Lil’ somethin’ about me: I love a bean and cheese burrito. At some places in this world, a bean and cheese burrito is the best thing on the menu. You don’t need to get fancy and dress a burrito up with guac or steak or grilled peppers. A warm tortilla full of beans and melted cheese can be the total package.
Craving one? Here are five bean and cheese burritos from popular Mexican chains, ranked.
Best: El Pollo Loco
Yes, this comes with rice, but let’s imagine you skipped the rice. This’ll still be the best bean and cheese burrito you’re gonna get from a chain restaurant. We’re talking about real, melty, shredded Monterey Jack and arguably the best beans at any major Mexican chain. You may have come for the chicken, but you’re staying for the beans.
2. Chipotle
In my current stage of outrage, I am dying to stick Chipotle in last place. Look at the size of this thing. Is that a joke? I got charged full price for this weird, half-burrito nub. It’s fully wrapped, so everything about this is intentional. Hold me back! Hold me back!
Luckily for Chipotle, I am a consummate professional and I will not allow this highway robbery to tarnish my opinions. The ingredients, including and especially the tortilla, are damn good. Despite the fact that only the King of England could afford to snack on a $12 burrito the size of an apple, I liked it more than everything except for El Pollo Loco. You’re nuts for this one, Chipotle.
3. Del Taco
If this were about the best burrito for the price, Del would be in first place. These half-pound torpedoes full of terrific beans, gooey cheddar, and salsa are only a buck each. It’s about 50 times bigger than the Chipotle one, that’s for sure. I love you, Del Taco.
4. Moe’s Southwest Grill
A bean and cheese burrito is a pretty unceremonious way to kick off your first meal at Moe’s, but that’s exactly what I did. Not great, not horrible. I appreciate the pico de gallo that comes standard, and I think a bright punch of acid always strengthens a burrito. As you can see, I didn’t exactly have the Serena Williams of tortilla folding this time around, but that’s fine. We’re here to talk about beans and cheese. Moe’s did this for about the same price as Chipotle, and though it’s not better on a bite-for-bite basis, I appreciate that it was at least the full size.
5. Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s beans simply don’t compare. I’m sorry to say it, but it is what it is. I enjoy a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito just as much as the next fella, but I’d do anything to swap Taco Bell’s refried pintos for the beans from any chain above. Plus, nacho cheese sauce? No thanks. Give me the fresh, melted stuff every time.
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