| |

Copycat Chipotle Veggie Bowl

Looking for a copycat Chipotle veggie bowl recipe that truly recreates this iconic takeout at home but just cannot seem to? Trust me, I get you but this recipe is so good I fooled my friends into thinking I got it from Chipotle! Except, it tastes even better and costs a fraction of the price to make.

A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado. Blue white table clothes with scattered corn and lime wedges.

For the longest time, I thought there just was not any way to make a Chipotle burrito bowl at home that was easy to make but also tasted good. But then, after trying dozens of times, I recreated this recipe that, dare I say, tastes even better! Plus, it is healthy, homemade, and so affordable!

Love Chipotle copycat recipes? Then you need to try my all-time favorite copycat Chipotle Sofritas and Chipotle copycat veggie burrito.

❤️ Why you’ll love it 

I absolutely love the burst of fresh, classic flavors and the versatility of this Chipotle veggie bowl. The homemade fajita spice mix adds a depth of flavor that takes this bowl to the next level. The sofritas, made from scratch using tofu and a blend of spices, are the perfect protein-packed addition to this bowl.

My favorite part about this recipe is the cilantro-lime brown rice. It is such a simple tweak to regular brown rice, but it adds a refreshing, zesty flavor that compliments the other ingredients perfectly. 

This bowl is not only delicious but also customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients and make it your own.

? Key ingredients

This chipotle veggie bowl is a delicious, plant-based meal that is not only packed with flavor but also simple to make with ingredients that are easy to source. 

Sofritas is a key ingredient in a Chipotle-style bowl. It is made from firm tofu that is marinated and cooked with a blend of spices. 

Fajita seasoning is a combination of hot chili powder, sweet smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. It adds a depth of flavor to the sofritas and the fajita veggies that are truly delicious.

Brown rice is a key component of this bowl and we will use it to make cilantro-lime brown rice. It is simple to make and adds a burst of flavor to the bowl.

Tomato and Corn Salsa add a pop of color and a refreshing, tangy flavor to the bowl.

Guacamole is what adds that perfect finishing touch to this bowl. This creamy, flavorful addition is made with ripe avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. It is the perfect finishing touch to this bowl.

? You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

? Equipment

To make this Chipotle veggie bowl, the most important piece of equipment you will need is a good quality food processor. It is essential for preparing the sofritas, which are a key component of this bowl. It helps to efficiently chop and marinate the tofu, as well as process the marinade ingredients to the right consistency.

?‍? Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Start by making your sofritas using my copycat Chipotle sofritas recipe. In the post, I teach you how to make it in detail using firm tofu. 

A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce. There is a wooden spatula with a smiley face is stirring the middle.

STEP 2
For the cilantro-lime brown rice, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool.

STEP 3
After the rice has cooled, add freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to the rice. Mix well and set aside.

Small saucepan with white rice mixed with chopped green herbs.

STEP 4
For the tomato and corn salsa, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes into quarters. Drain the canned sweet corn. Peel and finely chop the red onion and garlic.

STEP 5
Mix all the chopped ingredients in a small bowl. Add freshly chopped cilantro and olive oil. Stir until well combined. This will be your tomato and corn salsa.

STEP 6
For the pan-fried fajitas veggies, peel and slice the onion ¼-inch wide. Wash and slice the bell peppers also ¼-inch wide. Here is more info about which onion to choose and how to cut it for fajitas.

A wooden cutting board with a knife and green and red bell peppers cut into half and slices.

STEP 7
Preheat a frying pan on medium heat. Add olive oil. Once the oil is hot enough, add the onion and the bell pepper slices. Sprinkle them with the fajitas spice mix and stir to combine. Fry them for 5 minutes until they are tender.

Black cast iron skillet with slightly brown red and green bell pepper strips and red onion slices, oregano on top.

STEP 8
For the guacamole, take a ripe avocado. Cut it in half and remove the seed. Spoon the soft avocado flesh into a small bowl. Mash it with a fork.

STEP 9
Finally, peel and finely chop the red onion. Squeeze a bit of lime juice. Chop fresh cilantro leaves. Add these chopped ingredients, lime juice, and salt to the mashed avocado. Mix well. This is your guacamole.

Collage of 2 photos - first shows a small white bowl with two halves of peeled avocado, chopped green herbs and chopped onion. The second photo shows a mashed green puree.

Making the Chipotle veggie bowl

STEP 1
To assemble your homemade chipotle-style vegan burrito bowl, start with a layer of cilantro-lime brown rice. Then, add a layer of shredded lettuce on top of the rice.

STEP 2
Next, add the copycat chipotle sofritas and the pan-fried fajitas veggies. These will be the protein and veggie components of your bowl.

STEP 3
Add the tomato and corn salsa on top of the sofritas and veggies. This will add a fresh, tangy flavor to your bowl.

STEP 4
For the next layer, add black beans and shredded vegan cheese. These will add a rich, savory flavor to your bowl.

STEP 5
Finally, add a dollop of guacamole and some vegan sour cream to finish off your bowl. This will add a creamy, cool element to your bowl. Enjoy your homemade chipotle-style vegan burrito bowl!

A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado. Blue white table clothes with scattered corn and lime wedges.

? Expert tip

The key to this chipotle veggie bowl is the preparation of sofritas. For the most authentic chipotle flavor, marinate the tofu crumbles in the sofritas sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the tofu to absorb the flavors, giving you a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal.

? Variations

Add a twist with some spicy variations. If you like your food with an extra heat, consider adding some hot chili powder or flakes to your sofritas. This will give your chipotle veggie bowl a spicy twist and make it a perfect option for those who love a little heat in their food.

Incorporate a different grain with a quinoa variation. If you are not a fan of rice or are just looking to change things up, consider using quinoa instead. It is a great source of protein and fiber and will add a unique texture and flavor to your bowl.

Try different toppings to make your bowl even more exciting. This Chipotle veggie bowl is incredibly versatile and can be customized in so many ways. Consider adding fresh salsa or a pineapple mango salsa for a fruity twist. You can also throw in some tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. The options are endless.

A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado. Small bowls are scattered around with the same ingredients as well as a cast iron skillet with tofu crumbles in red chunky sauce

? Serving ideas

This chipotle veggie bowl is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a perfect option for a family dinner or a casual lunch with friends. You can also enjoy it as a side dish to your favorite Mexican entree. 

You can also add some additional toppings to make it even more satisfying. Shredded lettuce, shredded vegan cheese, fresh salsa, or pineapple mango salsa are all great options. 

You can also serve it with some canned black beans, vegan sour cream, queso cheese dip, or a nacho cheese sauce for a truly indulgent meal.

❄️ Storing tips

This Chipotle veggie bowl is a great option for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The key is to store each component separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

You can store the sofritas tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The fajita veggies and the tomato and corn salsa can also be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

The cilantro-lime rice is the component that is most likely to get soggy. To prevent this, store it in a separate airtight container and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the rice. This will help to keep it fresh and fluffy.

Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this recipe. The sofritas tofu is made with tofu that has already been frozen and thawed, so freezing it again could compromise the texture and flavor. Plus, the freshness of the fajita veggies, tomato and corn salsa, and cilantro-lime rice can become compromised by the freezing and thawing process. 

To reheat, simply do so on the stove on medium heat. Heat the components separately and then assemble them as instructed in the recipe card.

A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado.

? FAQs

Can I make the sofritas tofu ahead of time and store it for later use?

Yes, you can definitely make the sofritas tofu ahead of time. In fact, it is a great option for meal prep. You can store the sofritas tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn for the tomato and corn salsa?

Absolutely! You can use fresh corn instead of canned corn for the salsa. Just make sure to cook the fresh corn first. You can boil it, steam it, or even grill it. Once it is cooked, you can cut it off the cob and use it in the salsa.

Can I substitute the fajitas spice mix with store-bought versions?

Yes, you can substitute the fajitas spice mix with store-bought versions. However, the flavor may vary depending on the store-bought mix you use. I recommend adjusting the quantity based on your personal preference for spice and flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to the fajitas veggies mix?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like to the fajitas veggies mix. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots are all great options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use other types of beans instead of black beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of beans instead of black beans in this recipe. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans would all be great options. Just use whatever beans you have or prefer.

More copycat Chipotle recipes

If you want to recreate more copycat dishes at home, check out these 19 Chipotle copycat recipes.

A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado.

Copycat Chipotle Veggie Bowl with Fajita Veggies and Sofritas

Nandi Barta
Looking for a copycat Chipotle veggie bowl recipe that truly recreates this iconic takeout at home but just cannot seem to? Trust me, I get you but this recipe is so good I fooled my friends into thinking I got it from Chipotle! Except, it tastes even better and costs a fraction of the price to make.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 2 bowls
Calories 900kcal

Equipment

  • our Cast-iron Skillet by UnoCasa
  • TofuBud (pressing tofu in 15 minutes)
  • Simple tofu press
  • Non-stick frying pan (10.5 inch / 26 cm)

Ingredients
  

Sofritas

  • 2 servings Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

Homemade Fajitas Spice Mix

  • ½ tsp Hot chili powder or flakes
  • 1 Tbsp Sweet smoked paprika powder
  • 1+½ tsp Ground cumin seeds
  • 1+½ tsp Garlic powder
  • 1+½ tsp Oregano

Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice

  • ½ cup Brown rice
  • 2 Tbsp Lime juice about 1 lime
  • 2 Tbsp Freshly chopped cilantro
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Tomato and Corn Salsa

  • 6 Cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup Sweet corn (canned)
  • 2 Tbsp Onion (chopped)
  • 1 clove Garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp Freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1 Tbsp Olive oil

Guacamole

  • 1 Avocado ripe
  • Onion (medium)
  • 1 Tbsp Freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1 tsp Lime juice
  • pinch Salt

Fajitas Veggies

  • 1 Bell pepper
  • ½ Onion (medium)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Fajitas spice mix

More Add-ins

  • 1 cup Black beans canned (already flavored with onion, garlic and other spices)
  • 1 cup Shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup Shredded vegan cheese
  • 4 Tbsp Sour cream try our Dairy-free Sour Cream

Instructions
 

Sofritas

  • For more details, visit our copycat chipotle sofritas recipe.
  • Use a firm tofu and press it. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
  • Fry thin tofu slices with a bit of olive oil until golden brown. Use a food processor to chop the fried tofu.
  • Add all marinade ingredients to a food processor and chop them until chunky.
  • Marinate the tofu crumbles for 30 minutes.
  • Take a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan and heat it over medium heat. If you feel the sauce became too thick at the end of the marinating time, add a bit of veggie broth. Start with 1/4 cup (0,5dl). Add the marinated tofu crumbles and cook for about 10 minutes.

Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice

  • Cook rice according to package instructions.
  • Once the rice is cooled, add freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Tomato and Corn Salsa

  • Wash and chop cherry tomatoes into quarters. Drain canned sweet corn. Peel and finely chop red onion and garlic.
  • Mix all chopped ingredients in a small bowl. Add freshly chopped cilantro and olive oil. Stir until combined.

Pan-fried Fajitas Veggies

  • The EASIEST way to make fajitas veggies is in a sheet pan. For detailed steps, top tips, video, and more guidance visit our fajita veggies post. However, if we need only 1-2 servings, we usually make pan-fried veggies in 5 minutes.
  • Peel and slice onion 1/4-inch (4-5 mm) wide. Wash and slice bell peppers also 1/4-inch (4-5 mm) wide.
  • Preheat a frying pan on medium heat. Add olive oil.
  • Once the oil is hot enough, add the onion and the bell pepper slices and sprinkle them with the fajitas spice mix. Stir to combine and fry them for 5 minutes until they are tender.

Guacamole

  • Take a ripe avocado. Cut it in half and turn it with your hands around the seed. Spoon the soft avocado flesh into a small bowl. Mash it with your fork.
  • Peel and finely chop the red onion. Squeeze a bit of lime juice. Chop fresh cilantro leaves.
  • Add chopped ingredients, lime juice, and salt to the mashed avocado and mix well.

Assemble your Homemade Chipotle-style Vegan Burrito Bowl

  • We used our single-serving meal prep containers.
  • Take 1/2 cup of Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice,
    1/2 cup of Shredded Lettuce,
    Half of the prepared sofritas copycat,
    Half of the prepared fajita veggies,
    Half of the prepared Tomato and Corn Salsa,
    1/2 cup of Black beans,
    1/4 cup of Shredded Cheese
    Half of the prepared Guacamole.
    Finish it off with 2-3 Tbsp vegan sour cream.

UPDATED:This recipe was originally posted in May 2020, but was updated in June 2021 and March 2024.

Similar Posts

7 Comments

  1. What can I use instead of Lime Juice? I’m allergic to citrus, citrus acid and pectin.

    1. Hi Laura, we use lime juice in Cilantro-Lime Rice and in Guacamole. As for the rice you can serve it with plain white or brown rice as well. As for the guacamole, you can try with a drop of apple cider vinegar or similar sour ingredient. Lime/lemon makes it fresher, greener, but you can absolutely enjoy it without it.

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe looks amazing for meal prep! Will be adding it to my meal prep schedule.

  3. 5 stars
    These colorful copycat Chipotle burrito bowls look so incredibly tasty! I love the festive flavorful ingredients, and that this recipe is quick and easy to make.

Comments are closed.