DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl

DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Fablunch on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $9.39 total, $2.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves (adds subtle aroma to rice)
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt (for rice seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, adds bright flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 15 oz Canned Black Beans (drained and rinsed; BPA‑free can)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano (for beans)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin (for beans)
  • 1/2 tsp Chipotle Powder (adds smoky heat; adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (for beans seasoning)
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (cut into strips)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (cut into strips)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (sliced into strips)
  • 2 tbsp Grapeseed Oil (high smoke point for sautéing)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (ground)
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 2 cups Shredded Lettuce (optional topping)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Salsa (optional, homemade or store‑bought)
  • 1/2 cup Guacamole (optional, homemade or store‑bought)
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Mozzarella Cheese (optional, shredded)

Instructions

  1. Cook Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

    Rinse 1 cup brown rice until water runs clear. Add rice to a saucepan with 2 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for about 40 minutes until tender. Remove bay leaves, fluff with a fork, stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.

    Time: PT50M

  2. Season Garlic Beans

    Drain and rinse the 15‑oz can of black beans. In a small pot combine the beans, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the beans are hot and the spices are fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  3. Sauté Peppers and Onion

    Slice the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion into thin strips. Heat 2 tbsp grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion first and sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add the peppers and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle 1 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt; cook another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Assemble the Burrito Bowls

    In each serving bowl, start with a generous scoop of cilantro lime rice, then add a portion of seasoned beans, followed by the sautéed peppers and onion. Top with optional shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, guacamole, and vegan mozzarella cheese if desired. Serve immediately or let cool before refrigerating.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: Vegan (if cheese omitted), Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Soy (possible in vegan cheese), Nuts (possible in vegan cheese)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Recipe by Fablunch

A copycat of Chipotle's famous burrito bowl made from scratch with cilantro lime brown rice, seasoned garlic beans, sautéed peppers and onion, and optional fresh salsa, guacamole, lettuce, and vegan mozzarella. Perfect for meal‑prep and customizable to your taste.

MediumMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.39
Total cost
$2.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
  • Season Garlic Beans
  • Sauté Peppers and Onion

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot pots and skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be cautious of oil splatter when sautéing vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Chipotle Burrito Bowl in American Mexican cuisine?

A

Chipotle's burrito bowl is a modern fast‑casual interpretation of traditional Mexican burritos, offering a de‑constructed version that highlights fresh ingredients like cilantro lime rice, seasoned beans, and grilled veggies. It reflects the growing U.S. demand for customizable, healthier Mexican‑inspired meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of burrito bowls in Mexican cuisine?

A

In Mexico, similar bowls are called "tazones" and often feature rice, beans, salsa, and protein such as carne asada or pollo. Regional twists include adding chorizo in the north, mole sauce in Oaxaca, or tropical fruits in coastal areas.

cultural
Q

How is a Chipotle Burrito Bowl traditionally served in the United States?

A

At Chipotle restaurants the bowl is served in a clear plastic container with layers of cilantro lime rice, black or pinto beans, fajita‑style vegetables, fresh salsa, guacamole, lettuce, cheese, and optional sour cream. Diners can customize each layer to suit their taste.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the burrito bowl associated with in American food culture?

A

Burrito bowls are popular for quick lunches, work‑day meal prep, and casual gatherings because they are easy to assemble, portable, and can be tailored for vegetarians or meat‑eaters alike. They are often featured at picnics, office potlucks, and fitness‑focused meals.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in a traditional Chipotle Burrito Bowl versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include cilantro lime rice, black or pinto beans, fajita‑style peppers and onions, fresh salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Substitutes can be white rice, quinoa, canned chickpeas, different bell‑pepper colors, or dairy‑free cheese for vegan versions.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with a Chipotle Burrito Bowl?

A

Pairs nicely with chips and queso, elote (Mexican street corn), a side of corn salsa, or a light cucumber‑lime salad. For a fuller meal, serve with a side of grilled chicken or carne asada.

cultural
Q

How has the Chipotle Burrito Bowl evolved over time in fast‑casual dining?

A

Since Chipotle opened in 1993, the bowl has become a staple for health‑conscious diners, prompting the chain to add organic ingredients, vegan cheese, and customizable protein options. Home cooks now replicate it with whole‑food versions, emphasizing brown rice and fresh herbs.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Chipotle Burrito Bowl at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the brown rice, under‑seasoning the beans, and overcrowding the skillet which leads to soggy vegetables. Also, adding wet toppings before storing can make the rice mushy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use chipotle powder instead of fresh chipotle peppers in adobo?

A

Chipotle powder distributes heat evenly and blends smoothly into the bean mixture without adding extra liquid. Fresh chipotle in adobo can make the beans too wet and alter the intended texture of the bowl.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Fablunch specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Fablunch, hosted by Ola, specializes in approachable, health‑focused home cooking videos that recreate popular restaurant dishes, provide meal‑prep ideas, and emphasize whole‑food ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Fablunch's approach to Mexican-inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Fablunch focuses on detailed, step‑by‑step breakdowns with clear timing, cost estimates, and practical tips for busy home cooks, whereas many channels simply show the final product. Ola also includes nutrition info and storage guidance for each recipe.

channel

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