Brown Rice Burrito Bowl (Printable)

Hearty burrito bowl with brown rice, beans, vegetables, queso, and sour cream. Balanced and flavorful.

# What Goes In:

→ Grains

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

→ Beans

04 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/4 tsp 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
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 Make It:

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 Advice:

01 -
  • The brown rice adds this nutty undertone that store bought burrito bowls never quite capture, especially when you let it soak up those bean juices.
  • You can prep everything ahead and create a build your own bowl bar, turning dinner into this casual interactive experience that even my pickiest nephew enjoys.
02 -
  • Never add avocado to meal prep portions youre storing these bowls need to be assembled fresh or the avocado turns an unappetizing brown that no amount of lime juice can fully prevent.
  • Heating the tortilla chips briefly in the oven before serving creates this amazing textural contrast against the softer components that completely transforms the experience.
03 -
  • Cook your rice in vegetable broth instead of water and add a bay leaf for a depth of flavor that will have people wondering what your secret is.
  • Keep components separate until serving time so everything maintains its distinct texture, especially if youre making these for meal prep throughout the week.
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