15 Minute Black Bean and Spinach Burritos

Cooking often brings back fond memories, especially when it comes to quick and satisfying meals. The scent of sizzling garlic and onions can transport anyone to a happy place. I vividly remember the bustling kitchen during family gatherings, where dishes laden with flavor came together in minutes. One of my favorites? Black bean and spinach burritos.

These 15-minute black bean and spinach burritos shine for their simplicity and versatility. You can whip them up any night of the week, and they resonate with anyone who appreciates hearty meals. The combination of garlic, spices, and cheese wraps up those comforting elements, making multitudes of flavors attainable in just a flash.

Using convenience at its best, these burritos not only taste delicious but also provide a nutritious option for busy weeknights. Just picture the vibrant colors of spinach and corn, the rich, satisfying texture of black beans, all enveloped within a warm tortilla. Bringing this dish to the table ignites excitement, allowing for a wonderful fill-up while remaining utterly easy to prepare.

The Basics of Black Bean and Spinach Burritos

Fundamentals

The essence of a successful burrito lies within its ingredients and preparation. Black beans serve as a fantastic source of protein, offering a filling base. Spinach adds a nutritious component, while cheese brings a creamy texture to the burrito. This combination strikes a perfect harmony between taste and health.

Utilizing spices like paprika and cumin amplifies the flavors, ensuring every bite contributes to an unforgettable experience. The blend of onions and minced garlic rounds out the mixture beautifully, making these burritos full of depth.

Preparation/Setup

Getting ready to create these black bean and spinach burritos doesn’t take long. Start by gathering all necessary ingredients—1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of diced onion, 1 ½ cups of black beans (or 1 can drained), 1 ½ cups of corn (or 1 can drained), 1 ½ cups of packed spinach, 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack), 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper, along with 2 large flour tortillas.

Take a moment to prep your vegetables – dicing the onion and mincing the garlic will not only speed up cooking but also help release their flavors earlier. Having everything at hand ensures a seamless cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 1 ½ cups black beans (or 1 can drained)
• 1 ½ cups corn (or 1 can drained)
• 1 ½ cups spinach (packed, approximately 2-3 oz)
• 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups finely shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a mixture)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large flour tortillas

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Quickly chop the spinach and add it to the pan, sautéing another 1-2 minutes until it wilts slightly.
4. Stir in black beans and corn, continuing to sauté for another 5-6 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add paprika, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, stirring to combine until the cheese melts into the mix.
7. While the filling cooks, place flour tortillas on a plate. Dampen a paper towel and place it on top of each tortilla. Microwave for 20 seconds to steam and soften.
8. Put one tortilla on another plate or cutting board. Add two to three large scoops of filling to the center.
9. Fold each side of the tortilla over the filling towards the center. Bring the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling and tuck it under snugly.
10. Keeping the sides folded, gently roll the burrito tightly, securing it all in place.
11. Serve with your choice of hot sauce, lime juice, salsa verde, or any favorite condiment.

Elevating Your Black Bean and Spinach Burritos

Technique

Creating the perfect burrito requires attention to technique. Proper sautéing of the garlic and onion ensures depth of flavor. Remember to season adequately; spices create the flavor foundation that builds the overall tastiness of the burrito.

When cooking the filling, allow the ingredients time to meld together properly. Stirring occasionally prevents anything from sticking while ensuring that each flavor infuses through the mixture. Tightly rolling your burritos preserves the filling, so choose a method that keeps everything enclosed and ensures easy handling.

Tips/Tricks

A few useful tips help transform good burritos into extraordinary ones. Try to choose flour tortillas that are fresh and pliable, making wrapping easier. Also, if you opt for shredded cheese blends, consider schemes that mix spicy and mild cheeses for added flavor complexity.

Additionally, feel free to customize the filling. Diced bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or even a sprinkle of lime zest can enhance flavors dramatically. Keep experimenting to discover which combinations resonate best with you!

Perfecting Your Burrito Experience

Perfecting Results

The key to perfect burritos lies not only in the filling but also in the cooking technique. A good burrito is not overstuffed, but it full of flavor. Ensure even distribution of the filling and allow sufficient room for rolling without spilling.

Adjusting the seasoning to taste also plays a crucial role in creating the ideal burrito for your palate. Experiment with additional seasoning as you cook to find that perfect flavor balance.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your filling seems dry, try adding a splash of vegetable broth or water when cooking. Not enough seasoning? Add extra cumin or paprika to punch up the flavors.

For people who seek variety, wrap the filling in whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition, or switch out black beans for refried beans. The options grow endlessly when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace new ingredients!

Serving and Storing Your Black Bean and Spinach Burritos

Serving/Presentation

Serving these black bean and spinach burritos creates a delightful experience. Present them with vibrant garnishes like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a sprinkling of cilantro for an appealing plate.

Consider offering a selection of condiments on the side. Fresh lime wedges, avocados, or your favorite salsa can complement the meal beautifully, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.

Pairings/Storage

For best results, enjoy burritos fresh! They pair well with a light salad or a side of tortilla chips and fresh guacamole. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating burritos is easy—simply microwave them covered to retain moisture, ensuring they stay warm and delicious. You can also bake them in the oven until heated through for a nicely crisped outer layer.

Conclusion

Bringing these vibrant black bean and spinach burritos to the table conjures memories of shared meals and laughter. They showcase how simple ingredients can unite to create something genuinely delightful, inviting friends and family to engage and enjoy. With their ease of preparation and ability to adapt, they quickly become a cherished fixture in any recipe collection. Relish these with your favorite toppings, and savor the joyful storytelling that unfolds around the dining table.

15 Minute Black Bean and Spinach Burritos

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Quick and satisfying black bean and spinach burritos that are simple, nutritious, and versatile, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 1 ½ cups black beans (or 1 can drained)
• 1 ½ cups corn (or 1 can drained)
• 1 ½ cups spinach (packed, approximately 2–3 oz)
• 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups finely shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a mixture)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Quickly chop the spinach and add it to the pan, sautéing another 1-2 minutes until it wilts slightly.
4. Stir in black beans and corn, continuing to sauté for another 5-6 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add paprika, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, stirring to combine until the cheese melts into the mix.
7. While the filling cooks, place flour tortillas on a plate. Dampen a paper towel and place it on top of each tortilla. Microwave for 20 seconds to steam and soften.
8. Put one tortilla on another plate or cutting board. Add two to three large scoops of filling to the center.
9. Fold each side of the tortilla over the filling towards the center. Bring the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling and tuck it under snugly.
10. Keeping the sides folded, gently roll the burrito tightly, securing it all in place.
11. Serve with your choice of hot sauce, lime juice, salsa verde, or any favorite condiment.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with additional vegetables or seasonings for more flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burrito
• Calories: 401
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: burritos, black beans, spinach, quick meals, vegetarian