Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
A vibrant and satisfying burrito bowl made from scratch with perfectly cooked black beans, fresh corn, and a zesty pico de gallo over a bed of fluffy quinoa. A wholesome, high-protein meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the black beans
- Place the soaked and rinsed black beans in a large pot and cover with 4 cups of fresh water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 60-90 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Drain any excess water.
Cook the quinoa
- While the beans cook, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare the pico de gallo
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, half of the chopped red onion, minced jalapeno, and half of the chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Set aside for the flavors to meld.
Sauté the vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the remaining half of the chopped onion and the bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the fresh corn kernels and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine and assemble the bowls
- Add the cooked and drained black beans to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through.
- To assemble, divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls.
- Top each bowl with a generous portion of the black bean and vegetable mixture.
- Garnish with a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese (if using), the remaining fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking beans overnight is crucial for reducing cook time and making them easier to digest.
- 2Rinsing quinoa thoroughly removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter.
- 3Let the pico de gallo sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- 4For meal prep, store the quinoa, bean mixture, and pico de gallo in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Simply omit the optional cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to make this bowl fully vegan.
high proteinHigh protein
Add crumbled and sautéed firm tofu or tempeh along with the vegetables for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, use 1 can (15 oz) of pre-cooked black beans, rinsed and drained, instead of dried beans. This reduces the cook time to about 25 minutes.
low carbLow carb
Replace the quinoa with cauliflower rice. Sauté the cauliflower rice with a little oil until tender before assembling the bowl.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Black beans and quinoa are excellent sources of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
With whole ingredients like beans, quinoa, and vegetables, this bowl is loaded with fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full and satisfied.
Packed with Complex Carbs
Quinoa provides complex carbohydrates that offer a steady release of energy, preventing blood sugar spikes and keeping you energized longer.
Excellent Source of Vitamins
The variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions delivers a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this burrito bowl is very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein from black beans, complex carbohydrates and fiber from quinoa, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and pico de gallo.



