Taco Bell Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Price, Calories, Nutrition & Honest Review
If you have ever been down to your last two dollars and needed something warm and filling that would not leave you hungry again in an hour, the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is probably the item that saved you. It sits on the value menu, quiet and unassuming, while fancier items get the commercials and the limited-time hype. But for pure calorie-per-dollar efficiency, nothing else on the Taco Bell menu beats it. Seasoned rice, seasoned beans, warm nacho cheese sauce, and creamy chipotle sauce wrapped in a flour tortilla. Four ingredients. No meat. No lettuce. No tomatoes. Just starch and cheese and sauce in a soft tortilla.
At 420 calories for around two dollars, it delivers more food for less money than almost anything else in fast food. What makes this burrito worth paying attention to is not the flavor—though the nacho cheese and chipotle together are better than they have any right to be. It is the math. At $1.99 to $2.49 depending on where you live, this burrito gives you roughly 200 calories per dollar. A Crunchy Taco gives you about 78 calories per dollar. A Crunchwrap Supreme gives you about 82 calories per dollar. The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is in a completely different league when it comes to filling you up on a budget. It is vegetarian by default.
It can be made vegan by removing the cheese and chipotle sauces. It is one of the most customizable items on the menu despite its simplicity. For the money, there is nothing else at Taco Bell that competes. For comparison with other budget options, see our Taco Bell Burritos guide and the Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu. For the other vegetarian burrito staple, see our Bean Burrito guide. For the premium loaded option, see our Burrito Supreme guide. For the full menu with prices, see the full Taco Bell menu.
What Is Actually Inside This Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito has four components. Here is what each one brings.
The Seasoned Rice: Standard Taco Bell seasoned rice. Adds bulk and carbohydrates. This is what makes the burrito filling despite its low price.
The Seasoned Beans: Refried-style beans made from pinto beans. No lard. Adds fiber and protein. Creamy and savory.
The Nacho Cheese Sauce: Warm cheese sauce drizzled over the beans and rice. Adds richness, salt, and a creamy texture that holds everything together.
The Creamy Chipotle Sauce: Smoky, mildly spicy sauce that adds depth and warmth. The heat level is mild. Not overwhelming.
The Flour Tortilla: A standard flour tortilla, steamed until warm. Contains wheat gluten.
For allergen details, see our Taco Bell Allergen Menu.
What You Will Pay and Why Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Varies
The national average price for a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is $1.99 to $2.49 depending on the source. Corporate-owned locations in the Midwest and South tend to charge $1.99. Franchise locations in higher-cost areas charge $2.29 to $2.49.
In California, New York, and Hawaii, expect to pay between $2.49 and $2.79. Even at the higher end, this remains one of the cheapest filling items on the menu.
The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito appears on the Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu, which lists items under $3. You can also find it in the Build Your Own Luxe Cravings Box through the Taco Bell mobile app. Earn points on every purchase through the Taco Bell Rewards program. If you are paying with a gift card, our Taco Bell Gift Cards guide covers how to add it to the app.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 940mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 11g |
The calorie count at 420 is the standout. For around two dollars, you are getting more calories than a Crunchy Taco (170), a Soft Taco (180), or a Spicy Potato Soft Taco (240). The rice does the heavy lifting on calories. The beans add fiber and protein.
The protein at 11 grams is modest but respectable for a vegetarian item at this price. The Bean Burrito has 12 grams. The Beefy 5-Layer has 19 grams. If protein is your priority, this is not the strongest option. But for a value-menu vegetarian burrito, 11 grams is solid.
The sodium at 940 milligrams is 41% of the daily limit. Moderate by Taco Bell standards. Lower than the Beefy 5-Layer at 1,250 milligrams. Higher than the Bean Burrito at 980 milligrams.
The fiber at 4 grams is decent. The beans provide most of it.
For complete nutrition data, see our Taco Bell Calories guide. For health-conscious picks, our Taco Bell Healthy Options guide covers low-calorie and high-protein items.
How the Kitchen Puts Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Together
- A flour tortilla comes out of the steamer.
- A portion of seasoned rice goes down the center.
- A portion of seasoned beans goes on top of the rice.
- Nacho cheese sauce is drizzled over the beans.
- Creamy chipotle sauce is drizzled over the cheese sauce.
- The tortilla is folded and wrapped. The burrito goes into a sleeve.
Assembly takes roughly 10 seconds. Four ingredients. One tortilla. No meat to portion. No vegetables to scatter. It is one of the fastest items to build on the menu.
Cheesy Bean and Rice vs Bean Burrito
| Feature | Cheesy Bean and Rice | Bean Burrito |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 – $2.49 | $2.19 |
| Calories | 420 | 350 |
| Protein | 11g | 12g |
| Sodium | 940mg | 980mg |
| Rice | Yes | No |
| Nacho Cheese | Yes | No |
| Chipotle Sauce | Yes | No |
| Red Sauce | No | Yes |
| Onions | No | Yes |
The Cheesy Bean and Rice costs about the same as the Bean Burrito. It has 70 more calories and 1 gram less protein. It trades the red sauce and onions for nacho cheese and chipotle sauce. It adds rice for bulk. The Bean Burrito is the simpler, more traditional option. The Cheesy Bean and Rice is richer, heavier, and slightly better value on pure calorie-per-dollar. For more on the Bean Burrito, see our Bean Burrito guide.
Cheesy Bean and Rice vs Beefy 5-Layer
| Feature | Cheesy Bean and Rice | Beefy 5-Layer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 – $2.49 | $3.49 |
| Calories | 420 | 490 |
| Protein | 11g | 19g |
| Sodium | 940mg | 1,250mg |
| Meat | No | Yes |
The Beefy 5-Layer costs about $1.00 to $1.50 more. It has 70 more calories and 8 more grams of protein. It has seasoned beef and a double tortilla wrap. The Cheesy Bean and Rice is the budget vegetarian option. The Beefy 5-Layer is the heavier, meatier, more expensive option. For more on the Beefy 5-Layer, see our Beefy 5-Layer Burrito guide.
Cheesy Bean and Rice vs Other Value Items
| Item | Price | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheesy Roll Up | $1.49 | 170 | 9g |
| Spicy Potato Soft Taco | $1.69 | 240 | 5g |
| Cinnamon Twists | $1.69 | 170 | 1g |
| Cheesy Bean and Rice | $1.99 – $2.49 | 420 | 11g |
| Crunchy Taco | $2.19 | 170 | 8g |
| Cheesy Double Beef | $2.99 | 560 | 24g |
The Cheesy Bean and Rice delivers more calories per dollar than any other value menu item except the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito. It is the best vegetarian value on the board. For the full value menu, see our Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu.
Where Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Lands on the Value Menu
The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is the single best calorie-per-dollar vegetarian item on the Taco Bell menu. At roughly 200 calories per dollar, it outperforms the Bean Burrito, the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, and the Cheesy Roll Up. The only item that beats it on pure calorie efficiency is the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito at 560 calories for $2.99, but that item is not vegetarian.
For vegetarians on a budget, this is the best option Taco Bell offers. For meat-eaters on a budget, it is still one of the best options. For anyone who wants a warm, filling burrito for around two dollars, there is no competition.
Making Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito Your Own
Every Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is customizable through the Taco Bell mobile app.
Add Jalapeños (Free): Heat and acidity. Cuts through the richness of the cheese and chipotle sauces.
Add Guacamole (Small Upcharge): Creaminess and healthy fats. Turns a value burrito into something that feels more premium.
Add Seasoned Beef (Small Upcharge): Adds protein. Turns it into a meat-and-bean burrito.
Add Potatoes (Small Upcharge): Adds crunch and substance.
Remove Nacho Cheese Sauce (Free): Cuts sodium and calories. The chipotle sauce still provides flavor.
Remove Chipotle Sauce (Free): Makes it milder. The nacho cheese carries the flavor.
Make It Vegan (Free Modifications): Remove nacho cheese sauce. Remove chipotle sauce. Add pico de gallo through Fresco Style. The rice and beans are plant-based. For more vegan options, see our Taco Bell Vegan Options guide.
Add Extra Beans (Free or Small Upcharge): Doubles the bean portion. Adds fiber and protein.
Add Extra Rice (Free or Small Upcharge): Adds bulk. Makes it even more filling.
Make It Grilled (Free): Ask for the burrito to be pressed on the flat grill after wrapping. Adds texture and melts the cheese more thoroughly.
For more customization ideas, the Taco Bell Secret Menu has 20+ unofficial items. For saving money, our Taco Bell Ordering Tips guide covers every modification.
Who This Burrito Is For
The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is for the vegetarian who wants the most food for the least money. It is for the broke college student who needs 400 calories for under two bucks. It is for the person adding a filler item to a larger order. It is for anyone who wants something warm and cheesy and filling without spending more than the change in their cupholder.
It is not for the person who wants vegetables in their burrito. It is not for the person who wants maximum protein. It is not for the person who wants a premium ingredient experience. It is rice and beans and cheese sauce in a tortilla. That is the whole point.
Meals You Can Build Around It
The Budget Vegetarian Meal ($3.68):
- 1 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito ($1.99, 420 cal)
- 1 Spicy Potato Soft Taco ($1.69, 240 cal)
- Total: $3.68, 660 calories, 16g protein
The Light Lunch ($4.48):
- 1 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito ($1.99, 420 cal)
- Chips and Nacho Cheese Sauce ($2.49, 220 cal)
- Total: $4.48, 640 calories
The Vegan Value Meal ($3.68):
- 1 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, vegan modified ($1.99, ~350 cal)
- Cinnamon Twists ($1.69, 170 cal)
- Total: $3.68, ~520 calories
The Protein Boost ($4.98):
- 1 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito ($1.99, 420 cal, 11g protein)
- 1 Cheesy Double Beef Burrito ($2.99, 560 cal, 24g protein)
- Total: $4.98, 980 calories, 35g protein
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito cost?
$1.99 to $2.49 depending on location. Most locations charge $1.99.
How many calories are in it?
420 calories: 15g fat, 62g carbohydrates, 11g protein.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. It contains no meat. The beans, rice, cheese sauce, and chipotle sauce are all vegetarian.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Remove the nacho cheese sauce and creamy chipotle sauce. Add pico de gallo through Fresco Style.
Is it on the value menu?
Yes. It is one of the core items on the Taco Bell Luxe Value Menu.
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Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is the best calorie-per-dollar value on the Taco Bell menu for vegetarians. At around two dollars for 420 calories, it delivers more food for less money than almost anything else in fast food. It is not the most exciting burrito. It is not the most protein-dense. But for a warm, filling, vegetarian meal that costs less than a gas station sandwich, there is nothing else at Taco Bell that competes. Order through the Taco Bell mobile app. Earn points through the Taco Bell Rewards program.
