How Many Calories Are in a Beef and Bean Burrito?

Burritos make for a convenient and delicious meal, especially when stuffed with protein-rich beef and fiber-filled beans But just how many calories are packed into these tasty wraps? Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts for beef and bean burritos

What’s in a Beef and Bean Burrito

A typical beef and bean burrito contains the following main ingredients:

• Flour tortilla – Provides carbs and a wrap for the fillings Flour tortillas have around 150 calories each

• Cooked ground beef – Supplies protein and fat. Beef packs around 200 calories per 100g.

• Refried beans – Contribute fiber, protein, and carbs. Pinto beans have about 115 calories per 100g.

• Cheese – Usually cheddar or Mexican blend, adds calcium and fat. Cheese averages around 100 calories per ounce.

• Rice – Sometimes rice is added too, adding extra carbs. White rice has about 130 calories per 100g.

• Sauce – Burrito or enchilada sauce adds flavor. These sauces average around 20-50 calories per 2-3 tablespoons.

So all the core burrito ingredients – tortilla, beans, beef, cheese – are higher in calories. It adds up fast!

Nutrition Facts for a Beef and Bean Burrito

According to the USDA, one large beef and bean burrito with no sauce contains:

• 547 calories
• 22g fat
• 58g carbs
• 28g protein

The calorie breakdown is 36% from fat, 43% carbs, and 21% protein.

Just one burrito supplies over 1/4 of the average daily calorie needs! It’s a high calorie meal or snack.

Calorie Ranges for Different Burritos

Of course, not all burritos are created equal when it comes to calories. The size and specific ingredients affect the totals.

Here are some estimated calorie ranges for beef and bean burritos of different types:

• Small burrito (6 inches) – 300-400 calories
• Regular or homemade burrito – 450-600 calories
• Large restaurant burrito (12 inches) – 700-1,000+ calories
• Burrito bowl without the tortilla – 400-700 calories

As you can see, burrito bowls fall on the lower end since they skip the carb-heavy tortilla. Large restaurant burritos are burrito calorie bombs!

Extra Burrito Ingredients and Calories

Adding extra ingredients beyond the core beef and beans will up the calorie counts. Some common burrito add-ins and their calories:

• Guacamole – 100 calories per 2 tablespoons
• Sour cream – 50 calories per 2 tablespoons
• Cheese – 100 calories per ounce
• Rice – 130 calories per 100g cooked
• Extra meat – 200 calories per 100g
• Chips/salsa on the side – 150-300+ calories

The tortilla, beans, beef, and cheese form the calorie base. But the extras can really make a burrito pack even more of a caloric punch.

Tips for a Lower Calorie Burrito

If you’re looking to lighten up your beef and bean burrito, here are some tips:

• Choose a smaller 6-8 inch tortilla
• Load up on extra veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions
• Use leaner ground turkey instead of higher fat beef
• Ask for light cheese or no cheese
• Skip the sour cream and guacamole
• Choose black beans for more fiber and less calories than refried pinto beans
• Avoid chips, queso, and other add-ons

Getting a burrito bowl is also an easy way to remove the carb-heavy tortilla and save around 200 calories.

Should You Eat the Whole Burrito?

Beef and bean burritos are definitely higher in calories, averaging 500-600 calories each. Eating a whole burrito in one meal might be too much.

Here are some options if a full burrito is excessive:

• Split the burrito in half and save part for later
• Split the burrito with a friend or family member
• Scoop out some of the fillings to eat now, save the tortilla for later
• Order a side salad and eat the burrito as a side dish instead of the main meal

Getting creative with how you portion your burrito lets you enjoy the flavors while controlling calorie intake.

In Summary

When it comes to calories in beef and bean burritos:

• A typical burrito averages 500-600 calories
• Ingredients like tortillas, beef, beans, and cheese all add substantial calories
• Large restaurant burritos can exceed 1,000 calories
• Customize with lower calorie ingredients to lighten it up
• Consider splitting or saving part of the burrito for later

Beef and bean burritos can be high in calories, but you can enjoy them guilt-free in moderation. Just be mindful of portions and ingredients to keep calories in check. ¡Buen provecho!