If you’re craving something deliciously filling, fresh, and totally customizable, then this Burrito Bowl is your new best friend. Picture tender rice, seasoned protein, and a rainbow of colorful veggies all in one bowl—layered with your favorite toppings. It’s like building your own burrito but without the tortilla, making it perfect for when you want to feel all the comfort without feeling weighed down. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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Why You’ll Love Burrito Bowl
Here’s why this Burrito Bowl is a total winner:
- Customizable: The beauty of this bowl is that you can make it your own. Whether you’re into spicy, savory, or fresh flavors, you can load it up with whatever toppings you love. Plus, it’s an awesome way to clear out the fridge with whatever veggies and proteins you have on hand.
- Packed with Flavor: The seasoned rice, flavorful protein, and fresh toppings come together in a perfect balance of flavors. Every bite is like a mini fiesta in your mouth!
- Healthy & Satisfying: This is a great way to sneak in some veggies and keep it healthy, but it’s still hearty and filling enough to satisfy your hunger. It’s the kind of meal that’s nourishing and guilt-free, yet feels like a treat.
- Quick & Easy: The whole thing comes together in no time! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or making enough to feed a crowd, this is an easy recipe to pull off. It’s also perfect for meal prep.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This bowl is made to be prepped in advance. Everything stores beautifully in the fridge, so you can whip it up once and enjoy it all week long.
Ingredients
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this Burrito Bowl:
- Rice: This is the base of your bowl. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It’s the perfect foundation to layer on all the goodness.
- Protein: Choose from chicken, ground beef, turkey, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. You can season it however you like—think taco seasoning, cumin, garlic, and chili powder for that perfect burrito-inspired flavor.
- Black Beans: These add a hearty texture and boost the protein content. Plus, they bring in some extra fiber.
- Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness to the bowl.
- Avocado: You can’t have a Burrito Bowl without creamy avocado! It brings richness and balances out the spices.
- Lettuce or Spinach: Fresh greens add a crisp contrast to the warm ingredients. Choose your favorite leafy green for extra crunch.
- Salsa: A spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo adds a zesty kick and freshness.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Cotija) takes it to the next level.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a tangy creaminess that complements the bold flavors of the bowl.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dig in? Here’s how to assemble your perfect Burrito Bowl:
- Cook the Rice: Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. If you’re using cauliflower rice, simply sauté it in a little olive oil until tender.
- Prepare the Protein: While the rice cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your protein. If you’re using chicken, beef, or turkey, season with taco seasoning or your favorite spices. Cook until fully done and browned.
- Heat the Beans & Corn: In a separate pan, heat the black beans and corn until warm. You can add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of lime juice for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a scoop of rice in the bottom of each bowl. Layer on your protein, beans, corn, and greens. Top with avocado, salsa, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve & Enjoy: Dig in! Serve with extra lime wedges or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
How to Serve Burrito Bowl
This Burrito Bowl is perfect for almost any meal! Here’s how to serve it:
- As a Quick Dinner: After a busy day, this is a quick, filling, and satisfying meal to whip up. It’s perfect for a one-bowl dinner that’s sure to fill everyone up.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch of everything and store it separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just reassemble the bowls and enjoy a fresh, easy meal.
- As a Party Dish: Make a build-your-own Burrito Bowl bar for your next gathering! Lay out all the ingredients and let everyone create their perfect bowl.
Additional Tips
- Spice it Up: Add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Use Different Rice: If you’re feeling adventurous, try cilantro lime rice, or swap in quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use black beans or pinto beans as your protein base and add roasted veggies like peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
- Top with Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top really brightens up the flavors.
- Add Some Crunch: Try crushed tortilla chips for a little crunch on top.
FAQ Section
- Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
- A1: Yes! You can cook and prep all the ingredients ahead of time. Store everything separately, and then assemble when you’re ready to eat.
- Q2: Can I use a different type of rice?
- A2: Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work wonderfully as alternatives.
- Q3: How can I make this dish vegan?
- A3: Simply swap the protein for tofu, tempeh, or extra beans, and use a plant-based sour cream or Greek yogurt alternative.
- Q4: Can I make it spicy?
- A4: Yes! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to amp up the heat.
- Q5: Can I use store-bought salsa?
- A5: Of course! Store-bought salsa works perfectly, but if you have the time, homemade salsa adds extra freshness.
- Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
- A6: While the rice and protein freeze well, the fresh toppings like avocado and salsa are best added after reheating.
- Q7: How do I store leftovers?
- A7: Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
- A8: Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tortillas or chips if you want to add them as a side.
- Q9: Can I make this bowl without rice?
- A9: Sure! Skip the rice and use a base of lettuce or greens for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Q10: Can I add more protein?
- A10: Definitely! Add grilled shrimp, steak, or even pulled pork for extra protein options.
Conclusion
This Burrito Bowl is everything you want in a meal: customizable, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping it for lunch throughout the week, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite and make it your own!
Print
Burrito Bowl
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Deconstructed Burrito Bowl is a flavorful, customizable, and easy-to-make meal packed with wholesome ingredients. Featuring seasoned ground meat, fluffy rice, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and a crunchy tortilla topping, this dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Whether you’re looking for healthy homemade recipes or easy dinner recipes, this burrito bowl delivers bold flavors and balanced nutrition in every bite
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Ground Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup tortilla chips or strips, lightly crushed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pico de Gallo:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rest:
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato chunks or roasted vegetables
- 1 cup fresh spinach or lettuce
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss crushed tortilla chips with olive oil, chili powder, and cumin (if using).
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Guacamole:
- Mash the avocados in a bowl.
- Stir in red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare the Pico de Gallo:
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Assemble the Burrito Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice between serving bowls.
- Arrange the ground meat, sweet potato chunks, spinach, guacamole, and pico de gallo on top.
- Sprinkle with crispy tortilla topping.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if using.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Customize with additional toppings like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, or hot sauce.
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Swap ground meat for lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg