How Many Calories Are in a Bean and Cheese Burrito?

Burritos make for a convenient, tasty, and portable meal. The combination of beans, cheese and a tortilla provides protein fiber, and other nutrients. But for those counting calories, are bean and cheese burritos a healthy choice? Let’s break down the calorie count.

What’s in a Classic Bean and Cheese Burrito

A basic bean and cheese burrito includes the following ingredients:

• Flour tortilla – The standard tortilla size used for burritos is around 10 inches across. A flour tortilla of this size contains approximately 300 calories.

• Refried beans – A 1/2 cup serving of refried beans adds around 100-120 calories.

• Cheese – An ounce of cheddar or other cheese averages about 110 calories. A burrito may contain 1-2 ounces.

• Extras – Many burritos also include rice, onions tomatoes lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream or other ingredients that can raise the calorie count slightly.

With these typical ingredients, a medium bean and cheese burrito contains roughly 300-500 calories. But the total can vary significantly based on portion size, ingredients used, and where you get it.

Calorie Range in Different Bean and Cheese Burritos

Here is the calorie count for bean and cheese burritos from several popular restaurants

• Taco Bell – The Bean Burrito with Red Strips has 370 calories.

• Chipotle – A burrito with black beans, cheese, rice, salsa and veggies has around 700-800 calories.

• Qdoba – The Bean & Cheese Burrito contains 440 calories.

• Taco Time – The Bean & Cheese Burrito has approximately 570 calories.

• America’s Taco Shop – Their Bean & Cheese Burrito Large packs a hefty 670 calories.

As you can see, calories can range from 370 for a basic no-frills variety to over 800 for an overloaded burrito from a restaurant. Size and ingredients make a big impact.

Ways to Lighten Up Your Bean and Cheese Burrito

If you want to enjoy a bean and cheese burrito but keep calories in check, here are some tips:

• Choose a smaller tortilla – Opt for an 8″ or even 6″ size rather than a 10-12″ mega tortilla.

• Load up on veggies – Pack your burrito with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peppers and other fresh veggies. They add volume and nutrients without a lot of calories.

• Go easy on the rice – Rice packs over 200 calories per cup. Limit rice or skip it altogether.

• Pick healthy fats – Instead of sour cream or guacamole, add some avocado slices for creaminess.

• Use moderate portions – Stick to 1/2 cup beans and 1 ounce cheese as a healthy portion baseline.

• Give it a protein boost – Add some grilled chicken or steak for staying power.

• Make it at home – DIY burritos let you control the ingredients and portions.

With smart adjustments like these, you can enjoy a satisfying bean and cheese burrito for around 300-400 calories.

Nutritional Benefits of Bean and Cheese Burritos

Despite the calorie count, bean and cheese burritos can be a nutritious choice when made with high quality ingredients. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Protein – Beans and cheese provide a good hit of plant-based and dairy protein to help you stay full.

• Fiber – The beans, tortilla, and veggies pack in fiber to support digestive and heart health.

• Vitamins & minerals – Ingredients like beans, cheese, tomatoes and leafy greens contribute vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium and other essential nutrients.

• Antioxidants – Beans contain beneficial antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.

• Phytochemicals – Compounds in beans may help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.

• Probiotics – Some cheeses like cheddar contain probiotics that support gut health.

So while they aren’t the lowest calorie option, bean and cheese burritos can provide significant nutritional value as part of a balanced diet.

Healthy Serving Size for a Bean and Cheese Burrito

What is a reasonable serving size for a bean and cheese burrito if you are watching your calorie intake?

Here are some tips on healthy portions:

• Limit burrito to 300-400 calories to keep it a sensible part of your daily intake.

• Stick to a medium 8-10 inch tortilla rather than oversized varieties.

• Include 1/2 cup beans and 1-2 ounces cheese at most.

• Fill half the tortilla with veggies and lean protein.

• Share the burrito or save half for later if the portion feels too large.

• Enjoy it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt or salad for a balanced meal.

As long as you pay attention to portion size and ingredients, a 400 calorie or less bean and cheese burrito can be a wholesome addition to your diet.

Energy Needs and Calorie Limits

To determine if a 400 calorie bean burrito fits into your overall daily calorie needs, consider the following general guidelines:

• The average moderately active woman needs 2000 calories per day.
• The average moderately active man needs 2500 calories per day.
• To lose 1 pound per week, you need a 500 calorie per day deficit.

So a 400 calorie bean burrito would account for about 20% of the average woman’s daily intake and 16% for a man. As an occasional meal, it can work within a weight loss or maintenance plan.

However, if you are very sedentary or looking to lose 2+ pounds weekly, a bean burrito may make up too large a portion of your day’s calories. Adjust your intake accordingly based on your unique needs and dietary preferences.

The Bottom Line

A medium homemade or restaurant-prepared bean and cheese burrito generally contains 300-500 calories, depending on size and ingredients. Loaded varieties can run over 800 calories.

While not the lowest calorie option, bean burritos can provide protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. To enjoy as part of a healthy diet, focus on sensible portions, nutritious ingredients and balancing it with other less calorie-dense foods. Consider your total daily calorie needs to determine if a standard bean burrito fits within your overall eating plan.