Power Burrito

Unleash a burst of flavor with our ultimate Healthy Burrito recipe, featuring perfectly seasoned rice, tender roasted vegetables, savory black beans, a touch of cheese, fresh cilantro, and a vibrant squeeze of lime. These wholesome burritos are designed for maximum taste and nutrition, making them an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or even a grab-and-go breakfast. Serve them with your favorite salsa, creamy avocado or guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, and an extra drizzle of lime for an unforgettable meal experience.

Are Burritos Healthy? Absolutely!

Often, burritos get a bad rap for being heavy and unhealthy, loaded with excessive cheese, fatty meats, and rich sauces. However, with the right ingredients and mindful preparation, burritos can be incredibly nutritious and a fantastic component of a balanced diet. This recipe proves just that, transforming the traditional burrito into a powerhouse of flavor and wholesome goodness.

Our focus is on creating a truly healthy burrito that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. We start with nutrient-dense whole wheat tortillas, ditching refined flour options for a boost in fiber. Instead of heavy meats, we pack our burritos with an abundance of vibrant roasted vegetables and protein-rich black beans, ensuring a meal that is both filling and satisfying. Fresh cilantro and a carefully selected blend of spices are used to infuse maximum flavor, allowing us to skip the need for unhealthy, calorie-laden sauces. By opting for fresh, whole ingredients and smart cooking techniques, we craft burritos that are not only delicious but also contribute positively to your well-being. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and now it’s ready to become a staple in your kitchen!

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Healthy Burritos

Crafting the perfect healthy burrito begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a meal that is both delicious and nutritionally beneficial. Here’s a closer look at what goes into these amazing burritos:

• Whole Wheat Tortillas: The foundation of our healthy burrito. Whole wheat tortillas provide more fiber and nutrients compared to their white flour counterparts. For easier wrapping and to prevent tearing, lightly warm them in the microwave or a dry skillet before filling.
• Assorted Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and red onions makes up our roasted veggie filling. These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ensure they are cut into evenly sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes) to guarantee uniform cooking and tender results. Feel free to explore other seasonal vegetables for variety!
• Rice: A staple in burritos, providing a hearty base. We recommend using white rice, but brown rice can also be used for extra fiber (adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly). Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier, perfectly separated grains.
• Protein-Packed Black Beans: An excellent plant-based protein source, black beans are packed with fiber, iron, and folate. Always drain and rinse canned black beans before use to remove excess sodium and improve their texture. Learn more about cooking perfect black beans here.
• Fresh Herbs (Cilantro): Fresh cilantro adds a bright, zesty, and essential flavor that elevates the entire burrito. Chop it just before adding to preserve its vibrant aroma and taste.
• Variety of Spices: Our signature spice blend, including chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder, creates a deeply savory and aromatic profile for both the roasted vegetables and the rice. Adjust the quantities to suit your preference for more or less heat.
• Cheese: A small amount of shredded cheese adds a delicious melty texture and richness without overwhelming the healthy components. Use your favorite mild or sharp cheddar, or a Monterey Jack blend.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Healthy Burrito

Making these healthy burritos is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps to prepare your wholesome, flavorful meal:

1. Prepare the Seasoned Rice: Begin by toasting a blend of spices like chili powder and cumin in a small pot with a touch of olive oil and minced garlic. This step awakens their aroma and deepens their flavor. Add your rinsed rice to the pot, stir it to coat with the spices, then pour in chicken broth (or water). Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Let it rest briefly, then fluff with a fork.
2. Roast the Vibrant Veggies: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Chop your chosen vegetables, such as red bell pepper, sweet potatoes, red onion, and jalapeño, into even 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them on a large baking sheet with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly and become deliciously tender-crisp, rather than steaming. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Assemble Your Burritos: Lightly warm your whole wheat tortillas to make them pliable. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the seasoned rice onto the bottom half. Follow with a scoop of drained and rinsed black beans, a hearty serving of your perfectly roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Finish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
4. Expert Rolling and Serving/Storing: To roll, fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then tightly roll from the bottom upwards, tucking the filling as you go. This technique ensures a secure, compact burrito. Once rolled, you can either cook them immediately for a warm, crispy exterior or wrap them individually for convenient storage and future enjoyment.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Healthy Burritos

One of the best aspects of this healthy burrito recipe is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and serving styles to keep things fresh and exciting. Here are some fantastic ideas to switch things up:

• Embrace a Low-Carb Option: For a lighter meal, skip the tortilla entirely! Use large lettuce wraps to encase your delicious rice, roasted veggies, black beans, and cheese. Alternatively, serve the entire filling as a hearty and satisfying burrito bowl over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice.
• Boost Your Protein: If you’re looking to increase the protein content, consider adding lean shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast. It can either supplement the beans or replace a portion of the rice or beans, depending on your dietary preferences. Other great protein additions include crumbled tempeh or extra firm tofu, seasoned and sautéed.
• Explore Different Vegetables: While sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and red onion are fantastic, the world of vegetables is your oyster! Swap in seasonal favorites like sliced mushrooms, tender yellow squash, zucchini, or creamy, cubed roasted butternut squash. Broccoli florets, corn, or even finely chopped kale can also add wonderful flavor and texture.
• Add More Goodness with Corn: A simple addition of leftover corn or frozen corn (thawed) to the black bean mixture can add a delightful sweetness and an extra layer of texture. It’s a quick way to enhance the flavor profile.
• Transform into a Salad: Repurpose your delicious burrito filling into a vibrant and fresh salad. Simply add the seasoned rice, roasted vegetables, and black beans to a bed of crisp lettuce greens. Drizzle generously with a zesty cilantro lime dressing for a refreshing meal.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding an extra pinch of cayenne pepper to your spice mix or serving with a side of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.

More Wholesome Veggie-Filled Meal Ideas

If you love the concept of incorporating more vegetables and plant-based goodness into your diet, these additional recipes are sure to inspire. They are packed with flavor, nutrients, and are perfect for healthy eating:

• Healthy Tacos with Easy Corn Salsa: Light, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavors, these tacos are a delightful alternative for your meal rotation.
• Vegetarian Fajita Bowls: Enjoy all the sizzling flavors of fajitas, served in a convenient and healthy bowl format, perfect for customizable meals.
• One-Skillet Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls: A quick and easy recipe that brings together the delicious components of a burrito into a simple, one-pot dish.
• Hearty and Filling Vegetarian Chili: A comforting and robust chili recipe, packed with beans and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
• Pesto Vegetable Bowls with Roasted Veggies: A Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender roasted vegetables tossed in aromatic pesto, served in a nutritious bowl.

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5 from 1 vote

Healthy Burrito

By
Chelsea Lords

The best Healthy Burritos are packed with seasoned rice, roasted veggies, cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Pair with salsa, avocado, sour cream, and an extra lime drizzle for a delicious meal in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

6 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

21 minutes
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Small pot
• Large pan

Ingredients

Roasted Vegetables

• 1 cup red bell pepper cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup red onion peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Rice

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water

Assembly

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
• 12 tortillas whole-wheat
• 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream and/or salsa for dipping
• Avocado or guacamole, optional, for serving

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut all the veggies into small pieces, no bigger than 1/2-inch cubes. Add the diced pepper, sweet potato, onion, and jalapeño to a very large sheet pan (full-sized sheet pan; 15×21 inches) or 2 smaller sheet pans. Add olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Toss and spread in an even layer (overlapping veggies will steam, not roast). Bake for 15 minutes, flip, stir, and bake for another 10–15 minutes or until veggies are crisp-tender. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
• Add the olive oil to a small pot. Add in minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon each). Stir and cook for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and stir (without any liquid) for 1 minute. Mix in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and simmer for 10–15 minutes or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork. Let cool to room temperature.
• Warm tortillas in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them more pliable (optional). To the bottom half of each tortilla, add 1/4 cup cooked rice, 1/4 cup drained and rinsed black beans, 1/3 cup of the roasted veggies, and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Add a few sprigs of cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice. To fold the burrito, first fold the bottom 1/3 of the tortilla up over the filling. Then, fold in the two sides towards the center. Finally, tightly roll the burrito upwards from the bottom, using your fingertips to tuck and press all the filling into a tight cylinder.
• To Cook Fresh: Lightly spray all sides of the assembled burrito with cooking spray. Place the burrito, seam-side down, into a large pan on medium heat and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and enjoy immediately with an optional side of extra salsa and low-fat sour cream. Serve optionally with guacamole or avocado and additional lime/cilantro as desired.
• To Cook Frozen: Remove frozen burrito from foil and plastic wrap. Microwave burrito for 1 minute and 30 seconds; flip and microwave another 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until heated through. Remove, let cool slightly, and enjoy with toppings. For a crispier tortilla, follow the directions in step 4 to brown the edges in a skillet after microwaving.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, unwrap and microwave frozen burritos for 1–3 minutes per side until heated. For a crisp tortilla, brown the edges in a skillet.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
348
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
56.9
g

|

Protein:
10.6
g

|

Fat:
9.1
g

|

Sodium:
520.6
mg

|

Fiber:
11.9
g

|

Sugar:
6.2
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.