Barbacoa Burrito Bowls

As I stand in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of spices fills the air, reminding me of the vibrant flavors found in my favorite Mexican dishes. Today, I’m excited to share my take on a beloved classic: Barbacoa Burrito Bowls. These bowls are more than just a meal; they’re a canvas for creativity, merging textures and tastes that dance together in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these bowls are bound to impress. I love how easy it is to customize each bowl to suit everyone’s preferences, making them a hit with my family and friends alike.

Every bite brings a delightful burst of flavor, thanks to the savory barbacoa, creamy Greek yogurt, and zesty tomatillo salsa. I often find myself reminiscing about the first time I crafted these bowls, feeling a sense of fulfillment as I plated them. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience, the laughter shared, and the memories created around the table. If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease of preparation with incredible taste, then Barbacoa Burrito Bowls is the answer!

Let’s dive into the flavors and textures that make this dish extraordinary. The combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the option to personalize every bowl ensures that there’s something for everyone. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s create a meal that will become a staple in your home!

What to Gather for Barbacoa Burrito Bowls

Gathering the right ingredients for Barbacoa Burrito Bowls is essential for creating a balanced and flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect bowl, from the savory barbacoa to the refreshing tomatillo salsa. Let’s explore the key players in this delightful ensemble!

• 2 cups barbacoa meat: This is the star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tenderness.
• 1 cup chopped butter lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy element to your bowl.
• ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese: Creamy and melty, it’s the perfect topping.
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: A healthier alternative to sour cream, adding creaminess and tang.
• Cilantro lime cauliflower rice: A nutritious base that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Pico de gallo, red tomatillo salsa, and guacamole: Essential toppings that bring freshness and flavor.
• 10 ounces steamable cauliflower rice: A quick and easy alternative to regular rice.
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh flavor.
• 2 limes: The juice from these will brighten up the entire dish.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 roma tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they add sweetness and color.
• ¼ white onion: A bit of sharpness to balance flavors.
• ½ lime: Cut into wedges for serving.
• ½ tablespoon chopped cilantro: For garnish.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning.
• 3 tomatillos: Key to making that wonderful tomatillo salsa.
• 3 cloves garlic: Adds depth of flavor.
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo: For a smoky kick.
• 1 teaspoon A1 steak sauce: A unique addition for richness.
• 1 ½ limes: Additional freshness and acidity for the salsa.
• 1 avocado: Creamy and delicious topping.

Recipe Steps for Barbacoa Burrito Bowls

Creating Barbacoa Burrito Bowls is not only fun but also a rewarding experience. Let’s walk through the steps together, ensuring we capture all the flavors and textures that make this dish so special. Ready to start? Here we go!

1. Prepare your barbacoa meat in advance. If you’re using leftover barbacoa, just measure out 2 cups for this recipe. The deep, savory flavors make all the difference in your bowls.

2. As you assemble your bowls, begin with the base: add ½ cup of cilantro lime cauliflower rice to each bowl. This will be the foundation, providing a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the barbacoa.

3. Now, top the rice with ½ cup of the prepared barbacoa meat. Make sure the meat is warm and tender, creating a luscious layer that melts in your mouth.

4. Add a generous amount of chopped butter lettuce to your bowl, about 1 cup. This adds a crisp texture, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.

5. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese on top. As it melts slightly from the heat of the other ingredients, it creates a delicious creamy layer.

6. Next comes the flavor explosion: add pico de gallo, red tomatillo salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. These toppings will introduce freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness.

7. Don’t forget the guacamole. A good scoop adds creaminess and is packed with healthy fats that make these bowls even more satisfying.

8. Cook the steamable cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, the juice of 2 limes, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the rice.

9. In a small bowl, combine 2 roma tomatoes, ¼ white onion, the juice from ½ lime, ½ tablespoon of chopped cilantro, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well to create a fresh salsa that can be served on top or alongside your bowls.

10. Preheat your broiler. Cut the tomatillos in half and place them cut side down in an oven-safe baking dish. Broil for about 7 minutes. Then, flip the tomatillos and broil for another 7 minutes. Let cool before adding them to a food processor.

11. In the food processor, combine the cooled tomatillos, ¼ white onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of A1 steak sauce, and the juice of 1 ½ limes. Pulse for about 15 seconds or until smooth to create your salsa.

12. Finally, in a small bowl, mix together 1 avocado, the remaining ¼ white onion, the juice of ½ lime, ½ tablespoon of chopped cilantro, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mash together to create a creamy topping for your bowls.

Customization Ideas

If you’re looking to put your own spin on Barbacoa Burrito Bowls, these customization ideas will help you create a dish that’s truly yours!

• Storage: Store leftovers in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled bowls without toppings for up to 3 months. Just add fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat!
• Variations: Try using different proteins like shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the barbacoa with black beans or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Experiment with grains: Swap out the cauliflower rice for brown rice or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
• Mix up the cheese: Use queso fresco or feta cheese instead of Monterey jack for a different flavor profile.
• Top with fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavors and make your dish pop!

Best Served With

• Enjoy as a lunch option: These bowls are perfect for packing up and taking to work or school. They hold up well and taste great chilled.
• Perfect for dinner: Serve them on a busy weeknight when you need something quick but satisfying. It’s a balanced meal that everyone will love!
• Great for gatherings: Set up a burrito bowl bar at your next party or family gathering. Let guests customize their own bowls for an interactive meal.
• Pair with a side salad: A light side salad can complement these bowls beautifully, providing additional fresh ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble as needed throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
• Seasonal sides: In summer, serve with corn on the cob or a fresh fruit salad. In winter, pair with roasted vegetables or a hearty soup.
• Garnish with fresh lime: A squeeze of lime adds freshness to each bite and enhances the overall flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

Barbacoa Burrito Bowls bring together rich flavors and fresh ingredients, creating a meal that is both satisfying and customizable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. You’ll find it’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that everyone will love!

Barbacoa Burrito Bowls

The ultimate comfort food, Barbacoa Burrito Bowls combine tender, savory barbacoa with crunchy lettuce, creamy toppings, and vibrant salsas. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and customizable options that will make you crave it again and again. Enjoy the mouthwatering experience tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups barbacoa meat
• 1 cup chopped butter lettuce
• ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• Cilantro lime cauliflower rice
• Pico de gallo
• red tomatillo salsa
• guacamole
• 10 ounces steamable cauliflower rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 limes juiced
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 roma tomatoes diced
• ¼ white onion diced
• ½ lime cut into wedges
• ½ tablespoon chopped cilantro
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ white onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon A1 steak sauce
• 1 ½ limes juiced
• 1 avocado sliced
• ¼ white onion diced
• ½ lime cut into wedges
• ½ tablespoon chopped cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Slow Cooker
• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Prepare your barbacoa meat in advance. If you’re using leftover barbacoa, just measure out 2 cups for this recipe. The deep, savory flavors make all the difference in your bowls.
2. As you assemble your bowls, begin with the base: add ½ cup of cilantro lime cauliflower rice to each bowl. This will be the foundation, providing a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the barbacoa.
3. Now, top the rice with ½ cup of the prepared barbacoa meat. Make sure the meat is warm and tender, creating a luscious layer that melts in your mouth.
4. Add a generous amount of chopped butter lettuce to your bowl, about 1 cup. This adds a crisp texture, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
5. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese on top. As it melts slightly from the heat of the other ingredients, it creates a delicious creamy layer.
6. Next comes the flavor explosion: add pico de gallo, red tomatillo salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. These toppings will introduce freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness.
7. Don’t forget the guacamole. A good scoop adds creaminess and is packed with healthy fats that make these bowls even more satisfying.
8. Cook the steamable cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, the juice of 2 limes, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the rice.
9. In a small bowl, combine 2 roma tomatoes, ¼ white onion, the juice from ½ lime, ½ tablespoon of chopped cilantro, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well to create a fresh salsa that can be served on top or alongside your bowls.
10. Preheat your broiler. Cut the tomatillos in half and place them cut side down in an oven-safe baking dish. Broil for about 7 minutes. Then, flip the tomatillos and broil for another 7 minutes. Let cool before adding them to a food processor.
11. In the food processor, combine the cooled tomatillos, ¼ white onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of A1 steak sauce, and the juice of 1 ½ limes. Pulse for about 15 seconds or until smooth to create your salsa.
12. Finally, in a small bowl, mix together 1 avocado, the remaining ¼ white onion, the juice of ½ lime, ½ tablespoon of chopped cilantro, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mash together to create a creamy topping for your bowls.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled bowls without toppings for up to 3 months. Just add fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat!

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.