Are El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos Healthy? A Real Look at the Freezer Aisle Favorite

You’re standing in the frozen food aisle, tired after work, staring at a box of El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos.

They’re cheap. They’re fast. They heat up in 2 minutes.
But you’re wondering: Are these actually healthy?

Good news: we’re cutting through the marketing hype with real nutrition facts, ingredient analysis, and practical advice—so you can decide if they fit your lifestyle.

In 2025, with more Americans relying on convenience foods (the frozen food market hit $80 billion last year), it’s smart to ask what’s really in that burrito. Let’s break it down—no judgment, just facts.

Table of Contents

What’s Inside an El Monterey Beef and Bean Burrito?

First, let’s look at the standard Beef & Bean Burrito (not the “XXL” or “Loaded” versions). According to the official El Monterey website and USDA data, one burrito (5 oz / 142g) contains:

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 11g (3.5g saturated)
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 620mg
Total Carbs: 35g (2g fiber, 2g sugar)
Protein: 12g

Ingredients:
Enriched wheat flour tortilla, water, cooked beef, pinto beans, onions, green chiles, tomato paste, salt, spices, and preservatives like sodium phosphate and TBHQ (a synthetic antioxidant).

So—is it healthy? It depends on what you mean by “healthy.”

The Good: What This Burrito Gets Right

Real protein source: 12g of protein from beef and beans helps keep you full.
Beans add fiber: Pinto beans provide plant-based fiber and complex carbs.
No artificial colors: Unlike some frozen meals, it doesn’t use Red 40 or Yellow 5.
Affordable: At $1–$1.50 per burrito, it’s cheaper than fast food.
Convenient: Ready in 2 minutes—ideal for emergencies or exhausted nights.

Real-life win: My neighbor keeps a box in her freezer for nights when her kids have soccer practice and dinner is an afterthought. “It’s not gourmet,” she says, “but it’s better than chips.”

The Not-So-Good: Where It Falls Short

High sodium: 620mg is 27% of your daily limit (2,300mg). If you eat two, you’re over halfway there—before adding ketchup or chips.
Refined carbs: The tortilla is made from enriched white flour—low in fiber and spikes blood sugar.
Processed meat: The beef contains sodium phosphates and is likely from lower-grade trimmings.
Preservatives: TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is FDA-approved but controversial—some studies link it to inflammation in high doses.
Low fiber: Only 2g per burrito. Most adults need 25–38g daily.

For context: a homemade beef and bean burrito with whole wheat tortilla, fresh veggies, and no added preservatives would have more fiber, less sodium, and cleaner ingredients.

How It Compares to Other Options

Feature	El Monterey Beef & Bean	Homemade Version	Fast Food Burrito (e.g., Taco Bell)
Calories	290	~350	400–500
Sodium	620mg	~300mg	900–1,200mg
Fiber	2g	6–8g	3–5g
Protein	12g	18g	10–14g
Preservatives	Yes (TBHQ, phosphates)	None	Yes (multiple)

Surprisingly, El Monterey is better than most fast food burritos—lower in calories, fat, and sodium. But it’s still a processed food, not a health food.

When It Can Fit Into a Healthy Diet

This burrito isn’t “junk food”—but it’s not a superfood either. Here’s how to make it work:

Pair it wisely: Serve with a side of baby carrots, sliced bell peppers, or a simple salad to add fiber and nutrients.
Limit frequency: Once or twice a week as a backup—not a staple.
Hydrate well: Drink water to help flush excess sodium.
Choose the right version: Stick to the original “Beef & Bean.” Avoid “XXL” or “Cheese & Jalapeño” versions—they’re higher in fat and sodium.
Add freshness: Top with avocado slices, salsa, or plain Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) for extra nutrients.