Save to Pinterest The first time I made burrito bowls, it was supposed to be tacos until I realized I'd forgotten to buy tortilla shells. Now I actually prefer them this way—no utensil wrestling, just everything perfectly layered in a bowl where every bite gets exactly what you want.
My roommate walked in while I was roasting vegetables for these bowls and immediately asked if she could stay for dinner. That's the thing about colorful food in bowls—it pulls people to the kitchen like nothing else.
Ingredients
- Brown rice: The nutty flavor holds up better than white rice and keeps you full longer
- Black beans: Rinse them thoroughly to remove the canning liquid for cleaner flavor
- Ground cumin: Toast it in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to beans
- Bell peppers: Red and yellow bring sweetness and those gorgeous pops of color
- Corn: Fresh off the cob is best, but frozen works perfectly fine
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst in your mouth and add bright acidity
- Red onion: Soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite
- Avocado: The creaminess that ties everything together
- Queso fresco: Crumbles beautifully and adds salty tang without overwhelming
- Sour cream: A cool contrast to the spiced beans
- Fresh cilantro: The herbal brightness that makes everything taste fresh
- Lime wedges: Squeeze over the whole bowl right before eating
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until it runs clear, then bring water to a boil, add rice and salt, cover and simmer until tender and fluffy.
- Warm the beans:
- Combine beans with spices in a small saucepan and let them heat through gently so the flavors meld.
- Prep your vegetables:
- Dice the peppers and onion, halve the tomatoes, slice the avocado, and chop the cilantro while keeping everything separate on your cutting board.
- Build your bowl:
- Start with a base of rice, then arrange beans and vegetables in sections so you can see all the colors.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Sprinkle cheese, add sour cream, scatter cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Save to Pinterest These bowls became my go-to for weeknight dinners when I started meal prepping Sundays. There's something deeply comforting about opening the fridge and seeing all those colorful components ready to go.
Making Ahead
Cook the rice and beans up to three days in advance, storing them separately. Prep the vegetables but keep the avocado, cilantro, and lime fresh for serving day.
Customization Ideas
Add pickled jalapeños if you want heat, swap in pinto beans, or throw in some roasted sweet potato cubes for extra substance. The beauty of burrito bowls is they adapt to whatever you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Set up a burrito bowl bar and let everyone build their own—its perfect for casual gatherings and means everyone gets exactly what they like.
- Warm your bowls in the oven for five minutes before serving
- Offer hot sauce on the side for the spice lovers
- Crush tortilla chips over the top for added crunch
Save to Pinterest These bowls have fed me through busy weeks, impromptu dinners, and countless nights when I wanted something nourishing but didn't want to think too hard about cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use white rice instead of brown?
Yes, white rice works well and cooks faster—about 18-20 minutes. However, brown rice provides more fiber and nutrients, plus a nutty flavor that complements the spiced beans beautifully.
- → How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Store components separately in airtight containers. Rice and beans keep for 4-5 days, while cut vegetables stay fresh for 3-4 days. Add avocado and fresh toppings just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- → What protein additions work well?
Grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, or shredded pork pair excellently. For plant-based options, try roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or additional beans like pinto or kidney varieties.
- → Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cook rice and beans in bulk, chop vegetables, and store separately. Assemble bowls throughout the week—this actually allows flavors to meld. Keep avocado stored with lime juice to prevent browning.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Pickled jalapeños, fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, radish slices, or crushed tortilla chips add wonderful crunch and flavor. A drizzle of chipotle crema or green sauce elevates the dish further.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free queso fresco and checking all spice labels. This makes it an excellent option for those avoiding gluten while enjoying bold Mexican-inspired flavors.