I am so excited to be partnered up with America’s Test Kitchen to bring you all a book that we love, the Make-Ahead Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen! Make sure you scroll down to enter the giveaway. 150 recipes that are all perfect to make-ahead and eat later. We wanted to share with you all why you should grab the book because it’s something we already live and breath. We are sharing a freezer meal beef and bean burrito today because this is one that the entire burrito can be made and wrapped individually so kids or adults can grab one straight from the freezer.
A few weeks ago my cute neighbor, Lacey put on a little freezer meals class and I loved listening to everyone’s tips like, don’t put your bags straight up in the freezer or it will freeze slipping through the cracks and then you can’t get the bag out. GUILTY! It was actually just chicken but it was torture trying to get it out of the freezer! Anyway, she did such a great job and I was dying to tell everyone about this awesome cookbook that would give them all of these recipes and great ideas for prepping ahead of time.
We try to always have frozen fruits and veggies and then smaller things like, partially cooked meatballs, soups without the cream, frozen cookie dough etc so I can just grab and go, but if I wasn’t a food blogger and had to always be cooking up new ideas I’m sure I’d do freezer meals more. It’s so easy so you can prep one day and then have more time to do whatever all month long. These burritos were actually so good! Haha, I don’t mean to be so surprised but I thought we were testing the most likely to fail recipe as ground beef isn’t the coolest, but they were so flavorful and delicious! We did add fire roasted tomatoes to brighten things up, but that’s pretty much the only change!
Our favorite thing about the cookbook is it’s not just freezer meals but a whole bunch of options, tips and tricks like,
• Prep Ahead: Recipes for busy people that need to prep one night and eat later.
• Reheat and Eat: Make ahead dishes that you can start one day and finish another.
• Bake and Serve: Oven ready casseroles. America’s favorites.
• From Fridge to Table: Ready to serve meals straight from the fridge.
• Shop Smart: Just a few ingredients and pantry staples can turn into a whole list of recipes. One grocery trip, gobs of meals.
• The Sunday Cook: -What to do with leftovers from those big meals.
• Come Home to Dinner: Easy Slow Cooker Favorites
• Dinner from the Freezer presents- The secrets and best recipes that have been tested over and over again for awesome freezer meals.
How Long Will Burritos Keep in the Freezer?
Frozen burritos should keep up to 3 months in the freezer.
They should be wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, or placed in a freezer bag.
Are Black Beans and Pinto Beans the Same Thing?
There is a difference between black beans and pinto beans and it is in their nutrients.
Black beans are known to be more nutritious than pinto beans and contain more antioxidants than pinto beans.
Black beans also have an edge over pinto beans when it comes to fiber content.
Can You Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Roasted Tomatoes?
You can substitute regular diced tomatoes for fire roasted.
But fire roasted will have a richer flavor, more umami flavor that will be missing.
All our QUESADILLA and BURRITO RECIPES and more:
- Grilled S’mores Dessert Quesadillas
- Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burrito
- Cafe Rio {Copycat} Sweet Pork Quesadilla
- Secrets to the Best Quesadilla
- Teriyaki Chicken Quesadilla
- Deep Fried Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
- Mango Bacon Chicken Quesadilla
- Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burrito
- Smothered BBQ Beef Burrito
- Slow Cooker Mango Chicken Burritos
- Steak Burrito with Grilled Zucchini
- Smothered Cafe Rio {Copycat} Chicken Burrito
- Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Burritos
- Apple Sausage Breakfast Burritos
- All our favorite Mexican Recipes here!
Freezer Meal Beef and Bean Burrito
Freezer Meal Beef and Bean Burrito
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- salt
- 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1 can pinto beans , 15 ounce, (we used black beans)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes, 15 ounce
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- 8 flour tortillas
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
To finish
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
Instructions
- In a rice cooker or pan on the stove, combine 2 cups of broth, rice, half of the garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook and then fluff with a fork and stir in the cilantro.
- Set aside.
- Using a potato masher, coarsely mash half of the beans with remaining 2/3 cup of broth.
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium head and add the onion, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, oregano, chile powder and remaining garlic.
- Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks for 8-10 minutes.
- Add the mashed bean mixture to the beef and cook, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the lime juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and remaining whole beans as well as the tomatoes.
- Set aside to cool, about 20 minutes.
- Wrap the tortillas in a paper towel and microwave for 90 seconds or until pliable.
- Place the tortillas on the counter, divide rice, beef mixture and cheese between each tortilla, fold the ends in and then roll to close.
- Wrap tightly with saran wrap and then foil and freeze each burrito.
- Lasts for about 1 month.
To Serve (if you froze them versus eating right away)
- Turn the oven on to broil.
- Unwrap each burrito, wrap with paper towels and microwave until soft and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Discard paper towels, top with cheese and broil until melted, 3-5 minutes.
- Serve with sour cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Apple Sausage Breakfast Burritos
Bkhuna
My job involves a long communte and I don’t have the energy to eat well by the time I get home.
I would love to learn some new techniques.
Nancy Mattson
The beef and bean burrito recipe calls for Fire roasted tomatoes but does not mention it in the directions. Should I add it to the beef mixture?
Sweet Basil
Nancy, thank you for catching that. The recipe didn’t initially have them, it was our addition so I forgot to add it to the instructions. I’ll fix it now, and yes add to the beef. 🙂
Diana
haha, I just came back to tell you the same thing. We’ve just been adding some salsa on top, and that has been standing in for the missing fire-roasted tomatoes. Next time, they’ll make it in the recipe! I’ve taken the reheating time down in my microwave, too. Wouldn’t it be awesome if everyone’s microwaves and ovens heated to the same temps? 😉
Sweet Basil
Oh amen! Why is it so hard to make them all the same?!
Anna Kelough
I would love to win this cookbook because this is exactly what I’ve be. Looking for to get started on make-ahead meals! My husband is out of town two weeks out of every month so this would be a PERFECT time saver to spend all the time we can with him while he’s home! <3
Tina johnson
I would love to win the book because I love anything by America’s Test Kitchen.
Annette
I’d like to win this cookbook, because I like the idea of shortcuts including freezer meals. I have a tendency to not plan ahead, so when it’s time to eat I end up eating something less-than-desirable. This book looks like something that will me with time and will allow me to cook things when I’m in the mood and eat them at a later date.
alexandra
I think these look amazing!! Will definitely be making these!
Zeli
I would like to win a cookbook because with my busy schedule I love anything that can be prepared ahead of time and am always looking for new recipes to try.
Cynthia
With a 4 year old at home I’m always looking for ways to make my meal prep more efficient. The burritos look like a great idea! Can’t wait to try making them.
Stacey McGinnis
I am a brand new teacher with 5 kids and I am living on my paycheck (husband in school). I have no time and would love to be able to get this cookbook, since I would never be able to afford it otherwise. The recipes look delicious. I love your beautiful site and today I am preparing and freezing several meals I saw on it. Thanks for helping moms like me.
Becky
I’d like to win this cookbook, because “witching hour” is real! I’d love to have something ready to go to make the after school/before dinner time less chaotic 🙂
Plus, you can’t go wrong with ATK!!!
Liz
Those burritos look amazing. YUM!
Allison b
I just found your website via Twitter! Love it!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much, Allison!
Jason L
We have a new baby and need every chance we can to prepare our meals ahead so we can carve out just a few minutes to ourselves at the end of each day. These look great!
Heather King
I am a cookbook fanatic. I love cookbooks.
Kellie
I would like to win this cookbook because I need all the help that I can get with weeknight meals. It always seems that we are in a rush, but can never decide what to make. With this cook book I can get ideas and implement them. No more worries about what to make, how long it takes to prep, bake, etc. and will it be done on time.
Gail
I have been a fan of America’s Test Kitchen and use many of their recipes. Because my adult children have young families, I love to make freezer meals for them to help make their life a little easier. New ideas would be great!
Leah
I have never made freezer meals, but with three kids I am always looking for ways to simplify! These burritos sound perfect!
Juli V
I would love to win because I want to make planning my family’s weekly dinner menu quick and easy!
Rachel
I’ve got a baby coming in 2 months, so I’m starting to stock my freezer with meals. I would love some new ideas.
Holly B
I am always looking for a cookbook to help out the craziness of making dinner after work. I need all the help I can get!
Phyllis
I’d love to have this cookbook because I have a 17-year-old grandson who is always hungry.
T.R.
I want to spice up my routine. I don’t have any make ahead recipes and I get tired of the same ole same ole and the same left overs.
Chantiel
Oooh this cook book sounds amazing.
Emily of Sugar Plum
I would love this cookbook! I’m a flight attendant and could cook and freeze a lot of these meals and take with me on trips. The burritos look so good!
Rachel
I’ve got a baby coming in 2 months, so I’m getting ready to start stocking my freezer with meals. I would love some new ideas.
Regina Flynn
As a single mom of two boys, a 13 yo.(that I home school after work) and an 18 yo( who works, as well as attends college)our schedules aren’t conducive to family meals at one time. Having a cookbook that has make ahead meals that any one of us can reheat and have ready would be such a time( and sanity!!) saver.
kathy
I really need the help to plan ahead and stretch my food budget!
Amanda
This looks amazing!!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
I would love to win this cookbook because I love meal prep and look forward to it every sunday. Implementing the recipes in this cookbook into my everyday life would be so convenient!
Kimberli
I have 2 little boys in 2 different schools (preschool & 1st grade), I work full time nights as a nurse & we have soccer games/practice every weekend! So I’m a busy woman who needs quick, healthy & easy meals for my family! This recipe looks delicious, I can’t wait to try it!!
Sweet Basil
I’m tired for you!! Good luck!
Yvonny
I would like to win because I love all of America’s Test kitchen’s cookbooks. I recently own 3 and so if I won this one I could add this to my collection! They have so many yummy and easy recipes.
Sweet Basil
They are the best!
Jackie
I could put this book to great use for my family and others!
Deb
I NEED this book because my three boys play soccer and we are constantly running to and from practice/games and need something we can make ahead for a healthy dinner!!!
Carrie
These look so good! I would love to win so that I don’t have to come home and cook every night after a long day at work.
Julia
This looks great and it would be so great to cook one day a week and have food everyday.
Sydney @ Tastefully Frugal
These look delicious! I would love to win because being a busy mom to 2 boys under the age of 3 I can use all the tips and help I can get 😉
Jaimie
I would love to win because I’m just getting into make ahead meals and I need more recipes..
Bri | Bites of Bri
I love make ahead meals. They’re great for the husband to throw in the oven when I’m going to get home late from work. They’re also great to deliver to friends, parents, and they often make great leftovers too 🙂
Nena
I would make everything! I love ATK! I already make several recipes as my ‘go to’s from them but this would just ramp up the volume! Thank you.
jenna
I use freezer meals all the time! I have a one week old baby and I’m burning through jy stockpile of meals pretty quick. I hope to replenish it before I go back to work and I LOVE America’s Test Kitchen! They always have fabulous recipes!
Denise
I would like to win this so I can prepare meals for family members and for members of my community that may be going through a crisis of some sort. Sometimes bringing someone a meal changes their entire perspective on life, God and humanity.
Sarah
Make ahead meals is the only way I can get dinner on the table! And now our oldest is going to start sports, so I imagine make ahead and single serve / ready to go portions is going to be a must!! I would LOVE to win the book!
Jen
Love all of their books and I would love to have good recipes for the freezer!
Bryn
Between ballet, homework, gymnastics and the baby…having meals ready for the oven would be a blessing!
Jeana
Wow, I need this! So hard to make a good meal after working all day. Thanks for the recipe.
abbey
Three young kids mean dinner time can get crazy! I would love more make ahead ideas!
Jennifer
I would love to win, because trying to figure out what to make for dinner every single night is one of my biggest stresses! It would be nice to have something prepared that we can just heat up when I’m tired.
Stephanie Cameron
This book would be so helpful now that our son has started pre-school and I started a new job. I definitely need to start planning ahead for dinner.
Laura
I love to have my freezer stocked with meals so I’m always looking for new ideas!
Nancy
I am trying to start fixing dinner more regularly, and I really think this would help.
Amy W.
My three little boys are getting busier (and hungrier!). Freezer meals are just what I need to get some time back when it comes to prepping for a meal!
Susan P
I travel to see my mom every 6 weeks, so the week I am gone, I like to have fast but healthy meals available for my family.
Sarah G
With school and sports starting, I need to find more ways to make meals easier! My daughters have soccer and dance, and my husband is in school 2 nights a week. I need more ideas for make-ahead-meals, and this book is just what I’ve been looking for!
Allison
I have been wanting to try freezer meals for a while now, but am still nervous about how the taste/texture is after freezing-I’m totally gonna try these burritos- my husband will love these for nights when he’s cooking for himself!
Cassie
So yummy! A group of friends and I just started a freezer meal group. These look perfect for that! The new cookbook would help, too 😉
Amy L.
This looks like a great cookbook!!!! I have always wanted to get into making freezer meals and this would be the perfect opportunity to start!
Camille
This would make game days sooooo much easier!
helene
Early mornings & late nights doesn’t leave time to make a meal except salads. Perhaps I could find some low cal & diabetic friendly meals to make!
Lynn
I would love to win this cookbook as I am a single mom working 2 jobs with weird hours and adult kids coming and going. Always being prepared with a healthy delicious meal that is easy to grab would be wonderful!
Allison Z
Would love to win this cookbook because I am always looking for recipes I can make ahead of time, especially with the little one in school!
Jessica DeMay
I would love to win this book because I love make ahead meals and I’m always looking for new ideas. I also make weekly meals for my brother and sister and I’m sure there are good ideas I could use for them.
Karin Carlson
Even though I am retired my days are busier than ever and to be able to prepare meals in advance would make my life oh so much simpler!
Sarah
I love to be able to make things ahead of time for supper busy nights of working late or the kids sporting events.
Stephanie
I would like to win because I love make-ahead/freezer meals and I’m always looking for new (tried and true!) recipes and ideas!