Healthy Burrito Bowl

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This healthy burrito bowl will satisfy cravings for a tasty, comforting Mexican meal. Make it with lean ground beef or ground chicken, and your favorite healthy veggies and garnishes. Enjoy it immediately, or meal prep it for later. Eating healthy has never been more delicious!

📌 Pin Healthy Burrito Bowl

🥘 Why This Recipe’s a Keeper

• This recipe is simple and easy to make. It’s ideal for the busy work week. Like healthy steak fajitas, this easy dinner idea comes together quickly.
• It’s made with healthy, fresh ingredients. Much like ordering a burrito bowl at Chipotle, you know you’re serving your family a healthy, delicious meal.
• This healthy burrito bowl is fully customizable. Add toppings and garnishes to taste.
• This meal will satisfy any size appetite. Light eaters can serve smaller portions. Hearty eaters can double down on the serving size.

🛒 Ingredients

For Cilantro Lime Rice

• Water
• Jasmine Rice
• Corn Oil or Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt
• Lime Juice
• Fresh Cilantro

Healthy Meat Mixture

• Corn Oil or Olive Oil
• Lean Ground Beef or Ground Chicken
• Taco Seasoning (or 1 taco spice packet)
• Tomato Sauce
• Warm Water
• Canned Corn
• Canned Black Beans
• Optional: Canned diced green chiles
• Monterey Jack or Mild Cheddar Cheese

Fresh Veggies

• Romaine Lettuce
• Grape Tomatoes or Roma Tomatoes
• Large Haas Avocado (sliced) or Authentic Mexican Guacamole

Optional Toppings

• Mild Cheddar Cheese
• Sour Cream (regular or light)
• Black Olives
• Tortilla Chips, snapped/broken
• Lime Wedges, for squeezing
• Hot Sauce, Salsa Verde, or Mexican Salsa
• Pico de Gallo

⏲ Recipe Steps

Make Cilantro Lime Rice

RECIPE PREP:  For a healthy burrito bowl, removing surface starch from the rice is important. Rinse rice in a mesh strainer under cold running water. Use your fingers to separate the grains. Continue rinsing until water runs clear.

1. Warm the oil in small heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Add the rice. Sauté briefly. Just until the grains become translucent. Add hot water and salt. Stir. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low/simmer. Cover pot with a tight-fitting lid. Allow rice to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
4. Remove pot from heat. Wrap lid in a lint-free cotton cloth. Place it back on the pot. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes. Lift the lid. Fluff with a fork. Fold in lime juice, cilantro, remaining oil, and a pinch of salt. Do a taste test. Add more lime juice, cilantro, or salt if needed.

Make the Meat Mixture

RECIPE PREP: Rinse and drain black beans. Drain corn and chiles. Shred the cheese. Place measured ingredients near the stove, ready to go.

1. Warm corn oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the raw meat dry between paper towels. This will help prevent it from steaming. Add meat to the hot pan. With a heat-safe spatula, smash it into an even layer. But don’t break up the meat just yet.
2. Once edges are brown, flip it over in sections. Brown the second side. Break it up into little pieces. By waiting until this point to break up the meat, we’ve prevented the juices from quickly evaporating and creating steam. Steamed ground beef turns gray and develops a mealy texture. Our burrito bowl will feature juicy brown meat.
3. Once the beef is almost cooked through, drain off the fat. Add taco seasoning, water, and tomato sauce. Simmer 2 minutes over medium-low heat.
4. Fold in corn, black beans, and chiles. Simmer until sauce has thickened and veggies are warm. About 3 to 4 minutes. Do a taste test. If needed, add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Fold it in. Let it melt.

🧑🏼‍🍳 Expert Tip: When cooking ground beef in a skillet, chefs often use oil for better browning. This also prevents meat from sticking to the pan.

Assemble the Healthy Burrito Bowl

FOR BURRITO BOWL MEAL PREP: Use microwave-safe containers with air-tight lids. Store warm ingredients (meat and rice) separate from fresh ingredients.

1. Line the bottom of the bowl with a thick layer of shredded lettuce.
2. Add a large scoop of cilantro lime rice, and cheesy ground beef or chicken.
3. Add shredded cheese, grape tomatoes, avocados, olives, and snapped tortilla chips. Include a few wedges of lime.
4. If desired, drizzle the top with sour cream. Serve with hot sauce or your favorite salsa.

🧑🏼‍🍳 Expert Tip: Wide shallow bowls are ideal for serving this recipe.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQ

These are the most commonly asked questions when making a healthy burrito bowl, and the most helpful answers for recipe success.

🍽 More Healthy Dinner Recipes

• Healthy Tortilla Wraps
• Mexican Chicken and Rice
• Easy Chicken Tostadas
• Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
• Tequila Lime Wings
• Crunchy Ground Beef Tacos

Rate This Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Those who’ve tried this healthy burrito bowl say it rivals the bowls from their favorite Tex-Mex restaurants. If you agree, give it a 5-star rating in the comments. Then be a recipe hero. Share it with friends. 📌 Pin it to Pinterest.

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Healthy Burrito Bowl 👉🏻 Join the Convo

Are you excited to make this delicious recipe? Will you make it with lean ground beef or ground chicken? Share your thoughts on this healthy burrito bowl in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.