The frozen burrito has come a long way from being a bland, soggy option. Today, chefs recommend brands that feature better-quality ingredients, flavorful fillings, and tortillas that hold up after heating. These frozen burritos are an easy choice for busy lunches, quick dinners, or satisfying breakfasts. Eat This, Not That! asked chefs to share the brands they recommend most. Here are five of the best frozen burritos, according to chefs, each with its own unique flavor and texture.
Amy's Bean & Cheese Burrito
Amy's has long been a go-to brand for frozen vegetarian meals, and its Bean & Cheese Burrito is one of its most popular offerings. Personally, I think this is a great option for those looking for a simple, yet satisfying vegetarian meal. The soft tortilla and well-seasoned filling without being overly salty make it a standout choice. The beans stay creamy, and the cheese melts evenly throughout the burrito, creating a delicious and comforting meal. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Amy's manages to pack so much flavor into a frozen burrito without relying on processed meat fillings.
Red's Steak & Cheddar Burrito
Red's has built a reputation for frozen burritos made with recognizable ingredients and hearty fillings. The Steak & Cheddar is another go-to for many chefs. In my opinion, Red's uses larger pieces of steak than many frozen burritos, giving it a better texture. The cheddar adds plenty of flavor without overpowering the rest of the filling, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. What many people don't realize is that Red's uses high-quality, recognizable ingredients, which sets it apart from other frozen burrito brands.
El Monterey Beef & Bean Burrito
A longtime freezer aisle staple, El Monterey is known for affordable, crowd-pleasing frozen Mexican favorites. The Beef & Bean remains one of its most popular offerings. The filling has a good balance of beef, beans, and sauce, and the tortilla stays soft after heating, making it a convenient and delicious meal. If you take a step back and think about it, El Monterey has been making frozen burritos for decades, and its consistent quality and popularity speak to its enduring appeal.
Trader Joe's Spinach & Feta Egg White Burrito
Trader Joe's offers several popular frozen breakfast options, and this burrito is a standout for a quick morning meal. With 19 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, it offers a balanced combination to help keep you full throughout the morning. What this really suggests is that Trader Joe's has managed to pack a nutritious and protein-rich breakfast option into a convenient and delicious frozen burrito. This raises a deeper question: why aren't more frozen burrito brands focusing on creating nutritious and protein-rich options?
365 Everyday Value, Bean and Cheese Burrito
Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday Value line focuses on pantry and freezer essentials made with simple ingredients. This vegetarian burrito is a filling, balanced option thanks to its combination of beans, cheese, and whole-food ingredients. For those looking for a satisfying vegetarian option, the 365 by Whole Foods Market Bean & Cheese Burrito is a great freezer staple. I find it especially interesting that 365 Everyday Value focuses on simple, whole-food ingredients, which sets it apart from other frozen burrito brands that rely on processed and artificial ingredients.
In conclusion, these five frozen burritos are not only delicious but also offer a range of flavors, textures, and nutritional profiles. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a convenient dinner, these frozen burritos are a great choice. So, the next time you're in the freezer aisle, consider giving one of these brands a try. You might just discover your new favorite frozen meal!
