These freezer burritos will save you so much time + money
These freezer burritos will save you so much time + money is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Olivia Yi on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 11 min | Total: 1 hr 1 min
Cost: $16.05 total, $2.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Bell Peppers (seeded and sliced thin)
- 1 piece Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning (mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt)
- 1 can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (finely chopped, include sauce)
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded from Costco rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella mix)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Raw Onion (diced, optional topping)
- 8 pieces Large Flour Tortillas (10‑inch size, flexible)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- to taste pinch Salt
- to taste pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the onion, slice the bell peppers thin, and mince the garlic.
Time: PT10M
Shred Chicken
Remove meat from the Costco rotisserie chicken and shred with two forks.
Time: PT5M
Make Taco Seasoning
Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt in a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: medium heat
Add Beans and Seasoning
Stir in drained black beans, homemade taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Incorporate Chipotle
Add the chopped chipotle peppers with their adobo sauce. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Chicken
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in shredded chicken, mixing until evenly distributed and warmed through.
Time: PT1M
Assemble Burritos
Lay a tortilla flat, add a generous scoop of filling, sprinkle cheese, then top with raw onion and cilantro. Fold sides and roll tightly.
Time: PT15M
Freeze
Wrap each burrito in parchment or foil, place in a freezer bag, label with date, and freeze.
Time: PT5M
Reheat
When ready to eat, microwave a frozen burrito on high for 2 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: High Protein, Nut-Free, Soy-Free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bell Peppers: red bell pepper, green bell pepper, any color pepper
- Instead of Onion: yellow onion, white onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Black Beans: pinto beans, kidney beans
- Instead of Homemade Taco Seasoning: store-bought taco seasoning (1 packet)
- Instead of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: chipotle hot sauce, smoked paprika + cayenne
- Instead of Rotisserie Chicken: cooked chicken breast, canned chicken
- Instead of Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley
- Instead of Raw Onion: green onions
- Instead of Large Flour Tortillas: whole wheat tortillas, low‑carb tortillas
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Freezer Bags
- Microwave
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sautéing vegetables until softened
- Incorporating chipotle peppers for depth of flavor
- Wrapping burritos tightly to prevent freezer burn
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality rotisserie chicken for juicier meat and richer flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the filling before assembling for extra brightness.
- If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of chipotle or substitute with smoked paprika.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too watery and makes tortillas soggy.
Drain and pat dry the beans, and let the cooked filling cool uncovered for a few minutes before assembling.
Burritos fall apart after freezing.
Wrap tightly and place a layer of parchment between the tortilla and foil; remove excess air from freezer bags.
Microwave reheats unevenly.
Flip the burrito halfway through the heating time and let it rest for a minute to finish cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the filling completely before assembling to keep tortillas from getting soggy.
- Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or parchment to prevent freezer burn.
- Label bags with the date for easy rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of burritos in Mexican cuisine?
Burritos originated in northern Mexico as a simple way to wrap beans, meat, and cheese in a flour tortilla for a portable meal. Over time they became a staple of Mexican street food and later spread worldwide, evolving into many regional variations.
What are the traditional regional variations of burritos in Mexican cuisine?
In Mexico, traditional burritos are often smaller and contain just beans and meat, while in the United States you’ll find larger, fully loaded versions with rice, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. Coastal regions may add seafood, and some areas include pickled vegetables for tang.
How is a burrito traditionally served in Mexico?
In Mexico, burritos are typically served warm, often with a side of salsa or a simple salad. They are eaten by hand and may be accompanied by a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of hot sauce.
What occasions or celebrations are burritos associated with in Mexican culture?
Burritos are a popular everyday meal but are also served at casual gatherings, picnics, and street festivals where quick, handheld foods are convenient. They’re a favorite for family taco nights and weekend lunches.
What authentic ingredients give a burrito its classic Mexican flavor?
Classic burritos rely on flour tortillas, seasoned meat or beans, cheese, and fresh toppings like cilantro and onions. Chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky heat that is traditional in many Mexican stews and sauces.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with these freezer burritos?
Serve the burritos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, or a simple corn salad. A chilled agua fresca or horchata makes a refreshing beverage pairing.
What makes this freezer burrito recipe special in Mexican‑inspired meal‑prep cooking?
The recipe combines the convenience of a rotisserie chicken with the deep, smoky flavor of chipotle‑Adobo, creating a rich filling that stays tasty after freezing. It also balances fresh toppings with cheese for a satisfying texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making freezer burritos?
Common errors include overfilling the tortillas, which leads to tearing, not wrapping tightly enough, causing freezer burn, and adding too much liquid to the filling, which makes the tortilla soggy after reheating.
Why does this recipe use chipotle peppers in adobo instead of regular chili powder?
Chipotle peppers in adobo provide a layered smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy heat that regular chili powder cannot achieve, giving the burrito filling a depth of flavor that stands out even after freezing.
What does the YouTube channel Olivia Yi specialize in?
The YouTube channel Olivia Yi focuses on practical, time‑saving recipes for busy home cooks, emphasizing meal‑prep, budget‑friendly meals, and clear step‑by‑step video tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Olivia Yi's approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Olivia Yi blends classic Mexican flavors with modern convenience, often using store‑bought shortcuts like rotisserie chicken while still teaching authentic seasoning techniques, making the cuisine accessible without sacrificing taste.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
