Smoky Black Bean Burrito (Printable)

A satisfying black bean burrito packed with smoky spices and fresh vegetables for a wholesome meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans & Filling

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
13 - 1 tablespoon lime juice

→ Wrap & Toppings

14 - 4 large whole wheat tortillas
15 - 1 cup cooked brown rice (optional)
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
19 - 1/4 cup sour cream or plant-based alternative
20 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 - 1 avocado, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender.
03 - Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
04 - Add black beans and vegetable broth or water to the skillet. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, mashing some beans with a fork to achieve a creamy texture.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
06 - Warm whole wheat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable and easy to roll.
07 - Spread a layer of black bean filling on each tortilla. Add cooked brown rice if desired, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.
08 - Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll tightly to encase the filling securely.
09 - Serve immediately, or grill seam-side down in a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to create a crispy exterior.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The black beans become creamy and almost buttery when you mash some of them, creating a filling that actually feels substantial.
  • Smoked paprika does all the heavy lifting—it makes four ingredients taste like you've been cooking for hours.
  • You can eat this guilt-free because the fiber keeps you satisfied for half the day.
02 -
  • Mashing some of the beans instead of keeping them whole is the difference between a filling that falls apart and one that holds everything together beautifully.
  • Warming the tortillas is not optional—cold, stiff tortillas will tear and ruin the whole experience, but warm ones are cooperative and forgiving.
  • The lime juice at the end transforms the filling from spiced to alive; don't skip this step or substitute something else.
03 -
  • If your filling seems too thick after simmering, add a splash more broth—it should be creamy but not soupy.
  • Don't skip the mashing step; it creates the texture that makes people feel full and satisfied rather than like they're eating an assembly of ingredients.
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