College students aren’t the only group of people forced to live off ramen and stolen cafeteria fruit. Let’s talk about college graduates for a second. Four years of school, followed by the classic low-paying first job and then the ever-dreaded student loan payments.
I’m not about to act like I don’t eat well. I love food and I will always spend money on food, but every once in a while it feels good to make a cheap meal that tastes great. Black Bean Burrito Bowls completely fit the bill. Fluffy quinoa topped with my mom’s zesty, flavorful black bean recipe, sliced avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime is a delicious one-bowl meal packed with filling fiber, protein and healthy fats.
Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Author: If You Give a Girl a Degree
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 16 oz can black beans, rinsed
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with chile
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chile powder
- Handful cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small or medium pot over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic until tender and aromatic. Add in black beans, toss and allow to saute for about one minute.
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, cumin and chile powder. Once the mixture begins to bubble, turn the heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice and top with avocado, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
This recipe cooks up enough food for two meals (and maybe a couple of extra side dishes for another). So, if you’re living with a roommate or significant other serve up dinner for two, or if you run in a pack of one, eat dinner and box up the other half for lunch the next day.
A guy with a new car payment might factor into this equation … can I substitute with brown rice?
Yes, of course! Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I prefer brown rice to quinoa.
Looks like a fabulous meal for anyone…on a tight budget or not! Healthy, good, AND cheap – what’s not to love?!
Thank you, Jenise! : )
Its the end of the month, I’m broke so when I saw this recipe I knew I had to try it. It’s absolutely delicious and had just the right kick. Even my mom was like she needed to taste some. As a single person this made just enough to last another day, maybe two. I think I’ll turn it into a black bean soft tortilla tomorrow with some sour cream. Thanks for sharing this because it was banging and I will def make again.
Thanks Chris, I’m glad you like it! It’s definitely a cheap but delicious meal : ) I recently served it over sweet potatoes which was also a big hit: http://www.agirladegree.com/mexican-style-black-bean-smothered-sweet-potatoes/