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

Move over Chipotle! This Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan) 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 any occasion, from casual family dinners to meal prep for the week ahead. You’ll love how the combination of grilled veggies and creamy green rice creates a unique twist on traditional burrito bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The simple steps make cooking a breeze, even on busy nights.
• Flavor-Packed: Grilling vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy rice.
• Customizable: Mix and match your favorite toppings and veggies to create a bowl that suits your tastes.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, beans, and healthy fats, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will not only simplify the process but also ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Grill or grill pan
• Baking sheet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Ideal for quickly blending the avocado and herbs into creamy green rice.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides that charred flavor to your veggies, enhancing their taste.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for tossing and prepping your grilled vegetables before they hit the grill.

Ingredients

For the 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 (see 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 the 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 your grill to medium-high direct heat grilling at 450-500 degrees F. Gather all ingredients according to the list above.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Rice

Add the following ingredients to a food processor:
– 1 large avocado
– 2 jalapeños, roughly chopped
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves & tender stems
– Juice of 2 large juicy limes

Season with about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ground black pepper. Pulse to combine until mixed well. Then let the food processor run while you slowly stream in:
– ¼ cup water

Continue processing until creamy and pureed. Adjust water if needed based on avocado size. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and fold in:
– 2 cups cooked brown rice

Taste and season further with salt or pepper if desired. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

On a baking sheet, place:
– 2 ears sweet corn (husked)
– 3 bell peppers (sliced)
– 2 red onions (sliced)
– 1 large sweet potato (sliced)

Drizzle with:
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Season generously with approximately 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper. Toss well to coat all veggies evenly.

Place them on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 3–4 minutes until charred and tender. Once grilled, transfer them back to the baking sheet. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing corn from the cob and chopping remaining veggies into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowl

In a large shallow bowl, start by placing a generous spoonful of green rice at the bottom. Layer on top:
– Grilled veggies
– Grilled corn
– Black beans

Finish off with any additional toppings you like such as chopped lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, or lime wedges. Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls!

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

Serving your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls is all about creating a feast of flavors and textures. Customize each bowl based on individual preferences and enjoy the vibrant mix of ingredients!

Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a delicious avocado flavor that complements the grill’s smokiness.
• Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice provides a refreshing crunch.
• Cashew Crema: A dairy-free alternative to sour cream, it offers a nutty richness that enhances the dish.
• Chopped Lettuce: Crisp lettuce adds a refreshing texture that balances the hearty ingredients.

Spice It Up

• Jalapeños: For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños can add the perfect kick to your bowl.
• Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavors with some extra spice.

Add More Protein

• Extra Black Beans: Increase the protein content by adding more black beans or even using chickpeas for variety.
• Grilled Chicken or Turkey: If you want to include more protein without sacrificing flavor, try adding grilled chicken or turkey slices.

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

Perfecting your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls can enhance both their taste and presentation. Here are some tips to make them shine!

• Bold seasoning: Use generous amounts of kosher salt and ground black pepper on your veggies before grilling. This will enhance their natural flavors.
• Grill at high heat: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high for optimal charring and cooking time. This gives veggies a smoky flavor and tender bite.
• Layer thoughtfully: Start with green rice as a base in your bowls. Layering prevents sogginess and keeps each bite flavorful.
• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to swap out any vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini or eggplant can be great additions!

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

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the main dish beautifully.

1. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made from grilled corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice adds sweetness and crunch.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in vegan mayo, lime juice, and spices creates a flavorful side that everyone loves.
3. Avocado Salad: Toss diced avocados with cherry tomatoes and red onion for a creamy yet light side dish that pairs perfectly with burrito bowls.
4. Black Bean Salsa: A zesty mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime juice brings additional protein while staying fresh and vibrant.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with vegetable broth and herbs makes an excellent grain-based side that’s nutritious and filling.
6. Tortilla Chips with Salsa Verde: Crunchy tortilla chips dipped in homemade salsa verde provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft burrito bowls.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned sweet potatoes roasted until crispy give an added layer of sweetness that complements savory flavors in the burrito bowl.
8. Cilantro Lime Rice: An alternative grain option that echoes the green rice while adding more zest to your meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating delicious Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan) can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not Prepping Ingredients – Failing to prep all your ingredients can lead to a chaotic cooking process. Take the time to chop and measure everything before you start cooking.
• Overcooking Vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long can result in mushiness. Grill them just until they’re tender and nicely charred for the best texture.
• Underseasoning – Not seasoning your veggies and rice adequately can leave your bowls bland. Be generous with salt, pepper, and other spices during cooking.
• Skipping the Green Rice – Omitting the creamy green rice means missing out on a key flavor layer. Make sure to include it for that fresh taste boost.
• Using Cold Ingredients – Starting with cold ingredients can affect cooking times and results. Let your ingredients come to room temperature for more even cooking.
• Neglecting Customization – Sticking strictly to one recipe limits flavor exploration. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or toppings for a personalized touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Allow the veggie burrito bowls to cool completely before sealing.

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

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Divide into individual portions for easy meals later.

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

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the contents of the bowl and stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan), here are some common inquiries:

Can I use different beans?

Yes! You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans according to your preference.

What type of rice works best?

Brown rice is great, but you can also use white rice or quinoa for a different texture.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more jalapeños or include some diced chili peppers in the grilled veggies for extra heat.

Are there any good substitutes for avocado?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try using hummus or a nut-based cream as a topping instead of avocado.

Can I prepare these bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! The veggies and green rice can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for quick assembly at mealtime.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice (Vegetarian, Vegan) are not only packed with flavor but also offer impressive versatility. You can customize them endlessly based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating delicious meals that satisfy every palate!