How to Create Flavorful Homemade Chipotle Burrito Bowls in Just Minutes

Do you crave the bold and vibrant flavors of Chipotle but prefer the satisfaction and savings of creating your meal at home? You’re not alone! Homemade Chipotle Burrito Bowls are not only delicious but also quick and budget-friendly. In this guide, you'll discover how to whip up an iconic burrito bowl in just minutes. Get ready to savor flavor-packed meats, fragrant rice, and a selection of toppings that will elevate your homemade meal.

How to Have Chipotle at Home in Minutes

The secret to having Chipotle at home is to prepare the meat in advance or freeze leftovers from street tacos or fajitas. There is no quick way to achieve the taste of Chipotle Beef or Chicken, but marinated meats freeze beautifully. It takes time to marinate and, if you like the pork, it takes time to slow-roast. Cook your meat in advance and have it on hand.

Please see our post on Street Taco Meat and on Fajitas!

The Meat

There is no one perfect meat or protein for a burrito bowl. Choose the one you like. Or, better yet, make the marinade and divide it between several meats (NO MIXING PROTEINS WHILE MARINATING. MARINADE DIFFERENT MEATS IN DIFFERENT ZIPLOCK BAGS.) I like to marinate 1 pound of beef skirt in one bag, 2 pounds of pork belly in another, and 2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs in a third. The total cost of this on a recent trip to Aldi was under $20. That's right, all that meat for around the cost of a single trip to Chipotle for me.

• Beef skirt steak: About $5 to $8 per pound, this cut is flavorful and great for grilling.

• Pork belly or shoulder: Priced around $3 to $5 per pound, these options become tender when slow-cooked.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Typically costing $2 to $5 per pound, they stay juicy and absorb flavors well.

These cuts are widely available at grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart, making them excellent choices for a homemade burrito bowl.

Marinade

Enhancing your meat's flavor starts with a homemade marinade. Here's a specific recipe for a spicy and tangy marinade that will take your burrito bowl to the next level:

Ingredients:

• 1 small white onion, sliced

• 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 can of chipotle chiles in adobo (adjust based on your spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 2 teaspoons oregano (preferably Mexican)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar

• Juice of one lime

Instructions:

1. Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

2. Marinate 2-5 pounds of your chosen meat for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Cook the marinated meat based on your preference:

   • Grill chicken or beef on high heat for a charred flavor.

   • Slow-cook pork at low temperature for 6 to 8 hours in the oven.

   

   

   

To save time on future meals, cook an extra batch of meat and freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer, making it a convenient go-to for quick tacos or burrito bowls.

Rice

Rice forms the base of your burrito bowl and can significantly enhance your meal. For a flavor profile similar to Chipotle's, use standard white or par-boiled rice. If you're feeling adventurous, try basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.

Instructions:

Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Rice

1. In a rice cooker or Instant Pot, combine 2 cups of rice with 2 cups of water.

2. Squeeze the juice of one lime, and add both the juice and the squeezed half lime to the pot. (You may also add the juice of half a lemon if you prefer.)

3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 dried bay leaves.

   

   

   

4. Cook in the Instant Pot for 4 minutes.

5. While it cooks, zest and juice the second lime for extra flavor.

6. After cooking, release the pressure, lift the lid, and add the lime juice, zest, and 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil, along with a generous handful of chopped cilantro.

   

   

   
   
   

Because you pressure-cooked your rice with a whole lime, it is infused with amazing lime flavor. You can also put half a lemon in the Instant Pot. Adding more zest and fresh lime juice after cooking enhances the flavor. Add a little butter or neutral oil makes the rice richer and creamier. The chopped cilantro gives a fresh, herbal flavor.

This rice is better than Chipotle's and every other Lime and Cilantro Rice recipe out there. It is amazing, and it takes about 5 minutes. Once you have tasted rice made this way in an Instant Pot, you will never cook your rice any other way.

Toppings

The toppings make a burrito bowl truly special. Here are some fresh options to consider:

See 3 Salsas and a Guac post for instructions on salsas and guacamole.

Roasted Salsa, Pico de Gallo, and Salsa Verde

• Fresh pico de gallo: Combine chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for a lively salsa. Please see our World's Greatest Pico post — it takes about 10 minutes to make and is wonderful.

• Guacamole: Once you've made Pico, add a couple of tablespoons to a bowl of mashed avocados. Add some lime juice, a bit of chopped cilantro, and some garlic powder. You now have guacamole!

• Sour cream: A dollop adds a nice, creamy texture.

• Shredded cheese: Use Monterey Jack or cheddar for an extra-rich flavor.

• Shredded lettuce provides a fresh crunch and helps balance the flavors.

• Black or pinto beans: Rinse a can of black or pinto beans well. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, correct salt, and add a bit of oregano. Your can briefly heat this in the microwave.

• Corn: Just heat a bag of frozen corn in the microwave. Or grill up a couple ears of corn and remove it from the cob with a knife. This flavor is wonderful in a burrito bowl.

  

  Pay Extra for Guac? Not When You Make It At Home!

Assembling Your Burrito Bowl

Now that you've prepared all your components, it's time to put together your burrito bowl. Start with a generous layer of rice, followed by your choice of meat. Then, layer in your favorite toppings. Feel free to get creative — there's no single right way to build your perfect burrito bowl!

Whip Up Delicious Burrito Bowls at Home

The fun part of going to Chipotle is picking your own proteins and toppings. By planning ahead, you can prepare several proteins and reheat them, allowing your crew to choose their preferred option.

Then make a "burrito bar" with all the toppings you have on hand. You can purchase salsa, pico, and quac, or make them cheaply at home. Then put out the sour cream, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheese, corn, beans, or whatever other topping you like.

Try this recipe and indulge in the delicious flavors of Chipotle right from your kitchen!

Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl, Ready to Eat!