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 perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Packed with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, these bowls are not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. You’ll love how customizable they are, allowing you to create a meal that suits your taste preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: Bursting with grilled veggies and creamy green rice, each bite is a delight.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 50 minutes of total time, you can whip up these bowls quickly.
• Endlessly Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or use whatever veggies you have on hand.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like black beans and fresh vegetables.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for preparing in advance, these bowls keep well in the fridge.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Large bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor to the veggies, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Food Processor: Makes blending the avocado mixture quick and easy for the creamy green rice.
• Baking Sheet: Ideal for tossing and transferring your grilled vegetables from grill to table.
• Large Bowls: Perfect for mixing ingredients and serving your beautiful burrito bowls.

Ingredients

For Grilling the 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 (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 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

Add the following ingredients to a food processor:
* Avocado
* Jalapeños
* Garlic
* Cilantro
* Lime juice

Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired. Pulse to combine. Let the food processor run while slowly streaming in water until creamy. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl. Fold in the cooked rice until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

Place corn, bell peppers, onions, and sweet potato on a baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil and season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Toss to coat well. Place vegetables on preheated grill; cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side until charred and tender. Once done grilling, transfer veggies back to the baking sheet. Allow them to cool before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

In a large shallow bowl, place a generous spoonful of green rice at the bottom. Top it with grilled veggies, grilled corn, black beans, chopped lettuce, and any other toppings you desire. Enjoy!

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

Serving your Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls is all about personalizing each bowl to match your tastes. This flexibility allows you to create a unique dining experience for everyone at the table!

Customize with Fresh Greens

• Chopped Lettuce: Add a crunchy texture to your burrito bowl with fresh lettuce.
• Spinach or Kale: For an extra nutrient boost, mix in some leafy greens.

Add Flavorful Sauces

• Salsa: Top with your favorite salsa for a burst of flavor.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the grilled veggies perfectly.

Include Protein Options

• Black Beans: A hearty and nutritious source of protein that blends well with the other ingredients.
• Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas can add a delightful crunch and additional protein.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice can elevate the freshness of your bowl.

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

Creating the perfect Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowl involves some key techniques to ensure maximum flavor and satisfaction. Follow these tips for a delightful meal every time!

• Bold Flavors: Use spices like cumin and chili powder on your veggies before grilling to enhance their taste.
• Controlled Cooking Time: Grill veggies just until tender; overcooking can lead to mushiness.
• Layering Ingredients: Start with green rice at the bottom, then layer grilled veggies and toppings for a visually appealing bowl.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh produce when possible as it significantly improves flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep Ahead: Prepare components like green rice or grilled veggies in advance. Store them separately for easy assembly later.

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 enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider!

1. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with sweet corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, and lime dressing.
2. Mexican Quinoa Salad: This protein-rich salad features quinoa, black beans, corn, and avocado in a zesty dressing.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy roasted sweet potatoes make a delicious addition that echoes flavors from the bowl.
4. Grilled Zucchini Ribbons: Lightly seasoned zucchini ribbons add freshness and color to your meal.
5. Guacamole & Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing that offers creamy goodness alongside crunchy chips.
6. Pico de Gallo: This vibrant salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds freshness and acidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your grilled veggies or rice can lead to bland flavors. Always season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking the veggies: If you grill the vegetables for too long, they may become mushy. Keep an eye on them and grill until they’re just tender and slightly charred.
• Neglecting the rice: Using plain rice without any added flavors can make your bowls less exciting. Incorporate herbs, spices, or citrus juices into your rice for an extra kick.
• Not customizing toppings: Sticking to a limited range of toppings can make your meal feel monotonous. Experiment with different add-ons like avocado, salsas, or fresh herbs to elevate your burrito bowl.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality vegetables or stale grains can result in a lackluster dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Keep components separate (rice, beans, veggies) to maintain freshness.

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

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Ensure all ingredients are cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice.

Can I make these burrito bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for easy assembly at mealtime.

What vegetables work best for grilling?

Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices. Feel free to use your favorites or whatever you have on hand!

How do I enhance the flavor of green rice?

Add additional lime juice or zest, garlic powder, or even nutritional yeast for more depth in flavor.

Are these burrito bowls gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use gluten-free grains like brown rice or quinoa, these burrito bowls are naturally gluten-free.

Can I substitute black beans for another type of bean?

Absolutely! You can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or any bean variety you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Black Beans & Green Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With endless customization options from toppings to vegetable choices, this recipe allows you to create a unique meal every time. Give it a try and enjoy a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any occasion!