A Mexican burrito bowl is a simple and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional burrito without the tortilla. It usually includes rice, beans, meat or vegetables, and fresh toppings like salsa, cheese, and avocado all served in a bowl.
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You get the same ingredients as a burrito but with more control over portions and fewer carbs. This makes it a popular choice if you want a quick, filling meal that fits different diet preferences.
Whether you like spicy or mild flavors, a burrito bowl lets you customize your meal easily. It’s a fresh way to enjoy Mexican food at home or on the go.
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Building the Perfect Mexican Burrito Bowl
To make a great burrito bowl, focus on fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and simple preparation. You will combine staples like rice and beans with proteins and a variety of toppings. Adjust spice and textures to suit your taste for a satisfying and customizable meal.
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Essential Ingredients
Start with a base of rice and beans. Use long-grain white rice or try cilantro lime rice for extra flavor. Black beans or pinto beans work well, seasoned lightly with ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
For protein, grilled chicken or beef are popular choices. Chicken deserves a quick marinade with minced garlic, lime juice, and extra-virgin olive oil to keep it juicy. You can swap for vegetarian options like roasted veggies or leftover beans.
Toppings matter a lot. Use shredded romaine lettuce, diced red onion, fresh cilantro leaves, salsa with medium heat, shredded cheddar or cheese, sour cream, and sliced Hass avocados or a scoop of guacamole. A wedge of fresh lime offers a bright finish.
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Mexican Burrito Bowl Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or cilantro lime rice
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, diced (or use tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salsa or pico de gallo for topping
- Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt
To make the burrito bowl, start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, season the chicken (or tofu) with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then grill or sauté until fully cooked.
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Warm the black beans and corn in a pan or microwave. In a bowl, layer the rice, black beans, corn, and grilled chicken. Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the top and add salsa or pico de gallo as desired.
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Finish with optional toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Mexican burrito bowl!
Customizing Burrito Bowls for Every Palate
You can easily tailor your burrito bowl. For a mild bowl, use less salsa and skip jalapeños or hot sauce. If you want more heat, add diced green chilies or a medium heat salsa.
Swap proteins depending on your diet. Vegans can add roasted corn, tofu, or more beans. Use shredded romaine lettuce or fresh greens in place of rice for a low-carb option.
Texture variety is key. Add crunchy tortilla chips or roasted peppers. Garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. Always adjust salt and lime juice last to perfect the balance before serving.
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