Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade burrito bowls with this easy baking recipe! Featuring fluffy cilantro-lime rice, perfectly seasoned proteins, and a rainbow of fresh toppings, this customizable Mexican-inspired feast lets everyone build their dream bowl. The secret is in the oven-roasted ingredients for maximum flavor!

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Serves:

6 bowls

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g white basmati rice (or brown rice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml olive oil, divided</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 limes (juice and zest)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g fresh cilantro, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5g salt, divided</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g boneless chicken thighs (or tofu for vegetarian option)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium bell peppers, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium red onions, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cans (400g each) black beans, drained and rinsed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cherry tomatoes, halved</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g sweetcorn (fresh or frozen)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium avocados, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g grated cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g sour cream (or Greek yogurt)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g jarred jalapeños, drained</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Hot sauce, to taste</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">2 large baking trays</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rice cooker or medium saucepan with lid</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat thermometer (if using protein)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line two large baking trays with parchment paper and set aside. This setup allows you to roast your proteins and vegetables simultaneously, developing deep flavors through caramelization.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear - this removes excess starch and prevents gumminess. Cook according to package instructions, using slightly less water than called for (about 720ml for 450g rice) to achieve fluffier grains with distinct texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>While the rice cooks, place the chicken thighs (or tofu) on one side of a prepared baking tray. Drizzle with 10ml olive oil, sprinkle with taco seasoning and 2g salt, then toss to coat evenly. The dark meat of chicken thighs contains more fat, helping it stay moist during roasting while developing a beautiful crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>On the other half of the tray (or on the second tray if needed), arrange the sliced bell peppers and red onions in a single layer. Drizzle with 10ml olive oil, season with 2g salt, and toss to coat. The natural sugars in the vegetables will caramelize, adding depth of flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the tray(s) in the preheated oven. Roast the vegetables for about 20-25 minutes until they're tender with caramelized edges. For the chicken, roast until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (about 25-30 minutes). For tofu, roast until golden and crispy on the edges. The dry heat of the oven concentrates flavors better than stovetop cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>While everything roasts, prepare the seasoned black beans. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining 10ml olive oil. Add the drained beans, ground cumin, dried oregano, and 1g salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and fragrant, gently mashing about a quarter of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a partially creamy texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. While still hot, add the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and remaining salt. Gently fluff with a fork to combine - the warm rice will absorb the aromatic oils from the lime zest and cilantro, intensifying the flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>If using chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice or shred it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains moist and tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Set up a build-your-own burrito bowl bar with the cilantro-lime rice as the base. Arrange the roasted chicken (or tofu), roasted vegetables, seasoned black beans, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, diced avocado, grated cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños in separate bowls. The contrast of warm components with cool toppings creates a satisfying temperature variance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow everyone to build their own bowl starting with a base of rice, followed by proteins, vegetables, and finishing with their favorite toppings and a dash of hot sauce if desired. The beauty of this meal is its customizability - each bowl can be tailored to individual preferences while sharing the same delicious foundation.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls Recipe?

Key ingredients include basmati rice, olive oil, lime, cilantro, chicken or tofu, taco seasoning, bell peppers, red onions, black beans, spices, fresh toppings (tomatoes, corn, avocado), and garnishes like cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños for customisation.

How to cook Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls by first roasting seasoned proteins and vegetables in the oven while cooking fluffy rice. Season the rice with lime and cilantro, prepare spiced black beans, then set up a customisable serving station with all components. The oven roasting method brings out maximum flavour compared to stovetop cooking.

How can I make my burrito bowls healthier whilst maintaining flavour?

Opt for brown rice instead of white, use lean proteins like chicken breast or tofu, increase the vegetable-to-rice ratio, swap sour cream for Greek yoghurt, use less cheese, and add extra herbs. The roasted vegetables and properly seasoned beans provide plenty of flavour without excess calories.

Can I meal prep these Mexican-inspired bowls for the week?

Absolutely! Prepare and store the components separately: roast proteins and vegetables, cook rice and beans, and prepare toppings that keep well. Assemble fresh each day, keeping avocado, cheese, and sour cream separate until serving. Components stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated.

What's the secret to getting restaurant-quality flavour in homemade burrito bowls?

Oven-roasting proteins and vegetables delivers deeper flavour through caramelisation. Season the rice while still warm so it absorbs aromatics, partially mash some beans for texture contrast, and use fresh lime and cilantro liberally. Layering temperatures (hot rice with cool toppings) creates dimension.

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