Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Vegetarian Tex-Mex bowl with black beans over brown rice, fajita peppers, salsa, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt as a lighter sour-cream stand-in.
For 1 serving
Sauté the peppers and onions until charred.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper and onion to the pan.
- Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are slightly blackened.
TIPUse a high heat to achieve a smoky char without making the vegetables mushy.Warm the beans with spices and mash slightly.
- Add the black beans, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet.
- Heat for 3 minutes until the beans are warmed through.
- Use the back of a spoon to mash a few beans against the pan to create a thicker consistency.
Layer the bowl and add fresh toppings.
- Divide the cooked brown rice into bowls and top with the bean and pepper mixture.
- Add sliced avocado, fresh salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easy meal prep, cook the beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble the bowls just before eating.
- 2To prevent the avocado dressing from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto its surface before refrigerating.
- 3Feel free to add other toppings like sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
- 4Don't have a blender? Mash the avocado thoroughly with a fork and whisk in the other dressing ingredients until smooth.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken or grilled tofu to the bowls for an extra protein boost.
veganVegan
Omit the cheese and use a plant-based yogurt alternative or a splash of olive oil in the dressing instead of Greek yogurt.
spicySpicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the black beans or top the bowl with fresh sliced jalapeños.
quickQuick
Use a can of seasoned black beans and your favorite store-bought salsa and dressing to assemble these bowls in under 10 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Black beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Plant-Based Protein
This bowl provides a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, without the saturated fat found in some animal proteins.
Healthy Fats
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Vitamins and Antioxidants
The fresh greens, pico de gallo, and cilantro are loaded with vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that help protect your body from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this burrito bowl is very healthy. It's packed with fiber and plant-based protein from the black beans, healthy fats from the avocado, and plenty of vitamins from the fresh greens and salsa.
