If you are craving a vibrant, hearty meal that brings the zest and comfort of the South right to your dinner table, then this Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe is your new best friend. It brilliantly combines tender ground turkey, creamy refried pinto beans, fluffy rice, and melty cheese all wrapped up in soft tortillas. What makes this recipe stand out is how each ingredient plays a role in delivering layers of flavor and texture, making every bite a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these burritos offer a satisfying, wholesome experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans, you’ll gather simple, everyday ingredients, each essential for balancing flavor, texture, and warmth. From the savory spices that infuse the turkey and beans to the creamy sour cream and fresh cilantro for that final burst of brightness, every item has its perfect place in this dish.
- Vegetable oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, unlocking their sweetness and fragrance.
- Small yellow onion: Adds a gentle sharpness and crunchy texture when cooked.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a rich, aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
- Pinto beans: Use canned for convenience, delivering a creamy body and hearty protein.
- Ground cumin: Offers an earthy warmth that’s signature in Southern and Southwestern cooking.
- Chili powder: Adds smoky spice and complexity.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance savory notes throughout the dish.
- Paprika: Gives subtle sweetness along with vibrant color.
- Dried oregano: Provides a touch of herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together.
- Ground turkey: The lean protein star that carries the spices beautifully and cooks up tender and juicy.
- Shredded cheese: Use a blend like Cheddar and Monterey Jack for gooey, melty goodness.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect neutral canvas that adds fluffiness and bulk.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Soft wraps that hold the magic inside and add chewiness.
- Sour cream: For a cool, tangy finish that balances spice and richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped to add a fresh, bright herbaceous note.
- Tomato salsa: The zesty, saucy surprise that wakes up every bite.
How to Make Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they turn translucent and release that irresistible aroma, about two and a half minutes. This base will flavor the beans and turkey wonderfully.
Step 2: Prepare the Refried Beans
Add the undrained pinto beans along with all those wonderful spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let the beans cook until they soften and the flavors meld, roughly 7 to 10 minutes. Using a potato masher, partially mash the beans to build that creamy, hearty texture essential for refried beans. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 10 minutes more.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
While the beans are simmering, heat another skillet over medium-high and add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for about five minutes until browned. Mix in any remaining spices and stir well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Once cooked through, remove the turkey from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice, Cheese, and Tortillas
Divide the cooked white rice and shredded cheese into two medium bowls for easy assembly. Warm each tortilla briefly in a skillet, about 30 seconds per side, so they’re pliable and perfect for wrapping.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Arrange a line of cooked turkey, a spoonful of refried beans, a scoop of rice, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Add dollops of sour cream, a spoonful of tomato salsa, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. If you love a little zest, a squeeze of lime juice can brighten things up here too. Fold the bottom edge, then tuck in the sides and roll tightly to secure all those delicious fillings inside. Repeat this assembly for each tortilla.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once all your burritos are rolled and stuffed full of Southern goodness, serve them right away to enjoy the cheese melted perfectly and the flavors at their freshest. They’re a satisfying meal on their own or ready to be paired with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe, add fresh garnishes that bring texture, color, and contrast. Bright slices of avocado or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco can add creaminess. Chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce adds a punch of flavor, while fresh lime wedges on the side provide a pop of acidity that perfectly complements the savory filling.
Side Dishes
These burritos pair beautifully with simple side dishes that balance their richness while adding freshness. Consider a crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or a zesty corn salad to echo the Southern roots. For a heartier option, Mexican-style street corn or a bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole and extra salsa would complete the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or jazz up a casual get-together, slice the rolled burritos diagonally and arrange them on a platter with colorful bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. You can also wrap individual burritos in parchment paper for a fun, portable meal or serve them deconstructed as a burrito bowl for a lighter twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas separate from the filling if possible to avoid sogginess, or wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap for best results.
Freezing
To freeze these burritos, wrap each one individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. This makes them an excellent meal prep option to have ready for busy days when you want something comforting and delicious in a flash.
Reheating
Reheat burritos in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, unwrap and microwave on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adding a splash of water to the plate and covering loosely with a microwave-safe lid can help keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute if you want a slightly milder flavor or need a pantry swap. Just cook it the same way as the ground turkey and season well to maintain the rich flavor profile of these burritos.
What type of beans work best for the refried beans?
Pinto beans are traditional and work wonderfully for refried beans because of their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, black beans can be used if you want a slightly different taste and a darker, earthier color.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground turkey and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for substance. You can also add more spices to keep the bold flavors intact.
How can I make these burritos spicier?
To crank up the heat, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo to the bean mixture. You can also top with spicy salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce when assembling your burrito.
Are these burritos freezer-friendly after being assembled?
They are best frozen before adding fresh garnishes like cilantro and sour cream, which can lose their texture upon thawing. Wrap the fully assembled burritos tightly, freeze, and add fresh toppings after reheating for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe is truly a gem in any home cook’s repertoire—bringing together warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavors wrapped in every delicious bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these burritos are sure to satisfy. Dive into the fun of making them and savor every moment—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans bring together seasoned ground turkey, creamy refried pinto beans, fluffy white rice, and melted cheese wrapped in warm tortillas. Enhanced with fresh cilantro, tangy salsa, and a dollop of sour cream, they make for a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (16-ounce) cans pinto beans, undrained
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- Sour cream, for topping
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 (16-ounce) jar tomato salsa
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes, to build the flavor base for the beans.
- Prepare Refried Beans: Add the undrained pinto beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 7-10 minutes until the beans soften. Partially mash the beans with a potato masher and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Cook Turkey: In a separate skillet, heat over medium-high and add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Season with the remaining spices and cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Fillings and Tortillas: Divide the cooked white rice and shredded cheese into two medium bowls for easy assembly. Warm each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay each warm tortilla flat on a clean surface. Layer with a line of cooked turkey, refried beans, rice, and shredded cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream, spoonful of tomato salsa, chopped cilantro, and optional lime juice. Fold the bottom of the tortilla up, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly to secure the filling inside.
- Serve: Serve the burritos immediately while warm and enjoy a hearty Southern-inspired meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the fillings before assembly.
- Use flour tortillas for a softer, pliable wrap or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- To make this recipe spicier, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to your preference.
