Craving a flavourful, filling meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? This homemade Burrito Bowl is packed with vibrant ingredients, making it the perfect choice for a quick, customizable dish that hits all the right notes!
I used to work at a busy restaurant in downtown Toronto for several years – right across the street from the famous St. Lawrence Market. The restaurant is owned by a half Filipino, half Chinese man (who eventually became a good friend of mine!). One thing I loved about working there in the 5+ years that I did, was that I honestly loved pretty much every single thing on the menu.
Now, if you’ve ever been in the hospitality industry yourself (the only other industry I know aside from food blogging!), then you most certainly know what a difference it makes to actually be proud of the food you’re serving. Am I right? From Korean fried chicken tacos to the best grilled short ribs on the planet, it was rare to serve a customer who wasn’t pleasantly surprised about how good the food was.

One of the more popular menu items, and one that was guaranteed to receive ranting and raving reviews, was our quinoa burrito bowl. It was packed and loaded with all of the tasty flavours you’d find in a traditional burrito, but in bowl form. Genius. Topped with the most delicious Japanese roasted sesame dressing.
Now, this burrito bowl recipe may not have quinoa in it. And the roasted sesame dressing may not make an appearance (although you should definitely try it… I dare you!). But when I’ve served 100’s of burrito bowls to happy, satisfied customers, I knew I had to recreate that same deliciousness at home. This recipe is inspired by all those rave reviews—packed with bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and the perfect balance of textures.
So, whether you’re serving it up with rice or quinoa, guacamole or sesame dressing, I just know this burrito bowl recipe is most definitely going to be a winner!
INGREDIENTS IN A BURRITO BOWL

This burrito bowl is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a hearty, flavourful meal. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs, but here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this vibrant and satisfying dish:
- Brown Rice: A hearty base for your bowl. Brown rice adds a nutty flavour and fiber. If you’re looking for quick and easy, be sure to use my Instant pot brown rice recipe. However, you can also use cauliflower rice instead which is a lighter, low-carb option. My cilantro lime cauliflower ‘rice’ recipe makes a great alternative!
- Chicken Breast or Lean Ground Turkey: Your protein of choice, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices for a flavourful kick. Both options cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for the base of your bowl. You can use ground beef instead, if you prefer. RECIPE NOTE: For a vegetarian option, tofu also works great!
- Black Beans: Rich in fiber and protein, black beans provide a creamy texture and a savory base that complements the other ingredients.
- Corn: Sweet corn adds a pop of colour and crunch. You can use fresh, canned, frozen, or even grill it for a smoky flavour.
- Avocado or Guacamole: For that creamy, buttery texture. It balances the savory flavours with its richness and adds healthy fats. Try making your own guacamole from scratch yourself at home.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these tiny tomatoes add a refreshing burst of flavour to each bite. You can use regular tomatoes instead, if you prefer.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions bring a sharp bite and a pop of colour, helping to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- Lettuce: For a fresh, crunchy layer that adds texture and freshness to the bowl. You can use spinach or arugula instead, if you prefer.
- Cilantro: A fragrant herb that adds brightness and freshness, cilantro is the finishing touch that makes this bowl pop.
- Lime: A squeeze of lime adds a zesty, citrusy punch to bring all the flavours together.
- Jalapeńo: Thinly sliced for a bit of heat and a burst of freshness. If you like a spicier kick, leave the seeds in! If you don’t want any spice, feel free to omit the jalapeńo from this recipe.
- Greek Yogurt (optional): For a creamy topping that adds richness and a bit of tang, optional for extra indulgence. You can use sour cream instead, if you prefer.

HOW TO MAKE A HEALTHY BURRITO BOWL (KEY TIPS)

You can find full instructions for how to make these healthy burrito bowls in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Perfectly cook your rice or cauliflower rice. For Brown Rice: Use the right ratio of water to rice. Let it simmer on low heat to avoid it being mushy. For an easy way to cook brown rice, see my Instant pot brown rice recipe. If using cauliflower rice, sauté it in a hot pan for just 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking and making it soggy. EXTRA TIP: Season the rice (or cauliflower rice) with a pinch of salt for added flavour!
- Season your protein well. Whether you’re using chicken, turkey, beef, or tofu, seasoning is key. Don’t skip marinating or using a spice blend—garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika will give your protein that rich, bold flavour. EXTRA TIP: For chicken, let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes for maximum flavour. For ground turkey or beef, brown it well to get that nice caramelization and depth of taste.
- Don’t overcook the protein. For Chicken: Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy and tender meat. Overcooking can lead to dryness! For Ground Turkey or Beef: Brown the meat evenly in the pan, making sure to break it up so it cooks through while staying juicy.
- Use fresh toppings. Fresh, crisp toppings like avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime are key to balancing out the rich, savory flavours of your protein and rice. If using avocado, slice it just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. EXTRA TIP: For added flavour, grill or sauté the corn for a couple of minutes to bring out its natural sweetness and add a smoky depth.
- Spice it up (or don’t!). If you like a bit of heat, jalapeños are the perfect addition. You can control the spiciness by removing the seeds, or leave them in for an extra kick. EXTRA TIP: To mellow out the heat, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to your bowl.
- Layer your burrito bowl for maximum flavour. Start with your base (rice or cauliflower rice) at the bottom and build upwards with your protein, beans, corn, and toppings. This helps everything stay nice and fresh while allowing each ingredient to shine in every bite. I like to give my burrito bowl a good mix before eating!
- Don’t be afraid to customize your bowl! The beauty of a burrito bowl is that you can customize it to your liking! Swap out ingredients like beans for black-eyed peas, or add roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or bell peppers to make it your own.
- Squeeze lime right before serving. The fresh lime juice brings a zesty finish that brightens up all the rich flavours. Don’t skip it—just squeeze over the top just before serving for that perfect punch.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The point of a burrito bowl is to deliver all the delicious flavours of a traditional burrito, but in a customizable, deconstructed form that’s easier to eat and often healthier. Instead of wrapping everything in a tortilla, you get to enjoy the same ingredients—like rice, beans, protein, veggies, and toppings—layered in a bowl, making it more versatile and lighter without sacrificing flavour.
Burrito bowls are perfect for those who want to control their portions, avoid extra calories from a tortilla, or cater to dietary preferences like low-carb, gluten-free, or vegan. Plus, they’re highly customizable, making them a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd with different tastes!
Yes, burrito bowls can absolutely be healthy, especially when made with fresh, whole ingredients such as in this recipe. By choosing a base like brown rice or cauliflower rice, adding lean protein such as chicken or turkey, and loading up on colourful veggies like tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro, you’re creating a nutrient-packed meal.
Plus, you can control the portion sizes and toppings, making it easy to keep things balanced. The key is to avoid overloading on high-calorie ingredients like too much cheese or sour cream, and instead focus on wholesome, nutrient-dense options. Remember: when you make your own burrito bowl at home, you’re in charge of what goes into it, making it a great choice for a healthy, satisfying meal!
Yes, a burrito bowl can definitely be eaten cold! In fact, many people (including me!) enjoy them straight from the fridge as a quick and convenient meal, especially when it comes to the rice, beans, protein, and toppings like salsa or guacamole. If you prefer your burrito bowl warm, you can easily heat up the rice and protein, then top with your cold ingredients like avocado, lettuce, and salsa just before serving. It’s all about personal preference, but either way, a burrito bowl is versatile and delicious, no matter the temperature!
To store burrito bowls, it’s best to separate the components to maintain freshness. Start by storing the rice or cauliflower rice, protein, and beans in airtight containers. Keep the toppings, like avocado, lettuce, cilantro, and lime, in separate containers to prevent them from wilting or getting soggy.
For things like salsa, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, store them in small, separate containers to add just before serving. Everything gets stored in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat the base and protein, then assemble with fresh toppings for the best taste and texture.
A burrito bowl will typically last in the fridge for about 3-4 days when stored properly. To ensure it stays fresh, keep the components like rice, protein, and beans in airtight containers, and store the toppings (like avocado, lettuce, and salsa) separately. If you’ve already assembled the bowl with all the ingredients, it’s best to eat it within 1-2 days, as some toppings like avocado can spoil quickly. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or wilting vegetables, before consuming leftovers.

MORE HEALTHY RECIPES TO MAKE THIS WEEK
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TURMERIC BAKED CHICKEN
LIGHTENED UP BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP RECIPE
LOADED CAULIFLOWER FRIED ‘RICE’
CHEESY STUFFED SPAGHETTI SQUASH
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!


HEALTHY BURRITO BOWL
Ingredients
FOR THE BASE
- 1 cup Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice*
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
FOR THE PROTEIN
- 1 lb Chicken Breast or Lean Ground Turkey (you can also use beef or tofu for a plant-based option)
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to taste
FOR THE TOPPINGS
- ½ cup Corn Kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup Black Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 Avocado (or guacamole)* sliced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup Red Onion diced
- ½ cup Lettuce or Spinach shredded
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
- Lime Wedges for serving
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo* optional, for serving
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the brown rice* or cauliflower rice according to the package instructions. For added flavour, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan, add the cooked rice, and sauté for a couple of minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breast or turkey with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken or turkey until fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side for chicken, or 5-7 minutes for turkey). Once cooked, shred/slice the chicken or crumble the turkey with a fork.
- While the rice and protein are cooking, prepare your toppings. Slice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the cilantro. If using corn, sauté the kernels in a skillet with a dash of olive oil for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
- In individual bowls, start by layering the rice (or cauliflower rice) at the bottom.
- Add the cooked protein on top, followed by black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded lettuce or spinach.
- Top with slices of avocado or some guacamole, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Delicious burrito bowl loaded with all of the right toppings! YUM!
Thanks Loretta! I’m so glad you loved it!