The Pantry Soup You Should Be Adding To Every Burrito

After realizing that your local Chipotle employees know you by name, you may have decided to spend less time paying someone else to assemble a burrito and more time learning how to make the dish in your own kitchen. And when you go grocery shopping for your very own burrito dinner, you're going to need to get a few essential ingredients. According to Old El Paso salsa, protein, and (of course) a tortilla are some of the defining features of any good burrito. And Food Network states cumin, garlic, and oregano give this Mexican food favorite its delicious flavor. But after you put these burrito-making tools in your cart, you still need to get one more ingredient: beans.

As Old El Passo notes, beans are almost as detrimental to burritos as their tortilla wraps. And while you could buy beans in a can that would require draining and seasoning, Goya reports that you can make your life easier and your burritos tastier by skipping the lentils and heading straight for the soup aisle. The name of the pantry soup that will improve the flavor of any burrito?

According to the Bean Institute, like burritos, black bean soup is also a traditional part of Mexican cuisine. Usually seasoned and filled to the brim with onions and celery, you can buy a canned version of this spice-infused dish in just about any grocery store. And although it can be eaten by itself, Goya reports this pre-made soup will make your burrito taste as good as one from Chipotle. Why? Because this pantry staple comes seasoned with vegetables. For example, Goya's canned black bean soup features onion and bell pepper. And both Goya and La Pereferida's canned versions of this Mexican dish come seasoned with spices like pepper and garlic.

So since all the work is already done for you, Goya reports you only have to pop your canned black bean soup into a pot on medium heat to get it ready for your burrito. After it boils, you should then allow your soup to simmer until it's properly thickened. Though the brand also recommends throwing some chopped chipotle chile and sauce into your black bean soup to add flavor. Then, Food.com states you just need to pour your thickened black bean soup along the middle of your burrito before sprinkling on your choice of vegetables, salsa, and cheese. Wrap up the tortilla, and diner is served.

So it's time for the big reveal. Generally speaking, you can use this canned black bean soup hack in any dish that calls for beans. For example, as Simply Recipes notes, refried beans are a must for Tostadas. And, according to one TikToker, you can skip preparing refried beans from a can and use black bean soup as the basis for a quick and delicious Tostada filling. As the user demonstrates, you just need to combine your black bean soup with garlic and sauce in a skillet. After the mixture has softened, you can mush it down with a kitchen utensil to prepare it to spread on top of a tortilla.

And if you love tortilla soup, we've got more good news for you. At-home chefs can make Macheesmo's recipe easier by trading out canned black beans for our secret ingredient. To make this Mexican dish with canned black bean soup, you just have to ditch the vegetable stock. Instead, you can simmer the pantry soup with tomatoes and corn. Then you can layer on the seasoning and tortilla chips and dig in. Whether you're making enchiladas, refried beans, or burritos, using canned black bean soup will always save you time and give your recipe a well-seasoned kick.