As the evening sun dips below the horizon, there’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen, a promise of comfort waiting to be unwrapped. I often find myself craving a hearty dish that embraces both nostalgia and new flavors, and that’s precisely where these Pork and Bean Burritos come into play. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a delightful reunion of savory ground pork, hearty beans, and melty cheese, all wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla.
Whether you’re on a quest for a quick weeknight dinner or planning to impress friends at a casual gathering, these burritos lend themselves beautifully to any occasion. You can whip them up on the stovetop or let them simmer away in a slow cooker, adapting effortlessly to your busy schedule. Plus, their crispy exterior and soft-filled goodness make them an instant family favorite. Trust me; once you make these, you’ll never want to resort to takeout again!
Why are Pork and Bean Burritos a Must-Try?
Easy to Prepare: These burritos come together in no time, perfect for busy families seeking a quick dinner option.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of savory pork, creamy cheese, and hearty beans creates an irresistible filling that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize them with whatever you have on hand—ground pork, leftover meats, or even a vegetarian twist.
Freezable Convenience: Make a big batch and freeze for a future meal, ensuring you always have a delicious option ready.
Crispy Perfection: Whether baked or pan-fried, each burrito boasts a delightful crunch that complements the soft filling.
Family Favorite: These burritos cater to all tastes, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for everyone at your table.
Pork and Bean Burrito Ingredients
For the Filling
- Pork – Ground or leftover pork works great as the main protein; feel free to substitute with any ground meat you prefer.
- Onion – Small, diced onion adds a flavorful base; you can choose yellow, sweet, or even red onions as per your taste.
- Sweet Pepper – Diced green, yellow, orange, or red sweet pepper enhances sweetness and texture; caramelizing it can give extra sweetness!
- Garlic – 2 tablespoons minced garlic delivers aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is best, but powder can be a handy substitute.
- Chicken Broth – 1 cup of chicken broth helps add moisture; for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works just as well.
- Tomato Paste – A can (5.5-6 oz) acts as a thickening agent and boosts flavor; you can also use fresh tomatoes if you’re out of paste.
- Chili Powder – 1 tablespoon of chili powder spices things up; adjust according to your taste, or try taco seasoning instead.
- Beans – 1 can (19 oz) of kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained, provides fiber and bulk for your burritos; canned beans save time, but dry beans deserve a bit of prep!
- Cheese – 2 cups of shredded cheese for flavor and creaminess; cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
- Flour Tortillas – 6-8 large, soft tortillas are perfect vessels for your delicious filling; corn tortillas make for a gluten-free alternative.
For Cooking
- Vegetable or Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon is enough to prevent sticking; omit if you’re using non-stick cookware.
- Jalapeno – Seeded and diced jalapeno (optional) adds a kick; leave it out for a milder option or adjust based on your spice preference.
- Hot Sauce/Sriracha – (optional) will enhance flavor; use your go-to type to add a personal touch to your Pork and Bean Burritos.
How to Make Pork and Bean Burritos
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Prep Ingredients: Start by measuring and chopping all the ingredients you’ll need. Dice the onion and sweet pepper; this ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.
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Cook Pork: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces. This should take about 5-7 minutes until there’s no pink left.
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Sauté Aromatics: Next, add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, then stir in the sweet pepper if you’re using it.
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Mix in Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste and chili powder, cooking for another 2 minutes. This adds depth to your filling, creating that comforting flavor profile everyone loves.
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Add Beans and Broth: Pour in the rinsed beans and chicken broth. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces slightly and forms a thick filling.
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Taste and Adjust: Before you scoop the filling into tortillas, taste it! Add hot sauce or adjust seasonings to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
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Fill Tortillas: Lay out your tortillas and scoop generous amounts of filling onto each one, adding jalapeños and cheese if desired.
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Roll and Cook: Roll the tortillas tightly. You can choose to pan-fry them or bake them:
- Pan-Fry: Place seam-side down and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F, place wrapped burritos seam-side down on a foil-lined pan, sprinkle cheese atop, and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve your burritos warm and watch them disappear! They are perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Optional: Serve with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pork and Bean Burritos Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these burritos your own with these fun and tasty substitutions!
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Turkey Swap: Replace ground pork with ground turkey for a leaner option while maintaining flavor.
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Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat and load the burritos with sautéed peppers, zucchini, and black beans for a hearty veggie-packed meal.
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Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your filling, giving it an irresistible smoky flavor.
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Cheesy Extra: Stir in cream cheese or queso fresco along with shredded cheese for an extra creamy and indulgent filling.
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Fiesta Rice: Mix in cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for added texture and a satisfying bite, perfect for stretching your ingredients.
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Sweet Corn: Fold in some frozen or canned corn for a burst of sweetness and a delightful crunch, making every bite exciting.
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Tortilla Variety: Switch out flour tortillas for whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier take, adding to the visual appeal too.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or cilantro to the filling before rolling for an aromatic twist that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Each of these variations adds its own charm, inviting you to discover new flavors while keeping the essence of these beloved Pork and Bean Burritos intact. Enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Store and Freeze Pork and Bean Burritos
- Room Temperature: Best to consume within 2 hours if left out; otherwise, store immediately for optimal freshness.
- Fridge: Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap; stored properly, the burritos will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the burritos wrapped tightly in foil or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Enjoy your delicious Pork and Bean Burritos!
Expert Tips for Pork and Bean Burritos
- Cool Meat First: Allow the cooked pork to cool slightly before filling the tortillas. This helps prevent soggy edges and keeps your burritos crispy.
- Secure the Seam: Always place the burritos seam-side down when pan-frying to prevent them from unrolling and ensure a stable cook.
- Watch the Heat: Adjust your cooking time based on your skillet’s heat. Every stove is different—keep an eye on the burritos to avoid burning!
- Prep Ahead: Make the filling in advance and refrigerate or freeze for quick meal prep. This makes making your Pork and Bean Burritos a breeze on busy nights.
- Customize Fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Feel free to add leftover veggies or other proteins to keep your Pork and Bean Burritos diverse and exciting.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality cheese enhance the flavor significantly, making your burritos even more delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Pork and Bean Burritos are ideal for make-ahead meals that save time on busy weekdays! You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance by cooking and cooling it before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their quality, refrigerate the filling promptly after cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply scoop the chilled filling onto the tortillas, roll them up, and pan-fry or bake as directed—just add an extra couple of minutes to ensure everything is heated through. You can also freeze the assembled burritos for up to 3 months; just remember to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy restaurant-quality Pork and Bean Burritos with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Pork and Bean Burritos?
Elevate your dinner experience with perfect accompaniments that enhance the flavors and textures of these delightful burritos.
- Fresh Guacamole: This creamy dip adds a luscious texture and a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the savory fillings.
- Zesty Pico de Gallo: Bright and refreshing, this mix of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro balances the richness of the burritos beautifully.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for that satisfying crunch; they’re perfect for scooping up any extra toppings!
- Sour Cream: A dollop of cool sour cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, spicy burritos, rounding out each bite.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant side dish brings sweet corn, tangy lime, and chili spices together, adding a delightful crunch and flavor profile.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime zest is a perfect bed for burritos, soaking up their hearty flavors while adding a fresh twist.
- Warm Salsa Verde: Drizzle this tangy, green sauce over the burritos for extra flavor and a hint of spice that ties the meal together.
- Light, Fruity Sangria: For a delightful beverage pairing, sip on a refreshing sangria that complements the hearty meal without overpowering it.
- Churros: Finish your feast with these crunchy, cinnamon-sugar-coated treats for a sweet ending that balances out the savory burritos.
Pork and Bean Burritos Recipe FAQs
What type of pork should I use for the Pork and Bean Burritos?
Absolutely! You can use either ground pork or leftover pork chops, which makes this recipe versatile. If using pork chops, shred them into small pieces before adding them to the skillet. For a lighter option, consider substituting with ground turkey or chicken, or even a combination of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
How long can I store the Pork and Bean Burritos in the refrigerator?
These burritos can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. If you’re planning to enjoy them later, it’s best to refrigerate them quickly—within 2 hours of cooking—for optimal freshness.
Can I freeze Pork and Bean Burritos?
Yes, you can freeze these burritos for up to 3 months! To freeze, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or seal them in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out excess air before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
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What if my burrito filling is too watery?
If your filling ends up too watery, don’t worry! Simply increase the heat and simmer the mixture uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The liquid will evaporate, thickening the filling for perfect wrapping in your tortillas.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, be cautious with the ingredients. The main allergens can include pork, cheese (dairy), and tortillas (gluten if using flour). You can opt for gluten-free corn tortillas and vegetarian cheese to cater to specific dietary needs. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens, especially with pre-packaged items.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen Pork and Bean Burritos?
To reheat, first, thaw the burritos overnight in the refrigerator for more even heating. Then, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwaving them for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can also pan-fry them for a few minutes after heating—just be sure they’re warmed through!
Enjoy the deliciousness of your Pork and Bean Burritos!
Savory Pork and Bean Burritos: Quick Family Dinner Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by measuring and chopping all the ingredients you'll need.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the sweet pepper and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and chili powder, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the rinsed beans and chicken broth. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Lay out your tortillas, scoop generous amounts of filling onto each one, adding jalapeños and cheese if desired.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and cook by either pan-frying or baking.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like salsa or guacamole.