Delicious Backpacking Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Ready to upgrade your backpacking menu? When you’re deep in the backcountry, few things will hit the spot like this warm, hearty, and cheesy burrito. Packed with protein, carbs, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. This cheesy bean and rice burrito is a backpacker’s dream meal. Lightweight, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying after a long day on the trail. Let’s dig in!

Why I Love This Recipe 

This recipe is an inspiration created from one of my guilty pleasures, the Taco Bell Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. The creation of this recipe came about while my significant other and I were out on trail. We were getting close to finishing up the last day of the backpacking trip. And as many backpackers do, we started thinking about that post trail meal.

We were naming those typical craving meals, like burgers, pizza, and pasta. Till one of us said let’s do Mexican… Taco Bell? We laughed but, behind the laughter there was a little bit of seriousness, as it actually sounded super delicious. Furthermore, after some researching on ingredients we realized how simple this recipe could be to make. And why wait post trail when we could be having this meal on trail.

After making this recipe several times now. My favorite thing about it is how simple it is to prepare. It really just takes minutes to cook and if in a hurry can even be cold soaked for less clean up. I love to eat it right out of the tortilla, often with a dash of hot sauce or Taco Bell sauce if I’m feeling extra fancy. It’s the kind of meal that not only fills your belly but also keeps the adventure alive with every bite.

Backpacking Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos: Ingredient Breakdown

When you’re heading out into the wilderness, you need meals that are easy to prepare, pack light, and are satisfying after a long day of hiking. Our cheesy bean and rice Burrito is a perfect example of a easy to make meal ideal for backpacking.

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to create this tasty burrito, along with some tips and substitution ideas.

Ingredients (Per Serving):

• 1/4 cup Minute Rice – Quick-cooking and lightweight.
  • Substitution: Quinoa or couscous could be used, but they’ll have slightly different cook times.
• 1/2 cup Flaked Dehydrated Pinto Beans– Adds flavor, protein, and creamy texture. I use beans from Harmony House or dehydrate my own.
  • Substitution: Can substitute other beans like black beans, red beans, and navy beans
• 1 Flour Tortilla – Holds all the cheesy beany goodness in
  • Substitution: Can go without a tortilla, use other variations of wraps
• 2 tablespoon Cheddar Cheese Powder – Adds richness, creamy, cheesy goodness, I use this cheese
  • Substitution: Freeze dried cheese shreds, yeast nutrient, vegan cheese powder
• ½ teaspoon Taco Seasoning – Brings that hint of spice, warmth, and taco flavor.
  • Substitution: Can use a taco premade packet, DIY seasoning, or other variations
• Hot sauce (Optional) – Adds additional warmth and spice
  • Substitution:  Any variations, using Taco Bell sauce definitely elevates the dish

Let’s Make This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Together

Making these cheesy bean and rice burritos while out in the wild is both fun and simple! Let’s walk through the process, step by step.

Step 1: At Home, Pre Pack Ingredients

Measure out all the dry ingredients and mix them together in a resealable bag or container.

Step 2: Boil Water for the Rice and Beans

The first thing you’ll want to do is get your water boiling. For the rice and beans, you’ll need around 1/4 a cup of water or about 4 to 5 ounces. Heat this in your camp stove till its at a rolling boil.

While the water’s heating up, you can set up your other ingredients, so you’re ready when the water’s hot!

Step 3: Rehydrate the Mix

Once your water boils, pour the cheesy bean and rice mix into your stove and cover or pour the water into a mylar resealable bag and then reseal it. Stir, and let it sit for a 5 to 10 minutes to rehydrate. You want the beans to get soft and creamy and the rice to be soft

Step 4: Prepare Your Tortillas

While your filling is coming together, lay out your tortillas.

This is a little extra, but if you’ve got a moment, you can warm them up over the stove fire or on a pan. You will only need just a few seconds on each side which will give them that fresh, soft texture. However, if you’re on the go, like I am most times then skip this and just use the tortillas as they are. It will still be delicious!

Step 5: Assemble the Burritos

Now for the best part, assembling your burrito! Lay your warm tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the cheesy rice and bean mixture onto the center. Then fold the tortilla up into a burrito. Your cheesy bean and rice burrito is now ready to eat!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pack cheesy bean and rice burritos for backpacking?
When I take these burritos on the trail, I weigh out and pack the dry ingredients into a small zip bag or I put the ingredients into a small mylar resealable bag. Carry the tortillas separately, I like to use taco sized flour tortillas they store the best especially if using a bear cannister for food storage, place them on the bottom.

How do I heat burritos while backpacking?
My favorite way to reheat them is by boiling water however, you can also cold soak this recipe. It will still be really good just not as warm as if you had used boiling water, also I would extend the soak time by about another 5 minutes or so.

Can I make these burritos without cheese or with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! I’ve made them without cheese before, and they still taste great. If you want a dairy-free option, then I would recommend using a plant-based cheese powder at the same amount or nutritional yeast at half the amount for a cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoy this cheesy bean and rice burrito recipe as much as we do! Next time you’re planning a backpacking trip, give this recipe a try! Looking for a great breakfast recipe try our banana peanut oatmeal.

Have a favorite way to customize your burritos? Drop a comment below and share your favorite trail meal tips down below so we and others can try it!