Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying plant-based meal, you’re going to adore this Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The blend of smoky spices, creamy guacamole, and fresh veggies wrapped in a warm tortilla? Absolute magic. Trust me—once you try this, your burrito game will never be the same.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Quick: This recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
  • Flavor Packed: Smoky spices and fresh herbs make every bite exciting and balanced.
  • Customizable: You can swap ingredients or toppings to suit your mood or dietary needs.
  • Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for these burritos—kids and adults alike can’t get enough!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe is the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients—you probably have most of them in your pantry already. Every element brings a unique note to the party, from the smoky paprika to the zesty lime juice.

Flat lay of a stack of six large plain flour tortillas, a small mound of cooked brown rice with visible grains, a small white bowl filled with black beans and bright yellow sweet corn mixed with chopped green onion rings and freshly chopped cilantro, a small white bowl of smooth green guacamole, a small white bowl of chunky red salsa with visible tomato and herbs, a small white bowl of creamy white vegan sour cream, a small white bowl of shredded pale yellow vegan cheese, a pile of fresh shredded green lettuce, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with fresh lime wedges, sprinkled paprika and cumin powders artfully arranged in tiny white bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegan Black Bean Burrito, black bean burrito, vegan burrito recipe, plant-based burrito, healthy burrito ideas
  • Black Beans: Canned beans work perfectly; just rinse and drain to avoid any excess sodium or canning liquid flavors.
  • Sweet Corn: Adds a lovely sweetness and crunch; canned or frozen both work well.
  • Paprika & Smoked Paprika: The smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle warmth that brings comfort in every bite.
  • Cumin: Essential for that classic burrito taste — I always toast my cumin before adding for extra aroma.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the whole filling with just the right tang.
  • Green Onions: They bring that fresh zip and mild onion flavor – thinly sliced is best.
  • Fresh Cilantro: This herb ties it all together; if you’re not a fan, fresh parsley works too.
  • Guacamole: Use homemade if you can for freshness, but good store-bought guac saves time wonderfully.
  • Salsa: A vibrant salsa amps up the flavor; chunky or smooth depending on your preference.
  • Vegan Sour Cream: Adds creaminess; I love brands made from coconut or cashews for that rich texture.
  • Vegan Shredded Cheese: For that melty, gooey factor that makes burritos so comforting.
  • Shredded Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness; Romaine or iceberg work best.
  • Brown Rice: The base of the filling—seasoned with a pinch of salt and cumin, it adds both fiber and substance.
  • Flour Tortillas: Use large ones for easy wrapping; gluten-free options are available if you need them.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played with different fillings and toppings depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge.

  • Grilled Veggie Boost: Adding grilled bell peppers and zucchini gives a smoky, juicy kick — it’s become a favorite in my house.
  • Burrito Bowl: Skip the tortillas altogether and toss everything into a bowl for a lighter, lower-carb version that’s just as satisfying.
  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes add finely chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat boost.
  • Different Grains: Swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for variety and extra nutrients.

How to Make Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Black Bean and Corn Salad

Start by draining and rinsing your black beans and corn thoroughly—that rinsing step cuts down on any canned taste. Toss them into a medium bowl with paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t skip the fresh lime juice here; I promise it brightens the mixture beautifully. Add the sliced green onions and cilantro last to keep their flavors fresh and vibrant. Give it all a good stir, and you’ll already be smelling that amazing aroma.

Step 2: Season the Brown Rice

I tend to make my brown rice ahead of time in my Instant Pot for ease—it’s simple and ready in about 20 minutes. Once cooked, season it lightly with salt and a teaspoon of ground cumin to echo the spices in the filling. This little seasoning trick ties everything together and adds warming depth.

Step 3: Assemble Your Burritos

Lay a large tortilla flat on your plate or clean surface. Start with a generous spoonful of the cumin-seasoned brown rice right in the center, then pile on a hearty scoop of the black bean and corn salad. Next, spoon on the salsa, add shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of vegan shredded cheese, a dollop of vegan sour cream, and finish with creamy guacamole. If you like things a bit spicy, I love sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top here.

Step 4: Roll and Serve

Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and then roll it up tight from one end to the other. Wrapping your burrito in foil helps keep everything neatly together, especially if you’re taking it on the go. Slice it in half with a sharp knife, and voilà—you’re ready to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe

  • Rinse Your Beans Well: I learned the hard way that rinsing canned beans makes a world of difference in flavor and reduces that canned aftertaste.
  • Toast Your Spices: Quickly toasting cumin and paprika in a dry pan before mixing enhances their aroma tremendously—don’t skip this step if you have time!
  • Warm Your Tortillas: Slightly warming the tortillas before filling makes them more pliable and helps avoid tearing when rolling.
  • Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pack them full, but overfilling can cause the burrito to fall apart—less is more here.

How to Serve Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe

Three burritos wrapped in shiny silver foil are placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. Two burritos are cut in half, showing many colorful layers inside: soft tortilla wraps on the outside, followed by layers of brown rice, black beans, yellow corn, red diced tomatoes, green lettuce, and a creamy white sauce mixed with small chunks of grilled meat and spices. Behind the burritos, there are fresh green cilantro leaves and lime halves adding a fresh touch to the image. The scene looks bright and fresh, focused on the detailed textures and colors of the fillings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Black Bean Burrito, black bean burrito, vegan burrito recipe, plant-based burrito, healthy burrito ideas

Garnishes

I love topping these burritos with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving—it adds such a fresh finish. If you’re feeling fancy, a little sliced avocado, jalapeño rings, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always a simple green salad or some crispy baked tortilla chips with salsa on the side. If you want to keep it extra comforting, seasoned Mexican rice or a light corn soup complements the burritos beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I like to serve these Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe as a build-your-own burrito bar. Lay out all the fillings and toppings in bowls so everyone can customize exactly what they want. It’s a fun way to get guests involved and please a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I usually wrap individual burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

These burritos freeze wonderfully, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. Wrap each burrito in foil, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight, and reheat (see next).

Reheating

I usually unwrap the burrito from foil (if reheating in the microwave) or keep it wrapped (if reheating in the oven). Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm throughout, or pop it in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 15 minutes to keep that tortilla nice and soft.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas or chickpea flour tortillas. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap without sacrificing flavor.

  2. Is it better to use canned or dried black beans?

    Canned black beans are super convenient and work great for this recipe—just rinse and drain well. If you prefer dried beans, soak and cook them until tender before using; they’ll add a nice, fresh flavor but take longer to prepare.

  3. Can I make the rice ahead of time?

    Yes! I often make the brown rice in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it gently before assembling your burritos for best results.

  4. What can I use if I don’t like cilantro?

    If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley or even some chopped green onions can add brightness without the distinctive cilantro flavor.

  5. How should I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

    Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freezing is also an excellent option for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in such a satisfying way. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how easy it was to make flavorful, filling burritos without meat or dairy. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a winner—you’ll find it’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try and see how something so simple can feel like a special, homemade treat. I can’t wait for you to love it as much as I do!

Print
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Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe

Vegan Black Bean Burrito Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 burritos 1x
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Vegan Burrito recipe combines flavorful black beans and corn seasoned with paprika and cumin, fresh cilantro, and lime juice, layered with seasoned brown rice, guacamole, salsa, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, and shredded lettuce, all wrapped in large flour tortillas. It’s an easy, delicious, and nutritious plant-based meal perfect for lunch or dinner, with options to customize for gluten-free diets and lower-calorie variations.


Ingredients

Scale

Black Beans and Corn Mixture

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 green onions, cut into rings
  • 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Filling

  • 1 cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3/4 cup vegan sour cream
  • 1/2 cup vegan shredded cheese
  • 3 cups shredded lettuce
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice, seasoned with salt and 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 6 large flour tortillas (use gluten-free tortillas if needed)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bean and Corn Mixture: Drain and rinse the black beans and sweet corn thoroughly. In a medium bowl, combine them with paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, cumin, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chopped green onions and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix everything well to blend the flavors.
  2. Assemble the Burrito: Lay a large tortilla flat on a plate or clean surface. Start by adding about half a cup of the cooked brown rice seasoned with salt and cumin to the center of the tortilla. On top of the rice, spoon some of the black bean and corn mixture. Then add a layer of salsa, followed by shredded lettuce, vegan shredded cheese, vegan sour cream, and finally, guacamole or sliced avocado.
  3. Roll the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other to form a burrito. Wrap the burrito in foil to keep it warm and make it easier to handle. Using a sharp knife, cut each burrito in half diagonally, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using store-bought guacamole and salsa can save time and make the recipe quicker to prepare.
  • For a gluten-free version, opt for corn flour-based gluten-free tortillas or make your own using chickpea flour.
  • If you prefer fewer calories, you can skip the tortillas and serve the ingredients as a burrito bowl with extra shredded lettuce.
  • Brown rice can be cooked conveniently in an Instant Pot by setting manual mode for 15 minutes; use 1.5 cups uncooked rice to obtain about 3 cups cooked rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burrito
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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