Recipe

Vegan Burrito Bowls

An affordable rice-and-bean dinner with flexible toppings and good leftover potential.

Vegan Burrito Bowls

Prep time: 15 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes - Total time: 35 minutes
Estimated total cost: $14.70 - Estimated cost per serving: $3.68 - Serves: 4

Vegan burrito bowl with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice - $0.80
  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed - $2.00
  • 1 cup frozen corn - $0.70
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped - $1.50
  • 1 small onion, diced - $0.80
  • 1 avocado, optional - $1.50
  • 1 cup salsa - $1.20
  • 1 tablespoon oil - $0.20
  • 1 teaspoon cumin - $0.10
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder - $0.15
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt - $0.05
  • Optional: lettuce, lime, or cilantro - $1.00

Estimated ingredient total: $10.00 to $11.00
Displayed website estimate: $14.70

Detailed Instructions

  1. Cook the rice or reheat leftover rice.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in the corn, black beans, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
  5. Cook for 4 to 5 more minutes until the beans and vegetables are hot.
  6. Warm the salsa separately if desired, or leave it cold for topping.
  7. Divide the rice into 4 bowls.
  8. Spoon the bean and vegetable mixture over the rice.
  9. Top with salsa and any optional toppings like avocado or lime juice.
  10. Serve immediately.

Helpful Notes

  • This is a great meal-prep recipe because the components store well separately.
  • Add shredded lettuce for more crunch.
  • Use pinto beans if black beans are not available.

Price note: Ingredient prices can vary by store, brand, and region, so these are planning estimates rather than exact totals.