Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Move over Chipotle! This Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowl recipe is a longtime favorite. These veggie-loaded bowls explode with fresh flavor and hearty texture, making for a seriously light-yet-satisfying meal. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and they’re incredibly easy to make! Each bowl is customizable, allowing you to build layers of different flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of grilled veggies and creamy green rice creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Customizable: Tailor each burrito bowl to your liking with various toppings and ingredients.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and quick cooking time, you can enjoy this meal in under an hour.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Make several servings at once for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and plant-based proteins, this dish supports a balanced diet.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Grill or grill pan
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool makes it effortless to blend the green rice ingredients into a creamy mixture.
• Grill or grill pan: Ideal for achieving that smoky char on the vegetables without any hassle.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients seamlessly before assembling your burrito bowls.

Ingredients

For Grilled Veggies

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or high smoke point vegetable oil of choice
• 2 ears sweet corn, husked
• 3 large bell peppers (color of choice), sliced from stem into 3–4 flat planks
• 2 red onions, peeled & sliced into ⅛ths (with root end intact)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled as desired & sliced into ½-inch rounds (crosswise) or planks (lengthwise)
• 1 (one) 15-ounce can black beans, drained & rinsed
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

For Serving

• Green rice (recipe below)
• Pico de gallo or salsa of choice
• Chopped lettuce
• Finely chopped cilantro
• Sour cream or cashew crema
• Guacamole or mashed avocado
• Lime wedges

For Green Rice

• 2 cups cooked brown rice or rice of choice
• 1 large avocado
• 2 jalapeños, deseeded as desired & roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves & tender stems
• 2 large, juicy limes, juiced (about ¼ cup juice)
• ¼ cup water
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

How to Make Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill for medium-high direct heat grilling at 450–500 degrees F. Gather and prep all ingredients according to the Ingredients List above.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Rice

1. Add the avocado, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice to a food processor.
2. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired.
3. Pulse to combine until blended.
4. Stream in water slowly while processing until creamy; you may need more or less water based on avocado size.
5. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and fold in your cooked rice until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

1. On a baking sheet, place corn, bell peppers, onions, and sweet potato.
2. Drizzle with avocado oil; season with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
3. Toss well to coat all veggies.
4. Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side until charred and tender; transfer back to baking sheet once done.
5. Cool slightly before slicing corn off the cob and chopping other veggies into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

In a large shallow bowl:
1. Place a generous spoonful of green rice at the bottom.
2. Top with grilled veggies, grilled corn, black beans, lettuce, and any additional toppings you desire.
3. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowl!

How to Serve Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Serving Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls is all about creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. These bowls are perfect for customization, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite toppings and flavors.

Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Lettuce: Adds a crisp texture and freshness to your bowl.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Provides a zesty kick that complements the grilled veggies.
• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Vegan Sour Cream or Cashew Crema: Gives a delightful creaminess without dairy.

Flavor Boosters

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your bowl for an extra burst of flavor.
• Finely Chopped Cilantro: Adds a herbaceous note that brightens up each bite.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love heat, these will spice things up!

Grains and Legumes

• Extra Black Beans: Elevate the protein content and add more texture.
• Quinoa: Swap out brown rice for quinoa for an even healthier grain option.

How to Perfect Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Perfecting your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavors: Use plenty of spices when grilling your vegetables. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for enhanced taste.
• Cool Down Ingredients: Allow grilled veggies to cool slightly before adding them to the bowl. This helps maintain their texture without wilting other ingredients.
• Mix Up the Grains: Experiment with different types of rice or grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice for added nutrition and flavor versatility.
• Prep Ahead: Use meal prep techniques by grilling extra vegetables or cooking rice in advance. This makes assembling bowls quick during busy weeknights.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with corn, lime, cilantro, and spices that pairs well with burrito bowls.
2. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside creamy guacamole make for a classic Mexican appetizer.
3. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas: These crispy bites add protein and crunch, making them a great snack alongside your main dish.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: A simple side made by mixing cooked rice with cilantro and lime juice for added flavor.
5. Grilled Zucchini Skewers: Easy to prepare on the grill, these skewers complement the burrito bowls beautifully.
6. Simple Avocado Salad: Combine diced avocado with tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and seasoning for a light side salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Ignoring flavor layering: Skipping on layering flavors can make your bowls taste flat. Always include a mix of grilled veggies, creamy rice, and various toppings for depth.
• Overcooking the veggies: Cooking veggies too long can lead to mushiness. Grill them just until they are charred and tender for the best texture.
• Forgetting to season: Not seasoning at every stage can result in blandness. Season your ingredients while grilling and when making the green rice for maximum flavor.
• Using dry rice: Overcooked or dry rice can ruin the dish’s creaminess. Make sure to cook your rice properly and mix it well with the avocado mixture to enhance creaminess.
• Not customizing toppings: Sticking to minimal toppings limits the experience. Feel free to pile on your favorite add-ons like salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for added taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

• To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers.
• Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bowls in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan)?

Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice are customizable bowls filled with grilled vegetables, black beans, and creamy green rice made from avocado and cilantro.

How do I make the green rice?

To make green rice, blend avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and water until smooth. Mix this with cooked rice for a flavorful side.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! You can swap or add any vegetables you prefer such as zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus based on your taste or what you have available.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you include. Removing seeds reduces heat; adding more increases it!

Are these burrito bowls gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients used in Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any additional toppings you choose also meet that criterion.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice are not only vibrant and packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them according to your preferences and dietary needs—whether it’s changing up the veggies or adding unique toppings. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl today!