A Burrito Bowl is a hearty and satisfying meal that gives you all the flavor and toppings you love in a burrito, minus the tortilla. It’s easy to make, and you can personalize it with your favorite ingredients. From seasoned rice and beans to fresh guacamole and salsa, the Burrito Bowl is a meal that you can build to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
For the Base:
For the Protein (optional):
1 cup cooked brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
1 cup cooked black beans (or pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1-2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 lb grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu (or your preferred protein)
For the Salsa:
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Guacamole (optional):
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing (optional):
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prepare the Rice:
Start by cooking your rice. If you’re using brown rice, it will take about 40-45 minutes to cook, so make sure to do this ahead of time. You can also use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a mix of grains to suit your preference.
Season the rice with a pinch of salt, and once cooked, fluff with a fork. Add a tablespoon of lime juice and some chopped cilantro to give it a fresh, zesty flavor.
2.Cook the Protein (optional):
For Chicken or Beef: Season the protein with taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill, sauté, or bake it until fully cooked, and then slice it into thin strips.
For Tofu: If you’re making a vegan bowl, press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube it and sauté it in a pan with a bit of olive oil and season it with taco seasoning or chili powder.
For Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Once the protein is cooked, set it aside to assemble the bowl.
3.Prepare the Salsa:
In a small bowl, combine the diced tomato, red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir the salsa together and set aside. This fresh, zesty salsa will add a burst of flavor to your Burrito Bowl.
4.Make the Guacamole (optional):
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocado with a fork. Add lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste.
Mix until smooth and creamy. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder if you like extra flavor.
5.Assemble the Burrito Bowl:
Start by placing a scoop of the cilantro-lime rice in the bottom of each bowl.
Next, add a generous scoop of cooked black beans (or any other beans you prefer), followed by the corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and red onion.
Add the cooked protein on top, followed by a few slices of avocado.
Spoon on the fresh salsa and guacamole.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness and flavor.
6.Optional: Add Dressing:
If you’d like to add a creamy dressing, mix together the Greek yogurt or sour cream with lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy element, serve your Burrito Bowl with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
Top with Cheese: If you’re not following a dairy-free diet, you can top the bowl with shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free alternative.
Add Pickled Jalapeños: For a little extra zing, top the bowl with pickled jalapeños or other pickled vegetables.
Serve with a Side Salad: For added freshness, serve your Burrito Bowl with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad dressed with olive oil and lime.
Customization Options
Different Proteins: You can easily swap the protein in your Burrito Bowl to fit your preferences. Try grilled chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, shrimp, or for a vegan option, tempeh, black beans, or chickpeas.
Grain-Free Option: If you’re following a grain-free or low-carb diet, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or a leafy green base such as spinach or lettuce.
Add More Veggies: Add more veggies such as sautéed zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or even sautéed spinach to make your Burrito Bowl even more nutritious.
More Heat: If you love spicy food, add more jalapeños to your salsa or drizzle some hot sauce over the top.
Tips for Perfect Burrito Bowl
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and homemade guacamole make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Bowl: Be mindful of how much you add to each bowl. It’s easy to get carried away, but a balanced ratio of rice, protein, veggies, and toppings ensures that every bite is perfect.
Make It Ahead: The components of the Burrito Bowl, like the rice, beans, and salsa, can be made ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble when ready to serve.
Make It Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding a scoop of spicy salsa, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Leftover Burrito Bowl components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the guacamole and salsa separate, as they can lose freshness quickly.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat the rice, beans, and protein in the microwave or on the stove. Add fresh avocado, salsa, and guacamole when you’re ready to eat.
Nutritional Benefits of the Burrito Bowl
High in Protein: The protein from the beans and your choice of protein (chicken, beef, tofu, etc.) helps to keep you full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber: Beans, brown rice, and vegetables are packed with fiber, which supports digestion and overall health.
Healthy Fats: The avocado and any seeds or nuts you add contribute healthy fats that support skin health and energy.
Vibrant Veggies: The variety of fresh vegetables and toppings adds essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to the bowl.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~400-600 (depending on protein choice and portion sizes)
Protein: 20-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Fat: 15-25 grams
Fiber: 10-12 grams
The Burrito Bowl is a customizable, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With a variety of proteins, grains, and toppings to choose from, this bowl is a crowd-pleaser and great for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a party dish, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy and nourish you!