Delicious & Easy Breakfast Burrito Bowls: The Ultimate Customizable Meal Prep Solution
Kickstart your day with a truly satisfying and incredibly nutritious breakfast burrito bowl! These vibrant, easy-to-make bowls are bursting with flavor, protein, and wholesome veggies. They’re effortlessly customizable to suit any taste or dietary need, and best of all, they can be on your table in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or efficient meal prep.
Imagine all the delightful tastes and varied textures you love in a classic breakfast burrito – the savory eggs, seasoned vegetables, hearty beans, and creamy avocado – but served in a convenient bowl. These breakfast burrito bowls offer all that goodness without the fuss of rolling, allowing you to truly load up on your favorite healthy ingredients. This deconstructed approach means more room for nutrient-dense protein and an abundance of colorful vegetables, ensuring a meal that keeps you feeling full and energized throughout your morning.
One of the greatest advantages of these bowls is their incredible versatility. They are designed to be easily customized to your personal preferences. Not a fan of black beans? No problem at all! You can effortlessly swap them out for something like tender air fryer sweet potato cubes, which add a touch of natural sweetness and extra fiber. If you prefer grains, feel free to use fluffy brown or white rice instead of the cauliflower rice base. And when it comes to toppings, why stop at sliced avocado? Elevate your bowl with a dollop of freshly made guacamole for an extra layer of richness and flavor. With these bowls, your culinary imagination is the only limit!
Whether you’re seeking a lightning-fast yet nourishing meal to kickstart your daily routine, or you need a casual, impressive option for a relaxed brunch, these wholesome breakfast burrito bowls are your ideal solution. Just like our popular sweet potato crust quiche, satisfying chia seed bowls, convenient frozen fruit overnight oats, and indulgent chocolate baked oats, these versatile bowls are perfectly suited for efficient meal prep, helping you stay on track with healthy eating throughout your busy week.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Incredibly Filling & Satisfying – These breakfast bowls are thoughtfully crafted to be packed with a powerful combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This means they’ll keep you feeling delightfully full and completely satisfied all morning long, helping to prevent those mid-morning energy crashes and cravings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Say goodbye to rushed mornings! These breakfast burrito bowls are an absolute dream for meal prepping. They remain wonderfully fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them an excellent choice for batch cooking on Sunday and enjoying throughout your busy week.
- Endless Customization & Topping Options – Once you’ve mastered the flavorful base of these bowls, the fun truly begins with the toppings! From creamy avocado slices and tangy salsa to a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative), the possibilities are genuinely limitless. You can tailor each bowl to your mood or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Naturally Meets Dietary Needs – As written, this recipe is a fantastic choice for many dietary preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of eaters without needing extensive modifications.
- Quick & Easy to Make – Despite their impressive flavor and nutritional profile, these bowls are surprisingly simple and quick to put together. With minimal cooking steps, you can enjoy a gourmet breakfast experience without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for even the busiest mornings.
Essential Ingredients for Your Burrito Bowl
A complete list of ingredients and their precise amounts can be found in the detailed recipe card below. Here are some specific notes and tips to help you select the best ingredients for your delicious bowls.
- Riced Cauliflower – For ultimate convenience and to save precious time, I highly recommend using frozen cauliflower rice. It’s pre-chopped and cooks quickly. However, if you prefer, fresh cauliflower rice works just as well; just be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time to get that perfect tender-crisp texture. Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb, nutrient-dense base that perfectly mimics the texture of traditional rice.
- Sweet Peppers – Don’t limit yourself to just one color! A vibrant mix of red, yellow, and orange sweet peppers will not only add beautiful color to your bowl but also a variety of subtle sweet flavors and a boost of essential vitamins. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Avocado Oil (or Extra-Virgin Olive Oil) – Both avocado oil and extra-virgin olive oil are excellent choices for this recipe. Avocado oil boasts a high smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing at medium-high temperatures without breaking down. Extra-virgin olive oil offers a rich, fruity flavor and is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats. Choose a high-quality oil for the best results and health benefits.
- Eggs – The star protein of our breakfast bowls! We’ll be frying them to a perfect consistency, but you can prepare them however you like – scrambled, poached, or even hard-boiled are all excellent alternatives.
- Black Beans – These legumes add incredible texture, earthy flavor, and a significant boost of plant-based protein and fiber. Be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to your bowl.
- Onion – A thinly sliced purple (red) onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the other vegetables and spices.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Garlic Powder) – This trio of spices is key to achieving that classic, savory burrito flavor. They add warmth, depth, and a touch of smoky spice, transforming simple vegetables into a flavorful base.
- Avocado – The ultimate creamy topping! Fresh avocado adds a luxurious texture, healthy monounsaturated fats, and a subtle richness that ties all the flavors together.
Clean Food Tips: When selecting your ingredients, consider these tips for a healthier, cleaner meal. Given that bell peppers frequently appear on the Dirty Dozen list, opting for organic peppers is a smart choice to minimize pesticide exposure. For your eggs, I strongly advocate for pasture-raised eggs. This not only ensures superior quality and nutritional value (often higher in Omega-3s and vitamins) but also supports ethical animal welfare practices, which is incredibly important to me. Finally, always use a high-quality cooking oil, such as Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods avocado oil, for the best taste and health benefits.
Creative Variations and Delicious Toppings
One of the best things about these breakfast burrito bowls is how adaptable they are. Don’t be afraid to experiment and truly make them your own! Here are some exciting variations to try:
- Eggs, Your Way – While I love making simple fried eggs for this recipe, you have complete freedom to cook your eggs to your personal preference. Scrambled eggs offer a fluffy texture, over-easy eggs provide a luscious runny yolk, and even pre-made hard-boiled eggs can be sliced and added for convenience. Poached eggs are another elegant option!
- Hearty Grains – If you’re looking for a more substantial meal or prefer a traditional grain base, easily swap out the cauliflower rice for cooked quinoa, brown rice, or white rice. Quinoa adds extra protein, while brown rice offers whole-grain goodness and a satisfying chew.
- Savory Potatoes – Introduce another layer of flavor and heartiness with potatoes. Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, with their natural sweetness and soft texture, or savory regular roasted potatoes, diced and seasoned, would be a fantastic addition to the base of your bowl.
- Boost Your Greens – Incorporating leafy greens is an excellent way to add more vitamins and minerals. Fresh spinach, nutrient-packed kale, or a vibrant mix of greens can be added raw for a refreshing crunch, or quickly sautéed in the skillet for a softer texture before assembling your bowl.
- Add More Protein – For an even more protein-rich bowl, consider adding some cooked chicken sausage (spicy or mild), crispy bacon bits, crumbled lean ground turkey or beef, or even plant-based options like seasoned tofu scramble for a vegan twist.
No breakfast burrito bowl is complete without a generous helping of delicious toppings! These additions elevate the flavors and textures to new heights:
- Fresh Guacamole – Creamy, zesty, and packed with healthy fats, a scoop of fresh guacamole is always a winner.
- Fresh Cilantro – A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous, and distinctly Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa, with its diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, offers a refreshing tang and a subtle kick.
- Salsa or Hot Sauce – Choose your favorite level of heat! A spoonful of smoky salsa or a dash of your preferred hot sauce can really wake up the flavors.
- Shredded Cheese – For those who enjoy dairy, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend adds a wonderful melty texture and savory taste.
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a delicious zesty finish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop of cool sour cream or a healthier alternative like plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the savory ingredients and can help balance any spice.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Breakfast Burrito Bowls
Crafting these vibrant breakfast burrito bowls is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and nutritious start to your day:
Step 1: Sauté the Cauliflower Rice. Begin by adding about 1 tablespoon of high-quality avocado oil to a sturdy skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully here for even heat distribution). Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the cauliflower rice to the hot skillet and sauté it, stirring frequently, until it softens, releases its moisture, and begins to lightly brown. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes for frozen cauliflower rice, creating a flavorful base for your bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Veggies. Once the cauliflower rice is lightly browned, push it to one side of the skillet to make room. Add the thinly sliced sweet peppers and sliced onion to the empty side. Drizzle with a little extra avocado oil (about 1 tablespoon) and generously sprinkle with the chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender-crisp and begin to caramelize and brown. The aromatic spices will infuse into the veggies, building the signature burrito flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Eggs. While your vegetables are cooking, heat a separate frying pan over medium heat. Drizzle with a bit of oil or add a small pat of butter. Gently crack your eggs into the pan; slowly adding them helps prevent the whites from spreading too much. If you prefer a runny yolk, cook them over easy to your liking. For a firmer yolk, flip the eggs over after a few minutes and continue cooking until the yolks are set. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble Your Delicious Bowls. Rinse and thoroughly drain your black beans. Now it’s time to assemble your masterpiece! Evenly divide the prepared black beans, savory cauliflower rice, sautéed vegetables, and your perfectly cooked eggs into two bowls. Finally, crown your breakfast burrito bowl with generous slices of fresh avocado and any other desired toppings you love, such as vibrant pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, creamy sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative), or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Enjoy immediately!
Effortless Breakfast Burrito Bowl Meal Prep
Meal prepping these breakfast burrito bowls is incredibly simple and will revolutionize your busy mornings! The core idea is to prepare the base of your bowls according to the recipe instructions, but instead of enjoying them right away, you’ll portion them for later enjoyment. Place the cooked cauliflower rice, sautéed veggies, and black beans into individual microwave-safe meal prep containers. You can also pre-cook eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled work best for reheating) and add them to the containers, or cook fresh eggs daily if preferred.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop the container into the microwave and reheat for approximately one minute, or until thoroughly warm. Keep in mind that the exact reheating time will vary based on your specific microwave’s wattage and the portion size of your meal.
For any fresh toppings, such as sliced avocado, pico de gallo, or fresh cilantro, it’s best to store them separately in small, airtight condiment containers. This ensures they remain fresh, vibrant, and don’t become soggy. Add these fresh elements after you’ve reheated the base of your bowl for the best taste and texture. The base components of these bowls will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 5 days, making healthy eating convenient all week long.
Storing & Reheating Your Burrito Bowls
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your breakfast burrito bowls throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers – Any leftover portions of the cooked base (cauliflower rice, sautéed veggies, and black beans) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness and texture, always store any fresh toppings such as avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, or sour cream in separate, small airtight containers. This prevents them from becoming soggy or losing their vibrant texture when stored alongside the heated components.
Reheating Instructions – When you’re ready to enjoy your meal-prepped bowls, you have a couple of easy reheating options. Leftovers can be quickly warmed in the microwave for about one minute; remember that the total reheating time will vary based on your portion size and the power of your microwave. Alternatively, for a slightly crisper finish, you can warm the contents on a frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is thoroughly heated through. Add your fresh toppings after reheating for the best experience.
Recipe FAQs for Breakfast Burrito Bowls
Absolutely! Fresh cauliflower rice works perfectly well. Just be aware that it might take a few extra minutes to cook down and soften compared to its frozen counterpart. Sauté until it’s tender and lightly browned, just like the recipe specifies.
You certainly can! To transform these into a delicious vegan meal, simply omit the eggs. You can then double up on the beans and veggies to make it extra hearty, or incorporate other plant-based protein sources like a savory tofu scramble, crumbled vegan sausage, or even roasted chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.
These bowls are incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like diced zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or even finely chopped carrots. Just be sure to sauté them along with the peppers and onions until tender.
If you love a little extra heat, there are several ways to kick up the spice! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while sautéing the veggies. For topping, consider sliced fresh jalapeños, a spicier salsa, or a drizzle of sriracha.
More Delicious & Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Try!
If you loved the customizable and healthy nature of these breakfast burrito bowls, you’ll surely enjoy exploring some of our other favorite breakfast creations:
- Dairy-free Vegetable Frittata (gluten free)
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Chocolate Protein Pancakes
- Gluten-free Pumpkin Scones
If you make this amazing Breakfast Burrito Bowl recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don’t forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!
Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara
Breakfast Burrito Bowls
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Equipment
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2 skillets
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- ½ purple onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups frozen cauliflower rice
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- ¼ tsp. ground cumin
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tbsp. avocado oil, divided (extra-virgin olive oil also works)
- ½ avocado
Instructions
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Add 1 tbsp. of avocado oil to a skillet (I prefer a cast iron) and heat to medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté until softened and lightly browned, stirring frequently.
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Push the cauliflower rice off to one side and add the sliced onion and sliced peppers. Drizzle with the extra tablespoon of avocado oil and stir in the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Sauté until they start to brown and are cooked down.
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While veggies are cooking, fry the eggs in a separate frying pan. Drizzle pan with oil (or add a slab of butter) and heat to medium heat. Slowly add eggs (to prevent the whites from spreading too much) and crack the yolk. Cook to your liking. If you don’t want a runny yolk, flip eggs over after a few minutes and cook until yolks are set.
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Drain and rinse the black beans.
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Evenly divide the beans, cauliflower rice, sauteed veggies, eggs, and avocado between two bowls. Top with desired toppings, such as pica do gallo, cilantro, sour cream, and/or cheese.
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Enjoy!
Notes
- Directions are written for fried eggs, but you can prepare the eggs however you’d like. Scrambled eggs and even hard-boiled eggs are great options.
- You can use fresh cauliflower rice as well, just add a few additional minutes to the cook/sauté time.
- Recipe makes 2 bowls, but feel free to cut ingredients in half if only needing one bowl.
Nutrition