Loaded Barley and Black Bean Burritos
This Loaded Barley and Black Bean Burritos recipe is a family favorite that has been passed down from the pages of Slow Cooking Magazine. It's an effortlessly delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back family gatherings. Instead of meticulously rolling each burrito, we love setting up a do-it-yourself burrito bar! Just bring the flavorful barley mixture to the table along with soft tortillas, crisp lettuce, creamy cheese, tangy sour cream, and zesty salsa, allowing everyone to create their own custom burrito masterpiece. It's hearty, filling, and completely satisfying, and for those who aren't fans of cilantro (like my family!), feel free to leave it out. For a lighter twist, consider using reduced-fat dairy options and lighter tortillas for a healthier, yet just as tasty, meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
15 ounces (rinsed and drained)
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 ounces (undrained)
Barley
1 cup (uncooked (not quick type))
Chicken broth
2 cups
Frozen corn
3/4 cup
Green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Lime juice
2 tablespoons
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons
Chili powder
2 teaspoons
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
Small flour tortillas
18
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons (shredded (for serving))
Lettuce
9 cups (thinly sliced)
Salsa
2 1/4 cups
Sour cream
1 cup
Instructions
1
Combine the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, uncooked barley, chicken broth, frozen corn, chopped green onion, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic in a slow cooker. Stir the mixture until fully combined.
2
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
3
Once cooked, stir in the fresh cilantro (if using) to add a burst of flavor.
4
While the barley mixture is finishing up, warm the tortillas according to the package instructions.
5
To serve, set up a burrito bar with the barley mixture, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. Allow each person to spoon about 1/3 cup of the barley mixture onto a tortilla, sprinkle with a tablespoon of cheese, and roll it up to their liking.
6
Serve 9 plates, each topped with 1 cup of sliced lettuce and 2 burritos, finished off with 1/4 cup of salsa and 2 tablespoons of sour cream on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Barley and Black Bean Burritos?
They are a nutritious and filling meal made with a slow-cooked barley and black bean mixture served in tortillas with various toppings.
What kind of barley is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked barley, specifically noting not to use the quick-cooking type.
How long do these burritos take to cook in a slow cooker?
The barley mixture should be cooked on low for 3 to 4 hours until the barley is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the tags label it as vegetarian, the ingredients list chicken broth; for a strictly vegetarian meal, you should substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Can I leave out the cilantro?
Yes, cilantro is optional and can be omitted if you or your family are not fans of the flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to serve 9 plates, with each plate consisting of 2 burritos.
What is the suggested serving style for these burritos?
It is recommended to set up a do-it-yourself burrito bar so everyone can customize their own meal.
How much barley mixture goes into each burrito?
Each person should spoon about 1/3 cup of the barley mixture onto a tortilla.
What size tortillas should I use?
The recipe specifies using 18 small flour tortillas.
What toppings are recommended for the burrito bar?
Recommended toppings include shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
How much cheese is added to each individual burrito?
Each burrito should be sprinkled with approximately one tablespoon of shredded cheese before rolling.
Should the diced tomatoes with green chilies be drained?
No, the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies should be added undrained.
Are the black beans used in this recipe canned?
The recipe uses 15 ounces of black beans that have been rinsed and drained.
What spices give the barley mixture its flavor?
The mixture is seasoned with ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic.
How much lettuce is served with each plate?
Each of the 9 plates is topped with 1 cup of thinly sliced lettuce.
How much salsa is served per portion?
Each serving is finished with 1/4 cup of salsa.
How much sour cream is recommended per plate?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of sour cream per serving.
Can I make this a healthier meal?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat dairy products and lighter tortillas for a healthier twist.
Does this recipe use frozen vegetables?
Yes, it includes 3/4 cup of frozen corn.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
If using cilantro, stir it into the mixture after the slow cooker cycle is finished.
How do I prepare the tortillas?
Warm the tortillas according to the package instructions while the barley mixture finishes cooking.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a family favorite originally found in Slow Cooking Magazine.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lime juice to be added to the slow cooker.
Do I need to stir the slow cooker contents?
Yes, you should stir the mixture initially and then occasionally during the 3-4 hour cooking period.
What type of cheese is specifically mentioned?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes one minced garlic clove.
Are there onions in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1/4 cup of chopped green onion.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is described as an effortlessly delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the texture of the finished barley?
The barley should be tender and the cooking liquid should be completely absorbed.