Are you searching for new Healthy Meal Ideas that your whole family will actually enjoy? I know the feeling. It can be tough to find something that is both nutritious and exciting, especially on a busy weeknight.
Well, I have a fantastic solution for you. This Black Bean Burrito Bowl is one of my favorite Healthy Dinner Recipes. It is packed with fresh ingredients, amazing flavors, and is so simple to put together. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe. First, the combination of flavors is just incredible. You have the savory black beans, zesty cilantro lime rice, and tangy pickled onions. It is a party in a bowl.
Another great thing is how customizable it is. Everyone can build their own bowl exactly how they like it. This makes it one of the best Kid Friendly Dinners because even picky eaters can find something they love.
It is also a wonderful option for meal prep. You can make all the components ahead of time. When you are ready to eat, you just assemble the bowls. This makes for a very Quick Healthy Dinner during a hectic week.
Finally, it is naturally vegetarian and gluten free. It can easily be made vegan too. It is a wholesome meal that caters to many dietary needs without sacrificing any taste.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to create these beautiful and tasty burrito bowls. I have broken it down into the main parts and some optional toppings to make it simple.
For The Main Bowl
- 1 batch of cooked Black Beans
- 1 batch of Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
- 1 batch of Quick Pickled Onions
- 1 batch of Cilantro Hemp Pesto
Optional Additions
- Fried or scrambled eggs
- Toasted pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)
- Crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Your favorite hot sauce
Step By Step Instructions
Putting together these bowls is incredibly easy. The main work is in preparing the individual parts, which can be done in advance. This is one of those Healthy Dinner Recipes that feels special with minimal effort at mealtime.
Step 1: Prepare Each Component
First, you will want to prepare each element of the bowl. The black beans will take the most time if you are making them from scratch, about one to two hours on the stove. I promise they are worth the effort.
While the beans simmer, you can make the cilantro lime rice, the quick pickled onions, and the cilantro hemp pesto. The beauty of this recipe is that every single component can be made ahead of time and stored.
Step 2: Assemble The Bowls
When you are ready to serve, the fun begins. Start by dividing the warm cilantro lime rice evenly among four bowls. This creates a fluffy and flavorful base for all the other goodies.
Next, add a generous spoonful of the cooked black beans over the rice. Then, add a nice portion of the bright pink pickled onions. Finally, top it all off with a dollop or two of the vibrant cilantro hemp pesto.
Step 3: Finish With Your Favorite Additions
Now is the time to make it your own. Let everyone choose their favorite additions. Sliced avocado adds a wonderful creaminess, while toasted pepitas provide a great crunch. This is what makes it a go to for Kid Friendly Dinners.
Crumbled cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, or a fried egg on top are also amazing choices. A little hot sauce can add a nice kick if you like some spice. The possibilities are truly endless, making this one of the most versatile Healthy Meal Ideas around.
How To Store Leftovers
This recipe is fantastic for leftovers. For the best results, you should store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the ingredients from getting soggy.
Your leftovers will keep well for up to five days. When you are ready for another meal, just gently reheat the rice and beans. Then, top them with the cold components like the pickled onions, pesto, and any other additions.
This makes for an incredibly Quick Healthy Dinner on days when you do not have time to cook from scratch. You get a complete, delicious meal in just a few minutes.
Tips
Want to make these Healthy Dinner Recipes even better? Here are a few tips to help you out.
If you are short on time, you can use canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch. Just rinse them well and warm them up. It is a great shortcut for a busy day.
To make this recipe dairy free or vegan, simply leave off the cheese. For a creamy texture, you can add a dollop of vegan sour cream or some extra sliced avocado. It will still be incredibly delicious.
If you are not a fan of cilantro, do not worry. You can easily swap the cilantro pesto for another sauce. A good guacamole, your favorite red or green salsa, or a creamy avocado sauce would all work wonderfully.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, fresh, and flavorful Black Bean Burrito Bowl that is perfect for any occasion. It is one of those Healthy Dinner Recipes that proves that eating well does not have to be boring or complicated.
Whether you need a Quick Healthy Dinner for a weeknight or some new Healthy Meal Ideas to add to your rotation, this recipe is a winner. I hope you and your family love it as much as I do.
FAQ
Can I Make This With Canned Beans?
Yes, absolutely. While cooking beans from scratch adds a lot of flavor, using canned beans is a great way to save time. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using them to remove excess sodium.
Is This Recipe Good For Meal Prep?
This is an excellent recipe for meal prep. You can prepare all the individual components over the weekend. Store them in separate containers, and you will have easy meals ready to go throughout the week.
What If I Do Not Like Cilantro?
No problem at all. You can simply leave the cilantro out of the rice. For the sauce, try using guacamole, your favorite salsa, or a simple avocado cream sauce instead of the cilantro pesto.
How Can I Make This Recipe More Kid Friendly?
The best way to make this meal one of your family’s favorite Kid Friendly Dinners is to set up a topping bar. Let your children build their own bowls with the ingredients they like. This makes mealtime interactive and fun.
Black Bean Burrito Bowl
This Black Bean Burrito Bowl is a fantastic solution for a healthy, quick, and easy weeknight meal. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, amazing flavors, and is incredibly customizable, making it a family-friendly choice that caters to many dietary needs.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare each component: Cook black beans (if making from scratch, this can take 1-2 hours on the stove). While beans simmer, make the cilantro lime brown rice, quick pickled onions, and cilantro hemp pesto. All components can be prepared ahead of time.
- Assemble the bowls: When ready to serve, divide the warm cilantro lime brown rice evenly among four bowls. Add a generous spoonful of cooked black beans over the rice. Next, add a portion of the bright pink pickled onions. Finally, top it off with a dollop or two of the vibrant cilantro hemp pesto.
- Finish with your favorite additions: Let everyone customize their bowl. Sliced avocado adds creaminess, toasted pepitas provide crunch. Crumbled cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, or a fried egg are also great choices. Add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Notes
This recipe is wonderful for meal prep. Prepare all components ahead and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If you’re short on time, using canned black beans is a great shortcut. Just rinse them well before warming.
To make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, simply omit the cheese. For a creamy touch, consider adding a dollop of vegan sour cream or extra sliced avocado.
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, easily swap the cilantro pesto for guacamole, your preferred salsa, or a creamy avocado sauce.
Nutrition
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