Save Pin A vibrant, satisfying bowl featuring fluffy rice, hearty beans, sweet corn, and classic Tex-Mex toppings. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that brings color and taste to your table.
Whenever I make these burrito bowls, everyone goes back for seconds. The combination of warm rice, seasoned beans, and all those fresh toppings makes for a meal my family requests again and again.
Ingredients
- Long-grain white or brown rice: 1 cup
- Water: 2 cups
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Frozen corn kernels: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Red onion: 1/2 cup, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lime: 1, cut into wedges
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional): 1/2 cup
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): 1/2 cup
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): As desired
- Shredded lettuce (optional): As desired
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional): As desired
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and water is absorbed (about 15 minutes for white rice, 35 to 40 minutes for brown rice). Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare beans and corn:
- While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add frozen corn and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until heated and fragrant.
- Assemble the bowls:
- Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the bean and corn mixture.
- Add toppings:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream (if using) on each bowl. Add any desired optional toppings.
- Serve:
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over bowls just before serving.
Save Pin Sharing these bowls around the table always sparks great conversation. It is a happy, communal dish that everyone can build just the way they like.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan with lid, skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, and serving bowls make prep and assembly fast and easy.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy if cheese or sour cream is used. Always check product labels and choose certified gluten-free staples if needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving without optional cheese or sour cream contains 340 calories, 7 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 9 g protein.
Save Pin These burrito bowls are easy to personalize. Just set out the toppings and let everyone create their perfect meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, brown rice works well but requires a longer cooking time—about 35 to 40 minutes versus 15 minutes for white rice.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit the cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt or skip the sour cream altogether.
- → What spices are used for the beans and corn?
The beans and corn are seasoned with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper for a smoky, mildly spiced flavor.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or tofu are great additions to boost protein content and make the bowl more filling.
- → Are there any suggested toppings to enhance flavor?
Fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, salsa, or shredded lettuce can all add texture and brightness.