The Veggie Burrito Bowl from Chipotle features a vibrant mix of seasoned black beans, cilantro-lime rice, fresh fajita veggies, zesty salsa, and creamy guacamole, all layered to create a colorful and satisfying plant-based meal bursting with bold flavors.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Medium pot
- Sauté pan/skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
- Spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 small tomato
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup fresh salsa
When preparing your Veggie Burrito Bowl, use fresh cilantro and lime juice to enhance the rice's bright, zesty flavor, while the combination of smoked paprika and chili powder gives the black beans a rich, smoky depth. Choose ripe avocados for creamy guacamole that balances the spicy jalapeno and fresh tomato salsa. Measuring spices accurately using measuring spoons ensures consistent boldness without overpowering the dish. Fresh fajita veggies like bell peppers and onions add vibrant color and texture, so slice them evenly with a sharp chef's knife for even cooking. Your homemade Veggie Burrito Bowl from Chipotle offers the same fresh, flavorful experience as the popular copycat menu item, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse and cook rice in rice cooker.
- Chop cilantro and juice lime.
- Once rice is cooked, fluff and mix with chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Slice onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
- Mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced onion and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic; cook briefly until fragrant.
- Season fajita veggies with salt and pepper.
- Drain and rinse black beans.
- Heat black beans in medium pot with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir occasionally until warmed through.
- Prepare guacamole: mash avocado in mixing bowl.
- Finely dice tomato, red onion, and jalapeño; chop cilantro leaves.
- Add diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to mashed avocado; mix well.
- Assemble bowls: spoon cilantro-lime rice into serving bowls.
- Top with black beans, fajita veggies, fresh salsa, and guacamole.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Veggie Burrito Bowl from Chipotle copycat menu can be customized with different beans like pinto or kidney if black beans are unavailable. When fresh fajita veggies are not in season, frozen bell pepper mixes can be a convenient substitute without losing much flavor. If you don't have a citrus juicer, simply squeeze the lime by hand to add the essential zesty touch. To maintain the creamy texture of guacamole, mash the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Your spice blend can be adjusted to taste by increasing cumin or adding smoked paprika for richer depth.
Tips
Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and avoid clumping. When sauteing the veggies, keep the heat medium to ensure they soften without burning or becoming mushy. Drain and rinse the black beans well to reduce sodium and improve texture before seasoning and heating. Your guacamole will be freshest and most flavorful if you prepare it just before serving to prevent browning.
Nutritions
The Veggie Burrito Bowl provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, featuring plant-based protein from black beans and healthy fats from avocado. The cilantro-lime rice delivers complex carbohydrates and fiber aided by the inclusion of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, which add essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and antioxidants. Spices like cumin and chili powder not only enhance flavor but may also boost metabolism and digestion. Your meal supports digestive health, immune function, and sustained energy without relying on animal products.
Storage
Store leftover Veggie Burrito Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture. Keep guacamole in a sealed container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning, and refrigerate all items promptly within two hours of preparation. Your meal can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a protein boost, swap black beans with pinto beans or grilled tofu seasoned with the same spices. Instead of long-grain white rice, try brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and a nuttier texture. You can roast the fajita veggies in the oven for a caramelized flavor rather than sauteing. Your guacamole can be enriched by mixing in a handful of chopped roasted corn or mango for a sweet contrast.
Allergies
The Veggie Burrito Bowl contains ingredients like avocado and bell peppers, which can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Black beans and spices such as cumin or chili powder may also cause sensitivities or digestive issues for certain people. If you have a known allergy to any of these components, it's important to check with Chipotle or customize your order to avoid potential allergens.
Why this recipe?
The Veggie Burrito Bowl from Chipotle offers a customizable, nutrient-rich meal featuring fresh ingredients like brown rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, and guacamole that appeal to health-conscious diners. Its balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats supports sustained energy and satiety, making it a popular choice among vegetarians and those seeking a wholesome dining option. Replicating this dish at home allows you to control ingredient quality and portion sizes while accommodating dietary preferences more flexibly. Trying to make a copycat version is worth it for recreating the authentic flavors and satisfying experience without the restaurant price.