One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe

Burrito bowls have become a staple in many kitchens due to their simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness. They offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, combining the best parts of a traditional burrito into a convenient, deconstructed version without the tortilla. One of the easiest ways to enjoy a burrito bowl is by making it in a single pot. Not only does this cut down on cleanup, but it also helps the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a comforting, hearty meal.

This recipe will guide you through making a flavorful and nutritious One Pot Burrito Bowl with customizable ingredients. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.

Why One Pot Burrito Bowls?

One-pot meals have gained popularity because of their convenience and the depth of flavor they offer. Cooking everything in one pot ensures that the ingredients cook together, allowing spices, sauces, and flavors to meld beautifully. This method also simplifies the cooking process, which means less time spent in the kitchen and fewer dishes to clean.

Key Benefits of One Pot Burrito Bowls:

1. Saves Time: Fewer steps and fewer dishes mean you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
2. Bold Flavors: Cooking everything together in one pot enhances the taste, as all ingredients absorb the spices and seasonings during the cooking process.
3. Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand.
4. Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and you’ll have ready-to-eat meals for several days.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions become translucent and the peppers start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Seasonings

1. Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice and let it toast in the pot for 1-2 minutes. This will help develop a slightly nutty flavor and prevent the rice from becoming too mushy during cooking.
2. Add the Taco Seasoning and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the rice and vegetables, then add the tomato paste. Stir well to coat everything in the seasoning and paste, allowing the spices to “bloom” and intensify their flavors.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Cook

1. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and the can of fire-roasted tomatoes, including the juices. Stir everything together to combine. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (this adds extra flavor).
2. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Check for Doneness: After about 15 minutes, check the rice to see if it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still firm, continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Final Ingredients

1. Add Beans and Corn: Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the drained black beans and corn kernels. If you’re using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pot.
2. Return Chicken to the Pot: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, stirring everything together. Allow the chicken to warm through for about 3-4 minutes.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the burrito bowl mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or additional taco seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish

1. Add Cheese: Once everything is well combined and heated through, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the burrito bowl. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
2. Garnish: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if using, for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These One Pot Burrito Bowls are perfect on their own but can be elevated with a few additional toppings and sides:

1. Serve with Tortilla Chips: Pair your burrito bowls with tortilla chips for added crunch, or use the chips to scoop up the rice and toppings.
2. Add a Squeeze of Lime: A wedge of lime on the side allows for a bright, citrusy finish.
3. Customize with Toppings: Top with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or jalapeños. A drizzle of hot sauce or a few dashes of Tabasco can also add extra heat.
4. Pair with a Simple Salad: A side of mixed greens or a simple avocado and tomato salad can complement the burrito bowl flavors and lighten up the meal.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of burrito bowls is their flexibility. Here are some variations you can try to suit different tastes:

1. Vegetarian Burrito Bowl

• Omit the chicken and add extra beans, tofu, or sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking the rice.

2. Beef Burrito Bowl

• Swap the chicken for ground beef, browned with the taco seasoning.
• Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for a fajita-style beef burrito bowl.

3. Shrimp Burrito Bowl

• For a seafood twist, cook shrimp with taco seasoning and serve them on top of the rice and beans.
• Pair with a cilantro lime crema or avocado salsa for extra flavor.

4. Spicy Burrito Bowl

• For those who love spice, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the sautéed vegetables.
• Use a spicier taco seasoning or add hot sauce to the rice mixture.

5. Low-Carb Burrito Bowl

• Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to lower the carb content while maintaining the same great flavors.
• Skip the beans or use lower-carb vegetables like zucchini and spinach.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Burrito Bowls

1. Don’t Overcook the Rice: Be mindful of the rice cooking time. Overcooked rice can become mushy, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
2. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and helps it cook more evenly.
3. Drain the Beans and Tomatoes Well: Make sure to drain the beans thoroughly, as excess liquid can make the dish too soupy.
4. Fresh Garnishes Matter: The freshness of toppings like cilantro, avocado, and lime adds a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

This One Pot Burrito Bowl recipe is the ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and wholesome meal. It’s versatile enough to please any palate, easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, and delicious enough to become a household favorite. With minimal prep, straightforward cooking, and the convenience of one pot, you can enjoy a satisfying and nourishing meal without the hassle of a lengthy cleanup.

Perfect for meal prep or serving to a hungry crowd, this burrito bowl combines all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes into a single pot, making it a staple in any kitchen.

Yield: 4-6

One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe

Print

Burrito bowls have become a staple in many kitchens due to their simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness. They offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, combining the best parts of a traditional burrito into a convenient, deconstructed version without the tortilla. One of the easiest ways to enjoy a burrito bowl is by making it in a single pot. Not only does this cut down on cleanup, but it also helps the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a comforting, hearty meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast (or ground beef), diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup long-grain rice (or brown rice)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Optional toppings:
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Salsa
• Sliced jalapeños
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken (or Beef):
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   Add the diced chicken breast or ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   
3. Add Rice and Seasonings:
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture.
   Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
   
4. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes:
   Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the pot. Stir to combine.
   
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken or beef broth. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil.
   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   
6. Add Cheese and Finish:
   Once the rice is cooked, stir the cooked chicken (or beef) back into the pot.
   Add the shredded cheese and lime juice, stirring until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
   Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

• Customize Your Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or steak, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether and adding extra beans.
• Meal Prep: This dish makes great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat for a quick meal.