Make-Ahead Freezer Burritos
Did you know September is the most birthday-heavy month of the year? And September 9th is the most popular day to be born in America? In case you know someone expecting...this recipe is the perfect main to drop off for a new mom or maybe a sick friend or gal pal who’s burning the midnight oil racing a deadline at work. It’s one of my mom’s go-to recipes for these occasions, and it’s become one of mine, too. Freezer burritos are a nice option for a quick lunch or a family dinner, and this recipe makes plenty, so your recipient will be able to utilize your generosity for more than one meal. Toss in a salad kit or two, along with some chips and salsa, and you’ve got a complete meal. Bonus points if you don’t forget the guac! (Time-saving tip: I’ve also doubled this and made it for two friends at once! Just be sure you’re using an extra-large skillet!)
MAKE-AHEAD FREEZER BURRITOS
INGREDIENTS:
Extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 can chopped green chiles (4.5 ounces)
2 15-ounce cans black beans (you can also use other beans such as pinto or kidney)...here’s the key: 1 can drained, and 1 can un-drained
Salt & pepper
8 flour tortillas (make sure you’re using the 10-inch type)
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups cooked shredded meat of choice (I used shredded chicken I made in the Crockpot), OR you can omit the meat if you’re making for a vegetarian friend and instead add additional vegetables
2 cups baby spinach (alternatively, you can use kale or arugula, chopped)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle olive oil across pan. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add chili powder and chiles, and cook for about 1 minute more. Add beans (+ liquid), a little salt and pepper, and cook, mashing mixture with a potato masher for about 2 minutes. The liquid will reduce, and you’ll have a thickened bean mixture (not all beans will be mashed!). Create an assembly line, placing each tortilla atop a piece of foil. Layer each tortilla with beans, then rice, cheese, meat (or veggies), and greens. Roll into a burrito, then seal into foil package. Once all are assembled, place into two larger zip-top baggies. These burritos can be defrosted and heated in a micro (removed from foil, of course) for about 2 minutes, flipping once.
