How Many Calories Are in a Bean and Cheese Burrito?

The bean and cheese burrito is a tasty Tex-Mex favorite enjoyed by many. But if you’re watching your calories, you may wonder – just how many calories are actually in one of these hearty wraps? Let’s take a closer look at the calorie count and nutrition facts for different styles of bean and cheese burritos.

The Average Calorie Count for a Bean and Cheese Burrito

A standard bean and cheese burrito made with a 10-inch flour tortilla, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and typical toppings contains around 300-400 calories However, the exact amount can vary quite a bit based on factors like

• Tortilla size: Larger 12-inch tortillas add more calories than smaller 8-inch ones.

• Ingredients More cheese, sour cream, guacamole, etc. increases calories

• Cooking method: Frying adds more fat and calories vs. baking.

• Portion size: Burritos from restaurants or takeout joints tend to be bigger.

• Add-ons: Extras like rice, lettuce, pico de gallo affect the totals.

So while a typical bean and cheese burrito averages 350 calories, a loaded one from a restaurant could have 500+ calories or more. Checking the nutrition facts is the best way to know the calorie content for sure.

Calorie Count for Popular Bean and Cheese Burritos

To give you a better idea, here’s the calorie count for bean and cheese burritos from some popular restaurants:

• Chipotle burrito (with rice, pinto beans, cheese): ~1,000 calories

• Qdoba burrito (with 3-cheese queso): ~1,120 calories

• Taco Bell bean burrito: ~370 calories

• Del Taco bean and cheese burrito: ~510 calories

• El Pollo Loco avocado bean and cheese burrito: ~400 calories

As you can see, burritos from big chains like Chipotle and Qdoba top 1,000 calories! Choosing lower-cal options or smaller sizes can help trim 100-300 calories.

Ways to Lighten Up Your Bean and Cheese Burrito

If you want to enjoy a bean and cheese burrito without all the extra calories, try these easy tips:

• Use a smaller 8-10 inch whole wheat tortilla.

• Load up on extra veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers.

• Limit high-calorie add-ons like sour cream, guacamole, ranch dressing.

• Choose reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium beans.

• Skip the extra rice, which packs around 200 calories per cup.

• Order a bowl instead of a burrito so you control portions.

• Ask for light or no oil if the burritos are fried.

• Share one large burrito or order an appetizer size.

• Build your own burrito bowl with lettuce instead of a tortilla.

With some simple substitutions and smart choices, you can enjoy all the taste of a bean and cheese burrito in a lighter, more calorie-conscious way.

Nutrition Profile of Bean and Cheese Burritos

Beyond just calories, bean and cheese burritos can also provide important nutrients, especially when loaded up with vegetables. Here’s a look at some of the key nutrition facts:

• Protein: Beans and cheese provide satiating protein. A burrito averages 15-20g.

• Fiber: Fillings like beans, rice, and veggies deliver 5-10g of fiber per burrito.

• Calcium: The cheese bumps up the calcium level to 15-20% DV.

• Iron: Beans contain iron to help avoid deficiencies. Expect 5-10% DV.

• Vitamin C: Add-ons like tomatoes or salsa help you meet vitamin C needs.

Just keep portion sizes reasonable, and bean and cheese burritos can be a nutritious choice as part of an overall healthy diet.

Tips for Making Healthier Bean and Cheese Burritos at Home

Crafting your own bean and cheese burritos is the best way to control the nutrition and calorie content. Here are some healthy tips:

• Choose whole-grain, high-fiber tortillas instead of white flour.

• Load up on sliced veggies like bell peppers, onions, spinach.

• Use reduced sodium beans and low-fat cheese.

• Add extras like salsa, cilantro, lime juice for flavor.

• Grill or bake burritos instead of frying.

• Make burrito bowls without the tortilla.

• Swap in other lean proteins like chicken, shrimp or tofu.

With the right techniques and ingredients, you can easily make bean and cheese burritos at home that are fresh, nutritious, and light on calories.

Satisfying Alternatives to Traditional Bean and Cheese Burritos

If you want a tasty meal under 400 calories, consider these alternatives:

• Bean and veggie tacos on corn tortillas

• Burrito bowls with cauliflower rice

• Quesadillas with black beans and spinach

• Lettuce-wrapped burrito bites

• Brown rice bowls with beans and slaw

• Tostadas with refried beans and mango salsa

With a few simple substitutes, you can recreate the tex-mex flavors of bean and cheese burritos in lighter recipes that will satisfy your cravings and your waistline.

So go ahead and enjoy a hearty bean and cheese burrito – just be mindful of portion sizes and loading up on extra vegetables whenever you can. A few small tweaks can transform this takeout favorite into a nutritious meal that will power you through the day without derailing your healthy eating goals.