Can I use canned black beans instead of cooking from scratch?

Absolutely. If time is short, canned black beans are your best friend. Rinse and drain them well, then warm with a bit of onion, garlic, cumin, and salt for flavor before adding to your bowl.

How far in advance can I prep the components?

Each part—beans, rice, pesto, onions—can be made up to five days ahead and kept in the fridge. I recommend making everything on the weekend so lunches and dinners are effortless during the week.

Is there a gluten-free or vegan version?

This bowl is naturally gluten-free as long as your grains are certified. For a vegan bowl, simply skip cheese and eggs—between the beans, rice, pesto, and veggies, it’s still wonderfully filling.

What’s the best way to make this bowl kid-friendly?

Get kids involved! Let them assemble their own bowls and choose their toppings. If pickled onions are too bold, swap with mild corn, cucumber, or shredded carrots. A sprinkle of cheese and a side of tortilla chips also make these bowls fun for little eaters.

Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl Recipe

A vibrant, wholesome meal awaits with this Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl recipe—a dish that nails both flavor and nutrition in one big bite. Imagine garlicky, tender black beans nestled on a bed of zesty cilantro lime brown rice, topped with tangy quick-pickled onions and a drizzle of lush cilantro hemp pesto. Whether you load it up with creamy avocado, crumbled cheese, or a jammy fried egg, this bowl is utterly fresh, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s hearty enough for dinner, but light, bright, and easily prepped in advance—an absolute win for home cooks seeking big reward for little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Meal with Maximum Flavor: Each component can be prepped ahead, so weeknights become a breeze. Assembly is as simple as piling everything into a bowl—no last-minute scrambling!
Fantastically Fresh: The mix of earthy beans, tangy onions, herby pesto, and zippy rice creates magic in each forkful. There’s color, texture, and plenty of nutrition.
Customizable for Everyone: Whether you want it vegan, vegetarian, or with a bit more protein, just sprinkle on the toppings you crave.
Meal Prep Friendly: Every piece keeps well for up to five days. Don’t worry—flavors only get better as they mingle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down not just what you need, but why you need it for the tastiest burrito bowl possible!

Black Beans: The hearty, protein-packed base. Cooking from scratch brings unrivaled flavor—trust me, it’s worth the simmering!
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice: Fluffy brown rice brightened by cilantro and lime; this layer brings zing and substance to every bite.
Quick-Pickled Onions: Their punchy, vinegary crunch adds a pop of color and irresistible tang that balances the earthy beans.
Cilantro Hemp Pesto: A creamy, nutty, herby sauce that ties all the elements together—don’t skip it! Double up if you love a saucy bowl.
Fried Eggs or Scrambled Eggs (optional): For extra protein and that glorious runny yolk.
Toasted Pepitas (optional): Add crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
Cotija or Feta Cheese (optional): Crumble over for salty goodness.
Sliced Avocado (optional): Buttery richness and healthy fats.
Cherry Tomatoes (optional): Bursts of juicy freshness.
Hot Sauce/Quick Collard Greens (optional): For spice lovers or a bit of green.

Tip: Prep the beans, pesto, onions, and rice ahead so dinner is just a bowl away.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There are no rules here—make your burrito bowl your own!

Add Roasted Veggies: Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini bring a roasted, caramelized layer.
Swap the Grains: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for something different.
Go Dairy-Free: Omit cheese, and you’ve got a vegan bowl that still feels super luscious.
More Protein?: Toss in grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Green Up Your Bowl: Layer with shredded romaine, kale, or quick-sautéed spinach.
Switch the Sauce: Out of pesto? Drizzle with a garlicky tahini sauce or dollop of Greek yogurt.

How to Make the Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Making this bowl is almost as fun as eating it! Here’s how to bring this all together:

Step 1: Cook the Black Beans

Simmer a pot of black beans with your favorite aromatics. Dried beans simmered gently on the stove yield creamy insides and loads of flavor—so worth the patience. If you’re in a rush, canned beans work with a quick jazz-up of garlic, onions, and spices.

Step 2: Make Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Cook your brown rice until tender, then toss with a generous mound of chopped cilantro and a big squeeze of fresh lime juice. Fluff it up to let all those flavors dance together.

Step 3: Quick-Pickle Your Onions

Thinly slice red onions and let them lounge in a simple mix of vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt. Ten minutes later, you get a crisp and tangy topping.

Step 4: Blitz the Cilantro Hemp Pesto

In a blender, whirl up cilantro, hemp seeds, olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon or lime. This green sauce is pure magic.

Step 5: Prepare Optional Additions

Fry or scramble eggs, toast pepitas, slice up avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, and ready anything else you crave.

Step 6: Assemble!

Start with a scoop of rice in each bowl, follow with a generous serving of beans, and then dollop on the pickled onions and pesto. Finish with all your favorite extras.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Make sauces and beans ahead—they hold beautifully, and you’ll thank yourself later.
If using canned beans, rinse well, then simmer briefly with garlic and spices for better flavor.
Double the pesto—everyone always wants more.
Don’t skip the pickled onions; they wake up the whole bowl.
Keep everything separate if you’re meal-prepping, so nothing goes soggy.
For a crowd, set up each component buffet-style for easy assembly and happy eaters.

How to Serve

Let the bowls shine solo, or serve them family-style for a festive DIY dinner.

Toppings Bar: Set out bowls of all optional toppings so everyone can build their dream bowl.
Pairings: I love to serve this burrito bowl with a crisp green salad or salty tortilla chips. Some chilled iced tea or lime water fits perfectly.
For Brunch: Add fried or poached eggs and a side of fruit for a standout morning meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep each component in its own airtight container in the fridge. Everything stays fresh for up to five days, and flavors deepen as they meld.

Freezing

Black beans and brown rice freeze well for up to three months. Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for portioned use. Avoid freezing pickled onions and fresh toppings.

Reheating

Reheat rice and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water until steamy. Always add fresh toppings, pesto, and pickled onions after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned black beans instead of cooking from scratch?

Absolutely. If time is short, canned black beans are your best friend. Rinse and drain them well, then warm with a bit of onion, garlic, cumin, and salt for flavor before adding to your bowl.
How far in advance can I prep the components?

Each part—beans, rice, pesto, onions—can be made up to five days ahead and kept in the fridge. I recommend making everything on the weekend so lunches and dinners are effortless during the week.
Is there a gluten-free or vegan version?

This bowl is naturally gluten-free as long as your grains are certified. For a vegan bowl, simply skip cheese and eggs—between the beans, rice, pesto, and veggies, it’s still wonderfully filling.
What’s the best way to make this bowl kid-friendly?

Get kids involved! Let them assemble their own bowls and choose their toppings. If pickled onions are too bold, swap with mild corn, cucumber, or shredded carrots. A sprinkle of cheese and a side of tortilla chips also make these bowls fun for little eaters.

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that deliver big flavor in every forkful without hours of fuss, this Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl will become your go-to. It’s nourishing, wildly adaptable, and—best of all—joyfully simple. Whether you meal prep or build it on the fly, these bowls promise a fresh, satisfying dinner you’ll want to come back to all week long. Grab your favorite toppings and enjoy a truly delicious way to eat the rainbow!

Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This fresh black bean burrito bowl is a vibrant, healthy, and customizable meal featuring tender homemade black beans, zesty cilantro lime brown rice, tangy quick-pickled onions, and a flavorful cilantro hemp pesto. Perfect for meal prep, it can be dressed up with your favorite toppings such as avocado, crumbled cheese, eggs, pepitas, cherry tomatoes, or hot sauce for a delicious, nutritious bowl everyone will love.

Instructions

Prepare Each Component: Prepare the black beans, cilantro lime brown rice, quick-pickled onions, and cilantro hemp pesto according to their specific recipes. The black beans will take the longest, about 1 to 2+ hours on the stove, so plan accordingly. These components can all be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Bowls: When ready to serve, place a generous portion of the cilantro lime brown rice into each bowl. Top each bowl with black beans, quick-pickled onions, and a good dollop or two of cilantro hemp pesto.
Add Toppings: Finish your burrito bowl with any additional toppings you like, such as fried or scrambled eggs, toasted pepitas, crumbled cheese, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, hot sauce, or even quick-cooked collard greens for extra greens and flavor.
Serve: Enjoy the burrito bowls immediately, or, if desired, store each component separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for easy meal prep. When serving leftovers, gently reheat the rice and beans before assembling the bowls and adding fresh toppings.

Notes

The beans can be prepared ahead and store well in the refrigerator, making this an excellent meal-prep option.
Each component can be customized to taste; double the pesto if you love extra sauce!
For vegan option, skip cheese and eggs.
Store components separately for optimal freshness.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for most diets.