Name: Vegan Burrito Bowls with Black Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option); 2 cups water or vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1 avocado, sliced or mashed; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salsa or pico de gallo; Lime wedges, for serving

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Looking for a vibrant, wholesome, and filling meal that’s packed with flavor? These Vegan Burrito Bowls with Black Beans are everything you need and more! Picture perfectly seasoned black beans, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and zesty lime all served up in one hearty, satisfying bowl. It’s like bringing your favorite burrito to life in a healthier, lighter way. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bowl is versatile, delicious, and will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, you won’t miss the meat here—every bite is bursting with flavor!

What makes this recipe even better? It’s super customizable! Want to add some spicy salsa? Go for it. Prefer a bit of crunch with tortilla chips? Yes, please! You can make this bowl your own with all your favorite toppings, and it’ll still be 100% plant-based and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Burrito Bowls with Black Beans

Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of seasoned black beans, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado is just a match made in heaven. It’s light yet filling, making it the perfect meal for any time of day.

Easy & Quick: This bowl comes together in just 30 minutes, so you can whip it up in no time without any hassle. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but not time-consuming.

Customizable: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your personal preferences. Add some grilled veggies, roasted corn, or top it off with your favorite hot sauce for extra spice!

Nutrient-Rich & Satisfying: Packed with protein from black beans, healthy fats from avocado, and loads of vitamins from fresh veggies, this bowl is as nourishing as it is tasty.

Perfect for Meal Prep: These burrito bowls store well in the fridge, so you can prepare them ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, vegan burrito bowls:

For the Black Beans:

Canned Black Beans: The star of the show! Black beans are hearty, high in fiber, and packed with protein, making them the perfect base for this bowl.

Onion: A bit of sautéed onion adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the beans.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a rich, robust flavor to the mix.
Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beans perfectly.

Chili Powder: A dash of chili powder adds just the right amount of heat and depth to the beans.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a refreshing zing and balances the richness of the beans.

For the Bowl:

Cooked Brown Rice: A hearty, whole grain base for the bowl. Brown rice adds texture and nuttiness, but feel free to swap it for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Avocado: Creamy avocado adds a rich, buttery texture to the bowl and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A burst of freshness and tangy flavor from the salsa or pico de gallo.
Corn (optional): Roasted or fresh corn kernels add a sweet pop of flavor.

Fresh Cilantro: For a touch of freshness and color to garnish your bowl.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime at the end takes these bowls to the next level.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now let’s get cooking—this bowl comes together in just a few simple steps!

Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Brown rice usually takes about 25 minutes, so you can get it going first while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Black Beans
In a medium pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the canned black beans (drained and rinsed) and season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Squeeze in some lime juice at the end for a fresh zing.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Once the rice and black beans are ready, it’s time to assemble! Start by adding a scoop of brown rice to the bottom of each bowl. Top with a generous portion of the black bean mixture.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Toppings
Next, add your toppings—sliced avocado, fresh salsa or pico de gallo, and roasted or fresh corn if using. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for that final burst of flavor.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
These bowls are best served immediately, but they also keep well for meal prep if you’re making them in advance. Grab a spoon and dig into your perfect vegan burrito bowl!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Vegan Burrito Bowls with Black Beans

These bowls are filling on their own, but here are a few ways to enhance the meal:

Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips for added crunch.

Hot Sauce: If you like things spicy, drizzle your bowl with your favorite hot sauce or salsa verde.
Cashew Cream or Vegan Sour Cream: Add a creamy topping to balance the flavors and add a luxurious texture.
Guacamole: If you love avocado, top the bowl with some homemade guacamole for extra richness.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: The components of the bowl (rice, beans, salsa, etc.) can all be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Add More Protein: For extra protein, you can add grilled tofu or tempeh on top of the beans, or even sauté some plant-based ground meat for a heartier bowl.
Swap the Rice: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. It’s low in carbs and still delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned beans?
A1: Yes, canned black beans work perfectly. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this bowl gluten-free?
A2: This recipe is already naturally gluten-free, as long as you double-check that your toppings (like tortillas or salsa) are gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the rice, beans, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the rice and beans before serving.

Q4: Can I make this bowl spicy?
A4: Absolutely! Add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicier salsa to give your burrito bowl a kick.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?
A5: Yes, this is perfect for meal prep! Just store all the ingredients in separate containers and assemble your bowls when ready to eat.

Q6: Can I add different vegetables to this bowl?
A6: Definitely! You can add roasted bell peppers, sautéed zucchini, or any veggies you like. They’ll add extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: Can I use a different grain?
A7: Yes! Quinoa, farro, or even couscous would work well as alternatives to brown rice.

Q8: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A8: Yes! Just thaw and drain the frozen corn before using it in the bowl.

Q9: How do I make this bowl more filling?
A9: You can add more protein-rich toppings like grilled tofu, chickpeas, or even a scoop of vegan protein.

Q10: Can I use store-bought salsa?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought salsa or pico de gallo for a quick and easy topping.

Conclusion

These Vegan Burrito Bowls with Black Beans are the ultimate plant-based comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and totally customizable. With a base of seasoned black beans, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, topped with a zesty lime squeeze, each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a satisfying plant-based bowl, this recipe has got you covered. So, grab your favorite toppings, dig in, and enjoy!