Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but exciting enough to share with family and friends, Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans will become your new favorite. Imagine juicy seasoned turkey mingling with velvety refried beans, pops of sweet corn, and gooey cheese, all wrapped snugly in a warm flour tortilla. These burritos pull together classic Southwestern flair in a bundle you can eat with your hands, bringing comfort and bold taste to the table in just over half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are refreshingly simple, but each one packs a punch to build layers of flavor, savory depth, and bright color. Don’t skip any — together these elements are what make Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans truly shine.
- Ground turkey: Lean and hearty, this is the flavorful foundation for the filling.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies, it brings a gentle richness to the dish.
- Onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and builds the aromatic base.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for a punch of robust flavor in each bite.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle warmth and a signature Southwest kick.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and complex, this spice infuses the burritos with classic smoky undertones.
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a lovely red-orange hue for extra eye appeal.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Gives just a touch of heat and bite to the filling.
- Canned diced tomatoes (drained): Lends juiciness and bright acidity that wakes up the richness of the turkey and beans.
- Canned corn (drained): Bursts of sweet, creamy color and texture in every bite.
- Refried beans: The creamy, savory heart of the burrito, marrying all the flavors together.
- Water or broth: Keeps the filling perfectly moist and helps blend the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melty, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
- Large flour tortillas: The soft, pillowy wrap that makes these burritos so satisfying.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of color and citrusy brightness if you love extra freshness.
- Sour cream and salsa (optional): Creamy, tangy, and zippy — the finishing touches that make the burritos sing.
How to Make Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns perfect and soft, filling your kitchen with a sizzling, mouthwatering aroma. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for one minute more, releasing even more flavor into the pan — you’ll know it’s working because it smells amazing!
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add your ground turkey directly to the skillet with the softened onion and garlic. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring and breaking apart the chunks until all the turkey is browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes. You’re building all that deep, meaty flavor that forms the soul of these Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans.
Step 3: Season and Layer in Flavor
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper right as the turkey finishes browning. The spices will coat every morsel and start infusing the meat with classic Southwestern notes. This step is what gives your burritos their special twist — don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn
Now it’s time to add even more heart to the filling. Pour in your drained diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and refried beans, then add a splash of water or broth. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens and melds into a savory, almost creamy filling.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Finish
Once your filling is thick and bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Watch as it melts and binds each component with gooey goodness. If you like a fresher twist, sprinkle in chopped cilantro at this stage for extra zest and color.
Step 6: Warm Tortillas and Assemble
Warm your flour tortillas either in the microwave for 20 seconds or for a few moments on a skillet until soft and pliable. Spoon the hearty, cheesy filling into each tortilla, then gently roll each one into a perfect burrito. You can serve them as is, or for an extra treat, quickly sear the rolled burritos in a dry skillet for a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
How to Serve Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans
Garnishes
There’s so much joy to be had in topping your Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans with a flourish of fresh extras. Try a generous dollop of cool sour cream, a spoonful of lively salsa, and, if you love herbal aromas, a handful of chopped cilantro. The contrast of cool and creamy against the hearty, hot filling makes every bite blissful.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair your burritos with simple sides. Spanish rice, crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole, or a zesty slaw give color and crunch. Even a light salad with citrus vinaigrette works beautifully, balancing the richness of the burritos themselves.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or feeding a crowd, try slicing the burritos in halves or thirds and arranging them on a serving platter. Let guests help themselves! Another fun idea: top the rolled burritos with enchilada sauce and extra cheese, then broil until bubbly for a burrito casserole spin. Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans are endlessly adaptable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Once completely cool, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more over time, so they taste just as good — maybe even better — the next day.
Freezing
Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap cooled burritos individually in foil, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Label them and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you have a quick homemade meal ready to go at a moment’s notice!
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap foil (if using a microwave) and microwave the burritos on medium power in 30-second increments until hot all the way through. Or, for extra crispiness, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet straight from the fridge (or thawed from frozen) until golden outside and hot inside.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even beef make tasty swaps if you’re out of turkey or want a different flavor. The cooking time and method remain the same, and you’ll still get that fabulous Southern-inspired vibe.
What’s the best way to get the burritos crispy?
After rolling your Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans, simply place them seam side down in a dry, hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’ll get a golden, crispy crust that adds wonderful texture.
Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the turkey and double the refried beans, and consider adding extra veggies like sautéed peppers or mushrooms. The result is still deliciously satisfying and full of flavor.
How spicy are Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans?
These burritos are quite mild, but you can easily bump up the heat by adding extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or spicy salsa to the filling or as a garnish.
What tortillas work best for this recipe?
Large flour tortillas are perfect for a classic, soft burrito, but you can certainly use whole wheat, low-carb wraps, or even gluten-free tortillas if you prefer. Just make sure they’re big and sturdy enough to hold the filling!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about pulling together a batch of Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans for yourself or the people you love. They’re hearty, incredibly satisfying, and easy to customize — the kind of meal you’ll reach for again and again. Give these a try, and you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
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Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Southern Turkey Burritos with Refried Beans for a delicious and satisfying meal. Flavorful ground turkey cooked with aromatic spices, veggies, and cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Ingredients
For the Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup canned corn (drained)
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For Serving:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, add turkey and spices, then mix in tomatoes, corn, beans, and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm tortillas, spoon filling, add cheese and cilantro, roll into burritos.
- Serve: Enjoy with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute black beans for refried beans or add cooked rice for a heartier burrito.
- For a crispy finish, sear the rolled burritos in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
