How Many Calories Are in a Bean and Cheese Burrito?

AvatarByMary Davis Cheese

When it comes to satisfying cravings with a hearty and flavorful meal, the bean and cheese burrito stands out as a beloved choice for many. This classic combination offers a comforting blend of creamy cheese and protein-packed beans wrapped in a warm tortilla, making it both delicious and filling. But beyond its taste and convenience, many people wonder about the nutritional impact of this popular dish—especially its calorie content.

Understanding how many calories are in a bean and cheese burrito is essential for those who are mindful of their diet or simply curious about what they’re consuming. Calories are a key factor in managing energy intake, whether the goal is weight maintenance, loss, or muscle gain. Since burritos can vary widely in size, ingredients, and preparation methods, the calorie count can also fluctuate significantly.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that influence the calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito, including ingredient choices and portion sizes. This overview will help you make informed decisions about enjoying this tasty meal while keeping your nutritional goals in check.

Caloric Content of Common Bean and Cheese Burritos

The calorie count of a bean and cheese burrito can vary widely depending on the specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Typically, the main contributors to the total caloric content are the flour tortilla, refried or whole beans, cheese, and any added oils or toppings.

A standard bean and cheese burrito generally contains the following components:

  • Flour tortilla: Usually 8 to 12 inches in diameter, made from refined flour, contributing a significant portion of calories primarily from carbohydrates.
  • Beans: Commonly pinto or black beans, either refried or whole, providing protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.
  • Cheese: Often a shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, contributing fat and protein.
  • Additional ingredients: Sometimes include sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, which can increase calorie content.

The exact calorie count depends on the quantity of each ingredient. For instance, using low-fat cheese or a smaller tortilla can reduce calories, whereas adding sour cream or frying the burrito in oil increases the total.

Ingredient Typical Amount Calories Macronutrients
Flour Tortilla (10-inch) 1 tortilla (approx. 50g) 150-200 kcal Carbs 30-35g, Fat 3-5g, Protein 4-6g
Refried Beans ½ cup (130g) 120-140 kcal Carbs 20-25g, Fat 2-4g, Protein 6-8g
Shredded Cheddar Cheese ¼ cup (28g) 110-115 kcal Fat 9-10g, Protein 7g, Carbs 1g
Sour Cream (optional) 2 tbsp (30g) 60 kcal Fat 5g, Protein 1g, Carbs 1g
Salsa (optional) 2 tbsp (30g) 10-15 kcal Carbs 3g, Protein 0.5g, Fat 0g

Overall, a basic bean and cheese burrito without additional toppings or frying typically contains between 380 and 450 calories. Adding sour cream, guacamole, or frying the burrito will increase this number accordingly.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation

Several factors can cause variation in the calorie content of bean and cheese burritos across different recipes and restaurant preparations:

  • Tortilla size and type: Larger tortillas or whole wheat tortillas can have differing calorie profiles. For example, a 12-inch tortilla can add 50-100 more calories than a smaller 8-inch one.
  • Type of beans: Refried beans cooked with lard or oil have higher fat and calorie content than boiled whole beans.
  • Cheese variety and quantity: Using full-fat cheese substantially increases calories, while reduced-fat or part-skim cheeses lower them.
  • Preparation method: A burrito that is pan-fried or deep-fried will absorb oil and significantly increase fat and calorie content.
  • Additional fillings: Ingredients like rice, meat, sour cream, guacamole, or vegetables affect total calories. Meat adds protein and fat, while vegetables add volume with minimal calories.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

When evaluating a bean and cheese burrito from a nutritional perspective, calories are only part of the picture. Consider the following aspects:

  • Macronutrient balance: Beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, which support satiety and digestive health. Cheese contributes protein and fats, including saturated fats.
  • Fiber content: Beans are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
  • Sodium levels: Processed cheese and refried beans can contain high sodium levels, which may be a concern for individuals monitoring blood pressure.
  • Micronutrients: Beans offer iron, magnesium, and folate, while cheese provides calcium and vitamin D.
  • Glycemic impact: The combination of beans and cheese with a refined flour tortilla can affect blood sugar differently than whole grain alternatives.

Calorie Estimates for Popular Chain Bean and Cheese Burritos

Many fast food and casual dining chains offer bean and cheese burritos, and their caloric content varies based on portion size and recipe. Below is an approximate calorie range for some popular options:

Calorie Content of a Bean and Cheese Burrito

The calorie count of a bean and cheese burrito varies widely depending on the ingredients, portion size, and preparation method. Generally, a bean and cheese burrito consists of a flour tortilla, refried or whole beans, cheese, and sometimes additional components such as rice, salsa, or sour cream. Each element contributes to the overall caloric value.

Here is a breakdown of the primary components and their typical calorie ranges:

  • Flour Tortilla: A medium-sized (10-inch) flour tortilla contains approximately 150 to 200 calories.
  • Beans: Refried beans or black beans generally provide about 100 to 130 calories per half-cup serving.
  • Cheese: One ounce of shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend contains roughly 110 to 120 calories.
  • Additional Ingredients: Add-ons such as rice (100-130 calories per half-cup), salsa (10-20 calories per serving), or sour cream (60 calories per tablespoon) can significantly affect the total calorie count.
Restaurant Burrito Size Calories Notes
Taco Bell Bean & Cheese Burrito (regular) 350 kcal Standard preparation with refried beans and cheddar cheese
Chipotle Bean & Cheese Burrito (burrito bowl size) 450-500 kcal Includes large flour tortilla and cheese, with optional extras
Ingredient Typical Serving Size Calories (Approximate)
Flour Tortilla 1 medium (10-inch) 150 – 200
Refried or Black Beans ½ cup 100 – 130
Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican Blend) 1 oz (28 grams) 110 – 120
Rice (optional) ½ cup cooked 100 – 130
Salsa (optional) 2 tablespoons 10 – 20
Sour Cream (optional) 1 tablespoon 60

Based on these values, a basic bean and cheese burrito without extras typically contains between 360 and 450 calories. Including rice, salsa, and sour cream can raise the caloric content to approximately 480 to 600 calories or more.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variation

Several factors influence the calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito, making it important to consider context when estimating nutritional intake.

  • Portion Size: Larger tortillas or increased fillings naturally increase calorie counts.
  • Type of Beans: Refried beans are often cooked with added fats, such as lard or oil, which increase calories compared to plain boiled beans.
  • Cheese Variety: Different cheeses vary in fat content; for example, mozzarella has fewer calories than cheddar per ounce.
  • Preparation Method: Cooking methods involving added oils or frying the burrito can significantly add to calories.
  • Additional Fillings: Ingredients such as rice, guacamole, sour cream, or meat will add calories beyond the basic bean and cheese components.

Calorie Estimates from Popular Chains

To provide practical examples, here are calorie estimates for bean and cheese burritos from well-known fast food and casual dining establishments:

Restaurant Burrito Description Calories
Taco Bell Bean Burrito (beans, cheese, tortilla, onions) 380
Chipotle Veggie Burrito with beans and cheese (flour tortilla, pinto beans, cheese) approx. 515
Del Taco Bean and Cheese Burrito 360
Homemade Typical 10-inch flour tortilla, refried beans, 1 oz cheese 400 – 450

These values reflect standard recipes and may vary depending on customization or regional differences.

Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of a Bean and Cheese Burrito

Dr. Maria Lopez (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). A typical bean and cheese burrito contains approximately 300 to 450 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used. The calorie count can vary significantly based on the type of beans, the amount of cheese, and whether additional toppings or sauces are included.

James Carter (Food Scientist and Culinary Nutrition Specialist). When assessing the caloric content of a bean and cheese burrito, it is important to consider the preparation method. For example, a burrito made with a large flour tortilla and full-fat cheese will have a higher calorie count compared to one made with a whole wheat tortilla and reduced-fat cheese. On average, expect around 350 calories per serving.

Dr. Anita Shah (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Expert). From a health perspective, understanding the calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito is essential for balanced meal planning. While the calories range from 300 to 450, the nutritional quality is also influenced by fiber content from the beans and the fat content from the cheese. Moderation and ingredient choices play a key role in managing caloric intake effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are typically in a standard bean and cheese burrito?
A standard bean and cheese burrito contains approximately 300 to 500 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Do the type of beans affect the calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito?
Yes, different beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans vary slightly in calories, but the difference is generally minimal, around 10 to 30 calories per serving.

How does the type of cheese influence the calorie count?
Cheese varieties differ in fat content; for example, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese will add more calories than reduced-fat cheese options, impacting the overall calorie total by 50 to 100 calories.

Can additional ingredients significantly change the calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito?
Yes, adding ingredients like sour cream, guacamole, or extra tortillas can increase the calorie content substantially, sometimes adding 100 to 200 extra calories or more.

Is it possible to reduce the calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito?
Reducing calories can be achieved by using low-fat cheese, whole beans instead of refried, smaller tortillas, and limiting high-calorie toppings such as sour cream or guacamole.

How do restaurant versions of bean and cheese burritos compare calorie-wise to homemade ones?
Restaurant burritos often contain higher calories due to larger portions, added oils, and extra fillings, sometimes exceeding 600 calories, whereas homemade versions can be tailored for lower calorie content.
The calorie content of a bean and cheese burrito can vary significantly depending on its size, ingredients, and preparation method. On average, a typical bean and cheese burrito contains between 300 to 500 calories. Factors such as the type of beans used, the amount and type of cheese, the tortilla size, and any additional fillings or toppings can influence the total caloric value.

Understanding the calorie count of a bean and cheese burrito is important for those monitoring their dietary intake, especially in the context of weight management or nutritional goals. While this meal provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from beans, the cheese and tortilla contribute fats and carbohydrates that increase the calorie density.

In summary, a bean and cheese burrito can be a nutritious and satisfying option when consumed in moderation and balanced with other dietary components. Being mindful of portion sizes and ingredient choices allows individuals to enjoy this popular dish while maintaining control over their caloric intake and overall nutrition.

Author Profile

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Mary Davis
Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.