freezer burritos

Are y'all ready for a Budget Bytes first?! Here it is... a recipe that actually costs MORE than the store bought version!

Yes, you read it right. I made these frozen burritos to replace those guilty-pleasure frozen things that cost around $0.60 each at the store. I'll openly admit that every time I'm grocery shopping I want to put a few (or ten) in my cart. But then the fear sets in. Something about factory made, super cheap burritos has always frightened me. And thank goodness because that hhas also kept me away from Taco bell. So I decided to make some frozen burritos myself. To my surprise, they were more expensive!

Then why am I posting it? Because I still like the idea. I like that I know what is inside of them and that I put it there. I like the idea of having these handy little bundles in the freezer to just grab and go whenever I don't have time to prepare something (which will be often these next few weeks). Plus, a lot of you have teenagers in the house and this is a GREAT item to keep around for hungry, grazing teens.

Why are they more expensive? Well, big burrito sized tortillas are surprisingly expensive. I'll need to learn to make my own to combat this - it's on my list. Also, I added sliced jalapenos which definitely puts these heads and shoulders above the store bought variety. Lastly, the refried beans ended up being a bit pricey at $0.98 per can. I can buy a whole pound of dry beans for that price (about three cans worth) so next time I'll make my own refried beans.





Total Recipe cost: $7.59
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Cost per serving: $0.95
Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 5 min. Total: 20 min.

INGREDIENTS		COST
8 large	tortillas (burrito size)	$2.33
2 (15 oz) cans	refried beans	$1.96
1 can	sliced jalapenos	$1.27
2 cups	shredded cheese	$1.96
1/2 tsp	cumin	$0.03
1/4 tsp	cayenne	$0.02
1/4 tsp	garlic powder	$0.02
TOTAL		$7.59

STEP 1: Warm the refried beans in a small pot, stirring until even in consistency and easily spread. Stir in the cumin, cayenne and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.

STEP 2: Place the tortillas on a plate and warm in the microwave (about 30 seconds) to make them more pliable.

STEP 3: Place about 1/2 cup of beans, a few slices of jalapeno and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on a tortilla just below center. Fold the bottom up over the fillings, then fold the left and right sides in. Finish the folding by rolling the burrito up (see photos below).

STEP 4: Wrap the burrito in a piece of parchment, foil or plastic wrap using the same method that was used to roll up the tortilla. Secure with tape if desired and label the burrito with its contents. Place the wrapped burritos in a freezer bag.

TO REHEAT: Place the burrito on a plate (without wrapper) and microwave for one minute on high. Check to see if the burrito is heated through and microwave longer if needed.

Step By Step Photos

Here were my supplies: parchment, tape (which didn't end up sticking to the parchment anyway), refried beans, jalapenos, cheese and tortillas. I accidentally only bought one can of beans so I only made four burritos today.


Heat and season the beans to your liking. You don't even have to add anything if you don't want to. Most refried beans already have a little bit of garlic and stuff mixed in.


Place some beans and jalapenos on the tortilla, just below the center.


Add your cheeeeese (the best part).


Start the burrito rolling by folding the bottom up.


Then fold both sides in...


Then finish by rolling the rest of the way up. Now your a master burrito roller.


Wrap up the burrito and label it... you can do some with, some without jalapenos or 8 different kinds if you want.


Place the burritos in an air tight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Now you have your own taco bell, at home, in your freezer... and it only takes 1 minute till ready to devour, as opposed to the 30 minute drive through line!