Name: Poor Man's Burrito Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 cups water (for cooking rice); 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, undrained; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1 (16 oz.) jar salsa; 6 oz. shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended); 1 bunch green onions, sliced; 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Description

This Poor Man's Burrito Bowls recipe is a quick, budget-friendly meal packed with comforting flavors. Featuring fluffy seasoned rice, warm spiced black beans, tangy salsa, and melty shredded cheese, topped with fresh green onions and optional jalapeño slices, it's an easy-to-make dish perfect for weekday dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in just 25 minutes, it serves six and combines simple pantry staples into a satisfying Tex-Mex inspired bowl.

Ingredients

Rice Base

2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups water (for cooking rice)

Bean Mixture

2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, undrained
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Toppings

1 (16 oz.) jar salsa
6 oz. shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of long grain white rice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3 cups of water. Cover with a lid and bring to a full boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes. After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Prepare the Beans: While the rice cooks, add the two cans of black beans, including the liquid, into a small sauce pot. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the beans are warmed through.
Slice Fresh Toppings: Slice the green onions into thin rings. If using, slice the jalapeño thinly to add a spicy kick to the bowls.
Assemble the Burrito Bowls: For each of the six servings, place 1 cup of cooked rice in a bowl, followed by 1/2 cup of warm black beans. Spoon 1/3 cup of salsa on top, then sprinkle with 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) of shredded cheese. Garnish with the sliced green onions and jalapeño slices if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Adjust the jalapeño quantity according to your preferred spice level.
Feel free to add extras like avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Use low-sodium beans or rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
Leftover rice and beans can be refrigerated separately and reheated for easy meal prep.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex