If you’re searching for a meal that’s easy, vibrant, customizable, and bursting with bold flavors, Loaded Burrito Bowls are the answer. They take everything you love about a classic burrito — the seasoned protein, fluffy rice, creamy toppings, and fresh vegetables — and serve it in a bowl instead of a tortilla. Not only does this make the dish lighter, but it also keeps it beginner-friendly and incredibly flexible for meal prep.

What makes burrito bowls so beloved is how adaptable they are. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, turkey, shrimp, tofu, or a completely vegetarian bowl, it’s effortless to build one that fits your tastes. They’re ideal for feeding families, making ahead for lunches, or assembling buffet-style for parties or gatherings. With layers of flavor and texture in every bite — tender meat, hearty beans, creamy avocado, tangy salsa, crisp lettuce — this dish hits all the right notes.

This Loaded Burrito Bowl recipe focuses on easy prep, fresh ingredients, and a perfectly seasoned protein base that ties everything together. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Loaded Burrito Bowls

1. Fully Customizable

Swap proteins, toppings, sauces — whatever you like. Make every bowl unique.

2. Meal Prep Friendly

They store beautifully and reheat well. Perfect for lunches.

3. Fresh, Balanced, and Satisfying

Carbs, protein, veggies, healthy fats — everything in one bowl.

4. Budget-Friendly

Most ingredients are inexpensive staples.

5. Great for Families and Crowds

Create a DIY burrito bowl bar with toppings for everyone.

Ingredients

For the Protein

• 1 lb ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
• ¼ cup water

Base

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup shredded romaine or spinach

Toppings (Customize!)

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn, roasted or canned
• 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup salsa or hot sauce
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the Protein
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
2. Prep the Base
   Warm the rice or make fresh. Chop lettuce or greens and set aside.
3. Prep the Toppings
   Rinse beans, prep corn, dice tomatoes, slice avocado, grate cheese, and gather any additional toppings.
4. Assemble the Bowls
   Add rice and lettuce to each bowl. Top with seasoned meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and sauces.
5. Finish and Serve
   Add lime juice, cilantro, and extra toppings like jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips.
6. Customize as Desired
   Build each bowl to taste and enjoy immediately.

Loaded Burrito Bowls

Easy, customizable, and flavor-packed burrito bowls layered with seasoned meat, rice, beans, corn, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey or shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste optional
• 0.25 cup water

Base

• 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
• 1 cup romaine or spinach shredded

Toppings

• 1 cup black beans rinsed
• 1 cup corn roasted or canned
• 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• 1 avocado sliced or diced
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
• 0.25 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 0.25 cup salsa
• cilantro fresh, for garnish
• lime wedges

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook ground beef or turkey until browned.
2. Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
3. Prepare rice and chop greens.
4. Rinse beans and prep corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese.
5. Assemble bowls starting with rice and greens, then add meat and toppings.
6. Finish with salsa, sour cream, lime, and cilantro.

Notes

Great for meal prep; store ingredients separately and assemble when ready.

Tips for Perfect Burrito Bowls

Use Warm Rice and Warm Meat

Temperature contrast keeps bowls flavorful and satisfying.

Add Something Crunchy

Crispy tortilla strips or crushed chips make a big difference.

Balance the Creamy + Fresh

Avocado, sour cream, and cheese pair perfectly with lime, cilantro, and tomatoes.

Make a Big Batch of Protein

Use leftovers for tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or wraps.

Variations

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with taco seasoning and lime.

Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

Skip meat and increase beans, corn, and grilled veggies.

Low-Carb Burrito Bowls

Swap rice for cauliflower rice.

Spicy Bowls

Add jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or spicy salsa.

Southwest Bowls

Add roasted bell peppers, sautéed onions, and cotija cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm tortillas on the side.
• Add queso dip for extra indulgence.
• Pair with chips and guacamole.
• Great with iced tea, lemonade, or lime agua fresca.

Fun Facts

• Burrito bowls became wildly popular due to their customizable, fast-assembly nature.
• The term “burrito” means “little donkey” in Spanish — named because burritos carry many ingredients like pack animals.
• The bowl format offers all the flavor with less heaviness than traditional burritos