Burritos are a popular Tex-Mex food that typically consist of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling. While burrito fillings can vary widely, beans are one of the most common and delicious options. Canned beans provide an easy and nutritious filling for burritos. But with so many varieties of canned beans available, it can be tough to choose the best option for your burritos. This article will examine some of the most popular types of canned beans for burritos and help you select the right ones to elevate your homemade burritos.
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are one of the most popular choices for burrito beans. They have a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other burrito fillings. When mashed, pinto beans create a smooth texture that helps bind the other ingredients together.
Some key advantages of using canned pinto beans in burritos include:
- Mild flavor – Pinto beans have a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Smooth, creamy texture – When mashed, pinto beans create a creamy base for the filling.
- Nutritious – Pinto beans are high in fiber, protein, and minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium.
- Affordable – Canned pinto beans are usually one of the more budget-friendly canned bean options.
- Widely available – Pinto beans are common in most grocery stores.
Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with pinto beans as the base for your burrito beans. They have an almost neutral taste and blend seamlessly with spices, vegetables, and other ingredients. Their smooth texture when mashed helps bind the burrito together.
Black Beans
Black beans are another excellent choice for burritos. They have a robust, earthy flavor and hold their shape well when cooked. Here are some of the benefits of using black beans in burritos:
- Hearty flavor – Black beans have a more pronounced flavor than pinto beans.
- Holds shape – Black beans maintain their shape when cooked, providing more texture.
- Nutrient-dense – High in fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
- Visually appealing – The dark color of black beans looks striking next to other burrito fillings.
- Budget-friendly – Canned black beans are very affordable.
The hearty texture and flavor of black beans pair especially well with spicy ingredients like chili peppers or salsa. Their rich color also makes them visually appealing in a burrito. Just take care not to over-mash them when preparing or you’ll lose their shape.
Red Kidney Beans
If you want a slightly sweet, meaty bean for your burritos, consider red kidney beans. Some benefits of using canned red kidney beans in burritos include:
- Sweet, meaty flavor – Kidney beans have a touch of natural sweetness and meaty texture.
- Holds shape well – Excellent shape retention when cooked.
- High in nutrients – Good source of fiber, protein, iron, potassium, folate.
- Visually appealing – Vibrant red color.
- Budget-friendly – Typically low cost.
The meaty texture and touch of sweetness from red kidney beans complement savory fillings like beef or chicken well. They also retain their shape nicely during cooking. Just don’t overcook them or they can become mushy. Overall, red kidney beans add visual appeal, nutrition, and extra flavor to burritos.
Refried Beans
Unlike whole beans, refried beans have been previously cooked and mashed. Canned refried beans provide a smooth, paste-like texture and mild flavor. Some pros of using refried beans in burritos include:
- Smooth, spreadable texture – Refried beans act like a paste to bind burrito ingredients.
- Mild, earthy flavor – Refried beans allow other burrito flavors to shine.
- Saves time – No need to cook and mash beans from scratch.
- Convenient – Can be quickly heated and added to burritos.
- Versatile – Easily adapts to any fillings.
Refried beans work especially well in burritos with lots of bold flavors and textures. They act as a smooth, mild paste that binds everything together. Just take care not to make the burrito filling too soft or wet. You’ll still want some texture from the other ingredients.
Considerations When Selecting Canned Beans
When choosing which type of canned beans to use in your burritos, keep the following factors in mind:
- Flavor – Pick beans that match the overall burrito flavor profile you want. Mild or earthy? Sweet or meaty?
- Texture – Whole beans or refried? Shape retention is important if you want some bite.
- Color – Visual appeal is key. Think about bean color in relation to other fillings.
- Nutrition – All beans provide fiber, protein, and minerals, but analyze labels if this is important to you.
- Sodium content – Look for low or no-salt-added beans if limiting sodium.
- Cost – Opt for beans that fit your budget.
- Convenience – Canned beans eliminate prep work. Refried beans are quickest.
Take the flavor, texture, appearance, nutrition, and cost into account for your needs. Testing different canned bean varieties in your burrito recipe is also recommended.
Recommended Canned Bean Brands
When purchasing canned beans, quality and freshness are important. Here are some top rated canned bean brands to look for:
- Eden Foods – Organic beans, BPA-free cans
- 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods) – Affordable, organic options
- Goya – Wide range of bean varieties
- Bush’s – Classic, inexpensive beans
- S&W – Good quality, low cost beans
- Randalls – Good inventory of less common bean types
- Trader Joe’s – Unique flavor infused bean options
Check the expiry date and choose BPA-free cans when possible for food safety. Canned beans last 1-2 years when properly stored.
Preparing Canned Beans for Burritos
Using canned beans in burritos couldn’t be easier. Here are some tips for preparation:
- Drain and rinse beans – Remove excess liquid and salt from the can.
- Sauté beans – Heat them in oil with spices and aromatics for more flavor.
- Mash/blend (optional) – For a creamier texture, partially mash beans.
- Add flavor – Onion, garlic, chili, cumin, etc complement beans.
- Adjust consistency – Add cooking liquid as needed if too thick or dry.
- Don’t overcook – Simmer briefly. Beans are already cooked.
Flavor beans to your taste and add them alone or mix with other ingredients like rice, veggies, or meat in your burritos. Get creative with additional toppings like cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
Best Canned Bean Burrito Recipes
Here are 3 delicious canned bean burrito recipes to give a try:
Pinto Bean and Chicken Burritos
These burritos combine creaminess from mashed pinto beans with savory shredded chicken, cheese, and spice. Pinto beans subtly complement the chicken.
Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos
The heartiness of black beans matches well with sweet potatoes. Jalapenos, cumin, and cayenne add a kick of heat.
Red Kidney Bean Beef Burritos
The sweet kidney beans pair nicely with spicy, seasoned ground beef. Top with sour cream for even more flavor.
Storing Leftover Burrito Beans
Properly stored, leftover canned beans or homemade bean burrito filling will keep for:
- 4-5 days in the refrigerator
- 6 months in the freezer
Tips for storing burrito bean leftovers:
- Cool beans completely before refrigerating.
- Divide into shallow airtight containers for quick cooling.
- Use freezer-safe containers for longer storage.
- Add a thin layer of broth over beans to prevent drying.
- Freeze beans up to 6 months; thaw in refrigerator before using.
- Avoid repeated warmings; reheat only once.
With proper storage, you can easily prep burrito beans in advance or have leftovers for a few days. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Are Canned Beans Healthy?
Beans offer many nutritional benefits:
- High in fiber – Helps digestion and heart health.
- Protein – Provides amino acids for growth and maintenance.
- Folate – Important for new cell generation and DNA synthesis.
- Minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium – Vital for oxygen transport and muscle function.
- Low glycemic index – Help regulate blood glucose levels.
- Antioxidants – Reduce cellular damage from oxidative stress.
However, the sodium content of canned beans can be high. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added options. Rinsing beans can also reduce excess sodium by 40-60%.
Overall, beans are packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They provide a nutritious foundation for any burrito filling. Selecting lower sodium bean options maximizes the health benefits.
Conclusion
Pinto, black, kidney, and refried beans all make excellent fillings for burritos. Choose beans that complement the other ingredients in flavor, texture, and color. Canned beans provide convenience while still delivering a nutritional punch. Look for high quality, low-sodium brands and prepare beans simply with spices and aromatics. With the right canned beans as a base, you can create healthy, delicious homemade burritos that everyone will enjoy.