed, whether you’re serving immediately or freezing for later.
Serving Suggestions To Enjoy Burritos
These Black Bean Breakfast Burritos are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides.
Serve them with fresh salsa, avocado slices, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
A side of fresh fruit, like pineapple or berries, balances the savory richness of the burrito.
For a more indulgent twist, lightly grill the burritos on a skillet for a crisp exterior before serving.
They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
These burritos also travel well, making them an excellent choice for picnics or packed lunches.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
To maximize freshness, wrap each burrito individually in parchment or foil before storing.
Refrigerated burritos can last up to 5 days, making them convenient for weekday breakfasts.
For long-term storage, freeze burritos in a single layer in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, or use a microwave for a quick solution.
For added texture, reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for a lightly crisp exterior.
Avoid overcooking during reheating, as this can dry out the eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
Yes! Pinto, kidney, or even chickpeas can be used. Just ensure they are cooked and drained to prevent excess moisture from making the burrito soggy.
2. Can I make these burritos vegan?
Absolutely. Replace the eggs with a tofu scramble or chickpea flour scramble, and swap the cheese for a vegan alternative. The black beans and vegetables provide plenty of protein and fiber.
3. How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
Use fresh, pliable tortillas and avoid overfilling them. Warm tortillas slightly before rolling; this makes them more flexible and easier to handle.
4. What is the best way to reheat frozen burritos?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for 90 seconds. For a crisp exterior, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or sear on a skillet for a few minutes on each side.
5. Can I add extra vegetables or flavors?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted corn add flavor and texture. You can also spice it up with jalapeños, chili powder, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
