Burrito bowls are the ultimate customizable meal, and this version is packed with vibrant flavors and textures. We start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice simmered with black beans and a southwest spice blend, then pile on a smoky charred corn and tomato salsa, a zesty lime crema, and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese. The real fun comes from the crunchy blue corn tortilla chips on the side—perfect for scooping up every last bite.
This recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Feel free to adjust the heat with your favorite hot sauce, and don’t skip the charred corn; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor that takes the whole bowl to the next level.
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel, and dice the onion. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn separately.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the rice, black beans, veggie stock concentrate, and half of the southwest spice blend. Add ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings) and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
- While the rice cooks, dry the corn thoroughly with paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible. Heat a large pan over high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, 3-5 minutes. (If the corn starts to pop, cover the pan.) Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, dice the tomato. Zest the lime, then quarter it. Finely chop the cilantro leaves and stems. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomato, charred corn, remaining southwest spice blend, half the cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with as much remaining lime zest and juice as you like. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fluff the rice mixture with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Divide the rice between bowls. Top with the salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and remaining cilantro. Drizzle with the lime crema and add hot sauce to taste. Serve with blue corn tortilla chips and any remaining lime wedges on the side.
Useful Cookware
A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.
Strainer
Cuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountView on Amazon
3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYLView on Amazon
Winco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverView on AmazonMedium Pot
Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on Amazon
SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on Amazon
CAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on AmazonPaper Towel
Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on Amazon
Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on Amazon
Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on AmazonLarge Pan
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on Amazon
Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on Amazon
SNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on AmazonZester
Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel GraterView on Amazon
Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester 18/8, Black - Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Citrus, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Chocolate - Stainless Steel GraterView on Amazon
OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and GraterView on AmazonMedium Bowl
DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on Amazon
MASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on Amazon
MALACASA 26 OZ Porcelain Soup Bowls Set of 4, White Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl for Oatmeal, Fruit, Salad, Ramen and Rice Bowl -Dishwasher & Microwave Safe BowlsView on AmazonSmall Bowl
Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on Amazon
Dipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on Amazon
Farielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on AmazonRecipe Tips
For the best char, make sure the corn is very dry before adding it to the hot pan.
If you prefer a milder crema, use less lime juice and zest.
The tortilla chips are perfect for scooping, but you can also crush them on top for extra crunch.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute any long-grain rice, but adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is this recipe vegan?
As written, it contains sour cream, cheese, and butter. To make it vegan, use plant-based sour cream, vegan cheese, and a neutral oil instead of butter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the rice and salsa ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep the chips crunchy.






























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