Brown Rice Burrito Bowl (Printable)

Hearty brown rice bowl layered with seasoned black beans, fresh vegetables, creamy queso, and tangy sour cream for a balanced meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup uncooked brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Beans

04 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dairy & Toppings

16 - 1/2 cup queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup sour cream
18 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine black beans, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat through for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Dice peppers, halve tomatoes, dice onion, and slice avocado. If using fresh corn, steam or grill briefly as desired.
04 - Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with black beans, bell peppers, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices.
05 - Sprinkle queso fresco or cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, and garnish with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of warm grains and cool toppings creates this perfect temperature contrast that makes each bite more interesting than the last.
  • You can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble bowls throughout the week for the quickest healthy meal youve ever made.
02 -
  • Room temperature avocados are infinitely more flavorful than cold ones straight from the refrigerator, so plan ahead and let them sit out for an hour before serving.
  • Warming your serving bowls in the oven for a few minutes before assembly keeps your rice and beans hot longer while you add the toppings.
03 -
  • Cook your brown rice with a bay leaf and a drizzle of olive oil for subtle flavor enhancement that elevates the entire bowl.
  • Keep a jar of pickled red onions in your refrigerator as the tangy crunch cuts through the creaminess of avocado and sour cream, bringing perfect balance to each bite.
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