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- 1 cup brown rice - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped You need brown rice for a hearty base. It gives fiber and taste. Black beans add protein and a creamy texture. I love using corn for sweetness, and the diced bell peppers and zucchini bring color and crunch. Red onion adds a slight bite, while fresh cilantro ties it all together with its bright flavor. - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Greek yogurt or sour cream Avocado makes the bowl creamy and rich. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst. You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess, which makes the dish even better. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil helps sauté the veggies nicely. Lime juice brightens up the flavors. Cumin and chili powder add warmth and depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they will enhance every bite. When you combine these ingredients, you create a colorful and delicious meal. Each bite bursts with flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cooking 1 cup of brown rice. Follow the package instructions carefully. Brown rice usually takes about 30 minutes to cook. Once the rice is tender, set it aside in a bowl. This will be the base of your burrito bowl. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, diced zucchini, and thinly sliced red onion. Cook these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them often. You want them tender but still colorful. The smell will be amazing! Now, it’s time to mix everything. Stir in 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans and 1 cup of corn. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. This helps blend all the flavors together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the sautéed veggie mixture. Drizzle everything with 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Toss gently to mix. The lime juice will add a fresh kick! When you choose your veggies, fresh is best. If you can't find fresh, frozen works well too. Frozen corn or peppers are great options. Look for bright colors and firm textures. Seasonal veggies add the best flavor. In summer, try fresh zucchini and tomatoes. In fall, use sweet potatoes and squash. Their flavors shine in your burrito bowl. Spices make your dish pop. Cumin and chili powder bring warmth and depth. You can also add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten every bite. For sauces, try a zesty salsa or a creamy avocado dressing. These will elevate your burrito bowl to new heights. For perfectly cooked rice, rinse it first. This removes extra starch and prevents clumping. Follow the package instructions for best results. Let the rice steam after cooking; this keeps it fluffy. When sautéing veggies, use medium heat. This helps them cook evenly without burning. Stir often to keep everything tender and bright. Enjoy the delicious flavors in every bite. Pro Tips Use Brown Rice: Brown rice is not only healthier but also adds a nice nutty flavor to your burrito bowls. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand for a personal touch. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor; don’t skip this step! Make It a Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep; just store the components separately until ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your veggie packed burrito bowls to boost nutrition. For a plant-based choice, try tofu or tempeh. They soak up flavors well. Just cube them, sauté until golden, and mix in with your veggies. If you eat meat, chicken or ground turkey works great too. Just cook it first, then add it to the bowl. Brown rice is a classic, but you can swap it out for other grains. Quinoa is a fantastic option. It's light and full of protein. Bulgur wheat is another good choice if you want a nutty taste. For gluten-free needs, use rice or quinoa. They fit perfectly in this dish. To make your burrito bowls even tastier, think about sauces. A drizzle of hot sauce or salsa adds a spicy kick. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess. Don't forget about nuts or seeds! Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds give a nice crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To keep your veggie packed burrito bowls fresh, refrigerate them right away. Use an airtight container to stop air from getting in. If you have leftovers, they should cool down before you seal them up. You can also freeze the bowls. Just make sure to leave out the avocado and fresh toppings. Assemble those when you’re ready to eat. When stored in the fridge, these burrito bowls last about 4 to 5 days. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage first. If you see any mold or smell something off, it's best to toss them out. Always trust your senses; they guide you well in the kitchen. To reheat your burrito bowls, the stovetop method is the best. It keeps the texture nice and doesn’t dry out your food. Just place the bowl in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often until hot. If you use a microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, your meal stays tasty and warm all the way through. To make burrito bowls vegan, swap out dairy products. Use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also skip cheese or use a vegan cheese option. For a creamy texture, try cashew cream or avocado. Yes, you can prepare burrito bowls ahead of time. Cook the rice and veggies in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just combine them and heat. This saves time on busy days. Feel free to mix in any fresh veggies you love. Seasonal options might include spinach, kale, or carrots. You can also try sweet potatoes, broccoli, or snap peas. Choose what you have on hand for a colorful dish! This article covered everything you need for tasty burrito bowls. We explored key ingredients like brown rice, black beans, and fresh veggies. I shared steps for cooking rice, sautéing vegetables, and mixing it all together for flavor. You learned tips for choosing veggies, enhancing taste, and storing leftovers. Finally, I provided variations to keep meals exciting. Enjoy making your burrito bowls, and feel free to get creative with your choices. You now have the tools to create simple and delicious meals!

Veggie Packed Burrito Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl filled with brown rice, black beans, and a variety of fresh vegetables, topped with avocado and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 piece avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the brown rice according to package instructions. Set it aside once cooked.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the corn, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice with the sautéed veggie mixture. Drizzle with lime juice and toss gently to combine.
  • To serve, divide the veggie-packed rice mixture into bowls. Top with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  • Optionally, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.

Notes

Optionally, add Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.
Keyword burrito bowls, easy, healthy, veggie