Mac and Cheese Burrito Bowl (Plant-Based Goodness)
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between cheesy comfort food and a hearty burrito bowl—you’re not alone. This Mac and Cheese Burrito Bowl is the love child of soul-warming spiral noodles and zesty burrito bowl energy. Every bite is rich, smoky, and loaded with bold, plant-based flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese Base:
1 pack spiral noodles
4 slices of cheddar (2 white, 2 yellow)
1 pack of pepper jack cheese (shredded)
1 pack four cheese Mexican blend (shredded)
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
For the Burrito Bowl Toppings:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 package Gardein plant-based ground beef (or preferred brand)
1/2 teaspoon Mexican fiesta seasoning
1/4 teaspoon fenugreek
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
A dash of liquid smoke
1/2 cup each red and green bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup white onions, chopped
1 cup kale, chopped
1/2 cup roasted tomatoes
Iceberg lettuce (for topping)
Guacamole (for topping)
Crema (plant-based if desired)
Additional pepper jack cheese for topping
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of water, salt it generously, and cook your spiral noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.Make the Mac and Cheese:
Return the drained noodles to the pot. Over low heat, stir in butter and heavy cream. Once warm, add the full pack of Mexican four cheese blend and mix until melted and creamy. Add black pepper to taste if desired.Prepare the Burrito Bowl Filling:
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the plant-based ground beef and black beans to the skillet. Season with Mexican fiesta seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, fenugreek, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of liquid smoke. Stir until well combined and heated through.Next, add in your sliced bell peppers, onions, and kale. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a little bite.
Combine the Filling and Cheese:
Once your veggie-meat mixture is fully cooked, pour it into the pot of mac and cheese. Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Add your roasted tomatoes then, layer in the four slices of cheddar cheese to let them melt into the mixture.Assemble the Bowl:
Scoop a generous helping of your mac and veggie-meat mix into each bowl. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, a dollop of guacamole, a drizzle of crema, and a sprinkle of extra pepper jack cheese if you’re feeling it.Serve:
Let the warmth of the dish soften the toppings and bring everything together. Creamy, smoky, cheesy, and fresh—this bowl’s got it all.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're serving this at a casual get-together, meal-prepping for the week, or just making a hearty dinner for yourself, this Mac and Cheese Burrito Bowl hits all the right notes. It’s rich, flavorful, and layered with everything we crave—comfort, spice, and texture. The creamy mac brings the comfort, the smoky plant-based beef and beans bring the heat, and those fresh toppings tie it all together with a satisfying crunch. It’s a bowl that knows how to show up and show out.
Best part? It’s just as good the next day—if you have any left.
Bon appétit!
Today’s Side Dish: The Burrito Bowl’s Backstory
The burrito bowl is a modern twist on the classic burrito, offering all the flavorful fillings without the tortilla. This concept gained popularity in the early 2000s, notably through fast-casual chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill, founded in 1993. As customers sought customizable and health-conscious options, the burrito bowl emerged as a convenient choice, allowing diners to enjoy the essence of a burrito in a bowl format. Over time, it has become a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, celebrated for its versatility and ability to cater to various dietary preferences. No matter how you layer it, the burrito bowl is a choose-your-own-adventure of flavor—and honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that lets you have it all in one bite? Happy eating Beleafers! 🌱
