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    Home » Recipes » Bowls and Stir Frys

    Vegan Burrito Bowl

    Published: Feb 25, 2021 by Jenn Sebestyen

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Rice, black beans, corn, diced red peppers, and avocado mixed together on a blue plate with a fork.
    Two tortilla chips on the side of beans and rice topped with avocado and salsa.
    Rice, black beans, corn, diced red peppers, and avocado mixed together on a blue plate with a fork.
    Two tortilla chips on the side of beans and rice topped with avocado and salsa.

    Super simple Vegan Burrito Bowl! So quick and easy it takes less than 20 minutes! Flavorful and customizable. Make this your go-to weeknight meal in a pinch!

    Vegan burrito bowl with rice, beans, corn, peppers, salsa, and avocado on a plate.

    In a hurry? Low on funds? No worries – you can still have a delicious dinner! I have been eating this quick and easy vegan burrito bowl since long before I switched to a plant-based diet.

    I made this at least once a week in my first (very tiny studio) condo in downtown Chicago. It’s inexpensive and gets dinner on the table in a few short minutes.  It is also surprisingly flavorful without having to add a bunch of spices.

    Back then, I didn’t add the avocado sauce that I’m featuring here, so if you are really short on time or funds or just don’t feel like making the sauce, rest assured this Vegan Burrito Bowl is plenty flavorful without it – it’s all about the salsa, so make sure you get a good one.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients you need
    2 How to make the recipe
    3 Storage and freezing
    4 Pro tips and tricks
    5 FAQs
    6 More vegan bowl recipes
    7 Vegan Burrito Bowl

    Ingredients you need

    Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls.
    Vegan Burrito Bowl ingredients: black beans, corn, salsa, cilantro, red bell pepper and rice. For the sauce: avocado, dairy free yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.

    Ingredient notes and substitutions

    Rice ~ Since this meal is designed to be super quick and easy, I like to use Minute brown rice. It takes just 10 minutes to cook and turns out perfectly every time. The nutritional difference between quick-cooking varieties and regular is minimal.

    If you have leftover rice in the fridge, even better! I would not recommend arborio rice, black rice, or wild rice, but other than that, use what you’ve got!

    Beans ~ My kids like black beans the most, so that’s what I use. And we generally use canned beans for convenience. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans well to get rid of any excess sodium.

    Again, if you have leftover beans in the fridge, use those! Pinto beans would work great if you don’t have black beans.

    Veggies ~ Corn and peppers are pretty standard for burritos, so that’s what I use.

    You can add some lettuce or diced tomatoes, too, if you like. If you like an extra kick of heat, some sliced or diced jalapeños would be nice. Pickled red onions are always a delicious addition, too.

    Sauce ~ We always top off our bowls with salsa. This dish relies on the salsa for most of the flavor, so be sure to use a bold, flavorful one.

    Most times we also drizzle on a creamy avocado sauce and other times we go for diced avocado instead of the avocado sauce.

    Other toppings to try as a substitute or in addition to: guacamole, southwest vegan ranch, or quick pickled red onions.

    Rice, black beans, peppers, corn, salsa, and avocado sauce in a bowl

    How to make the recipe

    I use Minute brown rice, canned beans and store bought salsa – pantry staples – to whip this up in less than 20 minutes. Of course, whole grain rice, beans cooked from scratch, and even homemade salsa would be wonderful if you’ve got the time, but that’s not what this recipe is intended for.

    Simply cook the rice according to package directions. Then throw in the remaining ingredients and serve!

    If you want to keep the components separate, you can heat up the black beans and corn in the microwave for a minute or two. Or heat them gently on the stove in separate pots.

    Rice, black beans, corn, diced red peppers, and avocado mixed together on a blue plate with a fork.

    Storage and freezing

    Fridge: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I recommend keeping the avocado sauce separate, if possible.

    Freezer: You can freeze leftovers, too. Let it cool completely before transferring to an air-tight freezer safe container or plastic bag. It should keep well for up to 6 months.

    Reheat: To reheat from either the fridge or the freezer, heat in the microwave (in a microwave safe container) for a minute or two until warmed through. You could also reheat on the stove top in a skillet.

    Two tortilla chips on the side of beans and rice topped with avocado and salsa.
    Love this blue flat bowl? Grab some for yourself at Off Your Rocker Pottery! Use code VeggieIns for 15% off!

    Pro tips and tricks

    It’s pretty hard to mess this meal up, but here are a few tips to get you the best results.

    ~ Use Minute rice or similar quick-cooking rice to get this meal on your table in 20 minutes or less!

    ~ Drain and rinse the canned beans to get rid of excess sodium and any tinny taste from the can.

    ~ Dice the peppers about the same size as the beans and corn so it’s easy to scoop it all up with tortilla chips.

    ~ No need to thaw the frozen corn, just throw it in the pot frozen. It only take a few minutes to warm through.

    ~ Use a flavorful salsa! Don’t skimp on a wimpy salsa here. Since this is providing most of the flavor for the bowls, you want one with bold flavors. If you like heat, grab a spicy one. If not, go for a smoky roasted salsa.

    ~ Use homemade or store-bought guacamole or simply diced avocado if you want to skip making the creamy avocado sauce.

    ~ A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the whole bowl will add a fresh, bright flavor.

    ~ Skip the utensils and scoop up the ingredients with tortilla chips!

    FAQs

    What is a burrito bowl?

    A burrito bowl consists of all the ingredients you’d find in a burrito, but instead of wrapping it in a tortilla the filling is served in a bowl and eaten with a fork. Typical ingredients include beans, rice, peppers, corn, lettuce, salsa, and avocado or guacamole.

    Is a burrito bowl healthy?

    Yes! Restaurant or store-bought burrito bowls probably have too much sodium and fat, but if you make one yourself at home, you control all of the ingredients that go into it. This vegan burrito bowl has healthy carbs, plant protein, vitamins and minerals.

    How do you eat a burrito bowl?

    You could keep all the components separate or mix them all together. Eat it with a fork or a spoon. Our favorite way to eat burrito bowls is to mix everything in the bowl together and then scoop it up with tortilla chips – no utensils needed!

    Hand scooping the burrito bowl ingredients with a tortilla chip.

    More vegan bowl recipes

    • BBQ Lentil Power Bowls
    • Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls
    • Roasted Veggie Rice Bowls
    • Hawaiian Tofu Bowls
    • Pesto Quinoa Bowls
    • even more Vegan Bowls recipes.

    I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.

    Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.


    For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

    Vegan burrito bowl with rice, beans, corn, peppers, salsa, and avocado on a plate.

    Vegan Burrito Bowl

    This is your go-to dinner if you've got a busy schedule and a budget. It only takes 20 minutes to make!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 489kcal
    Author: Jenn Sebestyen

    Ingredients

    • 1 can (15 oz) black beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
    • 2 cups instant brown rice
    • 1 jar (12 oz) Salsa I like Trader Joe's Salsa Authentica, but use your favorite
    • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
    • handful cilantro chopped

    Creamy Avocado Sauce

    • 1 ripe avocado smashed
    • ⅓ cup dairy free unsweetened, plain yogurt plus extra for thinning out the sauce, if necessary (vegan sour cream can be used instead)
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

    Instructions

    • Cook the instant rice according to package directions (this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on brand).
    • While the rice is cooking, combine all ingredients for the Creamy Avocado Sauce, if using, in a small bowl and stir well to combine. Add additional yogurt, if needed, to reach your desired sauce consistency. Set aside.
    • When the rice is done add the black beans, corn, and salsa to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes.
    • Take off the heat, add the bell peppers and cilantro.
    • Serve with tortilla chips or over chopped Romaine lettuce with a drizzle of the Creamy Avocado Sauce.

    Notes

    ~ Use Minute rice or similar quick-cooking rice to get this meal on your table in 20 minutes or less!
    ~ Drain and rinse the canned beans to get rid of excess sodium and any tinny taste from the can.
    ~ Dice the peppers about the same size as the beans and corn so it’s easy to scoop it all up with tortilla chips.
    ~ No need to thaw the frozen corn, just throw it in the pot frozen. It only take a few minutes to warm through.
    ~ Use a flavorful salsa! Don’t skimp on a wimpy salsa here. Since this is providing most of the flavor for the bowls, you want one with bold flavors. If you like heat, grab a spicy one. If not, go for a smoky roasted salsa.
    ~ Use homemade or store-bought guacamole or simply diced avocado if you want to skip making the creamy avocado sauce.
    ~ A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the whole bowl will add a fresh, bright flavor.
    ~ Skip the utensils and scoop up the ingredients with tortilla chips!
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 1105mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1600IU | Vitamin C: 65.2mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3.6mg

    Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Veggie_Inspired or tag #VeggieInspired!

     

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    Comments

    1. Blaine Stephens says

      April 14, 2021 at 11:40 am

      Tastes amazing! Any ideas on how to add more protein?5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        April 15, 2021 at 8:09 am

        You can add some lentils, vegan ground (like Beyond), crumbled tofu, or soy curls would all work great. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Sarah Jane says

      September 11, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Is there something I could sub for the vegan sour cream? Recipe looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        September 11, 2020 at 11:16 am

        Unsweetened plain yogurt would work great! Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Amanda Warren says

      September 10, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      It was very good. I might add some jalepeno next time. Or a spicier salsa. I really like the avocado dressing. Overall there will be no leftovers. I love how your recipes are done. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        September 11, 2019 at 7:58 am

        Thank you, Amanda! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. Olivia says

      June 18, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      This recipe was delicious!!!! My meat eating husband and my 22 month old daughter loved it too! I’m so happy I found this recipe.. I’m definitely going to be making it every week! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        June 18, 2019 at 8:56 pm

        Thank you, Olivia! I’m so happy to hear this! Enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Patti says

      November 15, 2018 at 4:48 pm

      Insanely delicious and so easy!!!! I’m obsessed, truly.
      And it feels so good to eat this healthy.
      Great recipe. So happy I found it.5 stars

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        November 16, 2018 at 7:35 am

        Thanks, Patti! Sometimes the easiest recipes are the best. So glad you enjoy it!

        Reply
    6. Stephanie says

      July 30, 2018 at 6:46 pm

      My daughter and I tried this recipe tonight. It was so delicious and easy to make! We will definitely be trying some more of your recipes. It was great that it was fast and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 30, 2018 at 8:57 pm

        Thank you, Stephanie! Glad you both loved it! With three school age kids and a very busy hubby, quick and easy is almost always the name of the game around here!

        Reply
    7. Shanasy says

      July 16, 2018 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you so much for this quick dinner idea! I have shared it with my FB community page “Super Quick Plant-Based Recipes” https://www.facebook.com/SuperQuickPBRecipes/ They will love this AND your site!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 17, 2018 at 8:57 am

        Thank you, Shanasy!

        Reply
    8. Sylvie Ficco says

      May 24, 2018 at 9:38 pm

      What could use instead of the avocado dressing. I hate avocado. Any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        May 25, 2018 at 7:53 am

        Hi, Sylvie. A nacho cheese sauce – like this Vegan Queso – or this southwest inspired ranch dressing both would be great choices. Or you can just leave it off all together and add a little more salsa. Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Erin says

      April 23, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      These bowls are simply wonderful!! A whole bunch of great flavors in one bowl! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        April 23, 2016 at 3:13 pm

        Thank you, Erin!

        Reply
    10. Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen says

      April 18, 2016 at 8:58 am

      I’ve never made a burrito bowl but now thanks to you I will be making it very soon! Looks amazing 😀

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        April 18, 2016 at 12:29 pm

        You definitely need to jump on the bandwagon, Aimee! 🙂 It’s really so easy! And tasty!

        Reply
    11. marlene says

      October 01, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      Ok, so it took me a while to make this but I finally did tonight. It was amazing & my husband LOVED it! He’s taking left overs for lunch tomorrow! Thank you for your amazing recipes!

      Reply
      • sebestyen2 says

        October 02, 2014 at 8:50 am

        So glad you guys liked it! Sometimes the most simple recipes are the best!

        Reply
    12. salontoast says

      September 03, 2014 at 8:40 pm

      Ooh sounds good. I love a good bowl. I love avocado too so must try your sauce!

      Reply
      • sebestyen2 says

        September 03, 2014 at 9:10 pm

        Thanks! Avocado makes everything better, right?! Hope you like it!

        Reply
    13. ameyfm says

      September 03, 2014 at 6:49 am

      this looks so perfect and delicious. Lately I’ve been eating a lot of bowls like this. I’m always amazed at what a difference the sauce makes for me. Somehow, a good sauce or dressing makes the whole thing come together and feel like a proper meal. this looks great!

      Reply
      • sebestyen2 says

        September 03, 2014 at 11:52 am

        Thanks. I agree, you can totally make a dish into something different with the sauce alone…even if the ingredients in the bowl are mostly the same. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply

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    Jenn Sebestyen of Veggie Inspired

    Hi, I'm Jenn! This is where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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