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Quick Freezer Turkey Black Bean Burritos: Easy Meal Prep

freezer turkey black bean burritos - featured image

These freezer-friendly burritos are packed with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, rice, and cheese, wrapped in a flour tortilla. Perfect for busy weeknights, they reheat from frozen in minutes for a satisfying, homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 15 oz (425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (180g) cooked rice (day-old preferred)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 810 flour tortillas (burrito size, at least 10 inches)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional mix-ins: corn kernels, diced bell peppers, chopped cilantro, lime juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice first if you don’t have leftover rice. Bring 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Let any excess liquid cook off.
  4. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the black beans and cooked rice. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for 5-10 minutes. This prevents soggy tortillas.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheese once the filling has cooled slightly. The residual heat will melt it just enough.
  8. Prepare your assembly station with tortillas, filling, and parchment paper squares (about 12 inches each).
  9. Assemble each burrito: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup of filling into the center, spreading it into a log shape. Fold the sides inward, then fold the bottom flap over the filling, tuck tightly, and roll up like a tight package.
  10. Wrap each burrito in parchment paper, placing it seam-side down in the center and folding the paper around it like a present.
  11. Place the wrapped burritos on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
  12. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, label with the date, and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Store for up to 3 months.

Notes

Don’t skip the cooling step—hot filling creates steam and soggy tortillas. Avoid adding wet ingredients like salsa or sour cream to the filling; serve them on the side. Use 10-inch tortillas minimum to prevent tearing. For longer storage, double-wrap in parchment paper then aluminum foil. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition

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