A burrito from Al & Bea’s has become the standard-bearer for bean and cheese excellence; they’re always lush and comforting, and remain one of Los Angeles’ most iconic burrito forms. So much so, Nate Silver’s recent FiveThirtyEight burrito bracket named the cheesy concoction the best burrito in all of L.A.: period.[photo: flickr/t.tseng]

Rivers of cheese flow from Monterey Park’s Mexicatessen, be it over their enchiladas or from inside a styrofoam container loaded with a “wet” burrito. For a little freshness to counterbalance all that lard and fat, opt for a side of the exceedingly thin avocado salsa.

This classic Valley sit-down spot will happily concoct a bean and cheese burrito for customers, but beware: it’s a monster — especially when ordered oven style, covered in salsa and, yes, more cheese.[photo: Wonho Frank Lee]

This Southern California chain has ten locations and thousands of loyal followers, many of whom call ahead during the week for a simple bean and cheese burrito order. There’s nothing fancy about eating beans in your cubicle, but at least the burrito is delicious.[photo: Facebook]

At well under $5, this bean and cheese legend is the gift that keeps on giving. Whipped beans synergize seamlessly with the melted cheese inside, creating something much more magical than just its simple ingredients.

From the light-up menu with the backlit food photos to the hefty burrito plates poured over with a dichotomy of salsas, Sherman Oaks’ La Fogata does easygoing comfort Mexican right. It’s easy to see why, then, their regular bean and cheese gets so much attention.[photo: Yelp]

Don Ruben doesn’t just make loads of wonderful bean and cheese burritos fresh daily, they also cater ‘em. That means your next party could be made all the better with a few boxes of bean and cheese burritos, sold by the dozen. They’re sure to be a fan favorite.

Though mostly known as an early entrant into LA’s ongoing fried fish taco wars, Taco Nazo is quietly considered a destination for bean and cheese burritos as well.[photo: Yelp]

This Mex-American classic goes heavy on the shredded neon cheese for all of its meals, but offers an especially dense melt of the stuff inside their bean and cheese burritos. Prepare to get messy with this one, particularly if you’re interested in pouring on the thin, watery salsa.

Simple Mexican food dominates the Valley, which makes Las Fuentes stand out all the more. Outlandishly colorful and impossibly big, this Reseda spot for oversized burrito plates manages to land a crowd favorite bean and cheese — thanks, in part, to its hulking size.

Messily wrapped, as big as a small dog, and oozing with rich beans — El Abajeño’s burritos are massive (and massively popular), perhaps as much for their scale and their salsa accompaniment than anything else.

Hardliners debate the use of American cheese inside their burrito, but there’s a reason that Yuca’s has retained its longtime title as reigning hangover-solver for the Los Feliz area. Cheese, in any form, will always win; especially when paired up with some creamy beans from Yuca’s.

Fallen SoCal mini-franchise Taco Lita still has a location in Arcadia, and it’s just about the best bean and cheese option that a’way. The no frills fast food space whips up fresh beans daily, and apparently goes through a million packets of their house-branded hot sauce every year.[photo: Facebook]

Forget the frozen Ramona’s bean and cheese you might have seen in the grocery stores around town. At Ramona’s in Gardena, the real deal option comes to life spectacularly, with a perfect balance of the three necessary ingredients.[photos: Yelp]

This Mid-City all-the-time spot is perfect for a late-night bean and cheese drive-thru. Or, you can examine the spare side patio as you mow down on the delicious gut bomb.[photo: Yelp]