Black bean burrito bowl

Why you'll love this recipe

This black bean burrito bowl proves that vegetarian meals can be just as satisfying as meat-based ones. Packed with plant protein, fibre, and bold Mexican-inspired flavours, it's a crowd-pleaser that's also budget-friendly. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the spiced black beans

• 400g tin black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the rice

• 150g brown rice or white rice
• 300ml water or stock
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped

For the bowl

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 100g sweetcorn (tinned or frozen)
• 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 50g red cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños

For the dressing

• 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt or vegan alternative
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and coriander.

2. Prepare the beans: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and chilli powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Finish the beans: Add black beans and 3 tablespoons of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, lightly mashing some beans for a creamier texture. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Make the dressing: Mix Greek yogurt with lime juice, cumin, and salt.

5. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice between two bowls. Add black beans, bell pepper, sweetcorn, tomatoes, avocado, and red cabbage. Top with jalapeños and drizzle with lime crema.

Tips for success

• Toast your spices: Briefly toast cumin and paprika in a dry pan before adding to beans for deeper flavour.
• Mash some beans: Partially mashing gives a creamier texture that clings to the rice.
• Prep toppings in advance: Cut vegetables ahead of time for quick assembly.

Make it higher protein

• Add grilled chicken or steak (+25g protein)
• Include a fried or poached egg (+6g protein)
• Top with crumbled queso fresco (+4g protein per 30g)
• Add a scoop of cottage cheese (+14g protein)

Meal prep tips

• Batch the components: Cook rice and beans in larger quantities.
• Store separately: Keep wet and dry ingredients separate until serving.
• Lasts well: Components keep refrigerated for 4-5 days.
• Avocado trick: Add avocado fresh when serving to prevent browning.

Variations

• Carnitas style: Add slow-cooked pulled pork.
• Fajita bowl: Include sautéed onions and peppers with chicken.
• Breakfast version: Top with scrambled eggs and salsa.
• Low-carb: Skip rice, use cauliflower rice or extra lettuce.

Nutritional notes

Black beans are an excellent source of plant protein and fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar and keeps you full longer. Combined with rice, they form a complete protein containing all essential amino acids. The variety of vegetables provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This bowl is particularly rich in iron, folate, and potassium.