Save A vibrant, satisfying bowl featuring fluffy rice, hearty beans, sweet corn, and classic Tex-Mex toppings—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
I first made these burrito bowls on a busy weeknight, craving something nutritious that everyone would enjoy. The combination of flavors quickly became a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Long-grain white or brown rice: 1 cup
- Water: 2 cups
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Frozen corn kernels: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Red onion: 1/2 cup, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lime: 1, cut into wedges
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional): 1/2 cup
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): 1/2 cup
- Optional Additions: Sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and water is absorbed (about 15 minutes for white rice, 35–40 minutes for brown rice). Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare beans and corn:
- While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add frozen corn and sauté for 3–4 minutes until warmed through. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes until heated and fragrant.
- Assemble the bowls:
- Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the bean and corn mixture.
- Add toppings:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream (if using) on each bowl. Add any desired optional toppings.
- Serve:
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over bowls just before serving.
Save Whenever we gather for a casual dinner, burrito bowls let everyone build their favorite combination. It's become our go-to option for sharing a crowd-pleaser meal together.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan with lid, skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, and serving bowls make prep easy.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if cheese or sour cream are added. Always check labels for gluten and other allergens in packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (without cheese or sour cream) has about 340 calories, 7 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.
Save Serve immediately for peak freshness. These burrito bowls are a delicious hit any night of the week.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice cooks quickly and stays fluffy, while brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Both pair well with the other bowl ingredients.
- → How to add extra protein?
Add grilled chicken, tofu, or a spoonful of beans for additional protein to make the bowl more filling.
- → Can I make it vegan?
Yes, omit cheese and sour cream or replace with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What spices enhance the bean and corn mix?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder create a warm, smoky flavor perfectly complementing the beans and corn.
- → How to keep the bowl gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free ingredients and avoid processed additions containing gluten to maintain a gluten-free dish.