Name: Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (or beef, turkey, or plant-based protein); 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen); 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped); 1 large avocado (diced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 0.5 cup red onion (finely diced); 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded); 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 0.5 cup sugar-free salsa; 0.25 cup full-fat sour cream; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 whole jalapeño (minced, adjust to taste)

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Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed is a fast, satisfying way to start the day with big flavor and high protein without the carbs. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a weekday breakfast that actually keeps you full, this bowl checks the boxes: bright, simple, and ready in about 25 minutes. For the original step-by-step recipe and printable card, check out the Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl recipe page to follow along.

why make this recipe

This Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed brings together flavor, convenience, and nutrition. It’s designed for busy mornings yet tastes like something you’d order at a café. The protein-rich base (ground chicken, beef, turkey, or plant-based options) helps stabilize blood sugar and supports muscle recovery, while the cauliflower rice and romaine keep the carbs low and fiber high. If you’re trying to reduce refined carbs without sacrificing the classic burrito-bowl experience, this recipe is an ideal swap.

Practical reasons to make it:

Speed: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for hurried mornings.
Flexibility: Swap proteins or dairy for vegetarian/vegan diets without losing the flavor profile.
Meal prep friendly: Components separate and reheat well for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Balanced macros: Protein-forward with healthy fats from avocado and cheese for lasting fullness.

how to make Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed

This section walks you through the method with clarity and small tips for better results. The recipe is intentionally simple: brown the protein, season it, prepare cauliflower rice, and assemble fresh toppings. Timing is efficient—while the meat rests, you can finish the cauliflower rice and chop a few fresh items so everything comes together quickly.

Step-by-step approach:

Start by browning your chosen protein over medium-high heat to get a nice texture.
Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to coat and intensify the flavors.
While the meat rests, heat or sauté the cauliflower rice so it’s warm but not mushy.
Assemble bowls starting with romaine and cauliflower rice, then top with the seasoned protein, fresh vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
Finish with dollops of sour cream, sugar-free salsa, minced jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime.

This method emphasizes simple techniques—browning, seasoning, and layering—that bring out bold taste without complicated steps. If you want to make two or three batches at once for weekly breakfasts, double the ingredients and store portions separately.

Ingredients

Ingredients :
1 lb ground chicken (or beef, turkey, or plant-based protein), 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), 3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen), 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped), 1 large avocado (diced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 0.5 cup red onion (finely diced), 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded), 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 0.5 cup sugar-free salsa, 0.25 cup full-fat sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 whole jalapeño (minced, adjust to taste)

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

Ground chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for fewer calories, or swap with ground turkey, lean ground beef, or a plant-based crumble to suit your diet. If using plant-based meat, watch for added sodium and adjust taco seasoning accordingly.
Taco seasoning: Store-bought packets are convenient, but a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne lets you control sodium.
Cauliflower rice: Fresh riced cauliflower heats up quickly and retains a firmer texture; frozen is ideal for convenience—just thaw or microwave to warm through.
Mexican cheese blend: Use a dairy-free shredded cheese to keep this dairy-free, or choose a single cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for simpler flavor.
Sour cream: Swap with plain Greek yogurt for a higher-protein, tangy alternative that pairs well with lime.

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains and it’s lightly browned.
Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning packet with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the meat is evenly coated and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Remove the seasoned protein from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the other components. This resting time allows the flavors to fully develop.
If using frozen cauliflower rice, microwave for 4-5 minutes until heated through. For fresh cauliflower rice, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm. Let cool slightly to prevent wilting the lettuce.
Layer the chopped romaine in serving bowls, add a portion of cauliflower rice alongside, then top with the seasoned protein, diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cheese, and cilantro.
Finish each bowl with dollops of sour cream, a generous spoonful of salsa, minced jalapeño to taste, and a fresh squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Pro Tips for Success Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed

Cook in batches and keep components separate: If you’re prepping multiple bowls for the week, store the cauliflower rice and protein in separate containers from the lettuce and avocado so textures stay fresh.
Don’t overcook cauliflower rice: Aim for tender but slightly firm rice. Overcooked cauliflower gets soggy and can wilt the lettuce when combined later.
Rest the meat: Letting the seasoned protein rest off the heat allows the spices to meld and keeps the mixture more flavorful when you assemble the bowls.
Avocado timing: Dice avocado just before serving or toss it in a squeeze of lime to slow browning and preserve the bright color.
Adjust heat safely: Add minced jalapeño a little at a time and taste as you go—heat intensifies as flavors combine.

Flavor Variations Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed

Smoky chipotle: Mix a teaspoon of chipotle in adobo into the seasoned protein or stir into the sour cream for a smoky, slightly spicy finish.
Mediterranean twist: Swap taco seasoning for a Mediterranean spice blend (oregano, paprika, lemon zest) and top with feta cheese, olives, and tzatziki instead of salsa.
Southwest breakfast: Add a fried or poached egg on top of each bowl for extra richness and breakfast vibes; the runny yolk becomes a savory dressing.
Pico and corn: For a little extra texture, stir in a small amount of grilled corn (or roasted frozen corn) and swap cilantro for parsley if preferred.

Serving Suggestions Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed

These bowls are satisfying on their own, but a few serving ideas elevate the meal:

Add a fried egg: A sunny-side-up egg adds richness and extra protein, making it more like a hearty breakfast skillet.
Pair with hot sauce: Offer a few hot sauces on the side so each person can customize the heat level.
Family-style toppings: Serve bowls with extra cilantro, lime wedges, chopped green onions, and a bowl of sliced radishes for crunch.
Side salad: If you’re serving for lunch, a simple cucumber and lime salad complements the bowl’s flavors without adding many carbs.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed

Short-term storage (3–4 days):

Store each component separately in airtight containers: protein, cauliflower rice, chopped romaine, and toppings (avocado, tomatoes, onions) should be kept apart.
Assemble just before eating for the best texture. If you must combine, keep avocado and salsa on the side until ready to eat.

Freezing:

Freeze only the cooked protein and cauliflower rice. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Fresh lettuce and avocado do not freeze well—prepare those fresh.

Reheating tips:

Reheat the protein and cauliflower rice together briefly on medium heat until warmed through, then assemble with fresh greens and toppings.
If the cauliflower rice becomes slightly dry after reheating, stir in a small pat of butter or a squeeze of lime to add moisture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — approximate

Makes 4 servings. Values are estimates based on typical ingredient nutrition and will vary by brand and specific product choices.

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g (total)
Fat: 27 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sodium: 650 mg

Notes on nutrition:

These numbers are approximate. Using leaner meat, lower-fat cheese, or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream will change the totals significantly.
For a lower-carb version, reduce or omit tomatoes and decrease onion, or increase cauliflower rice and leafy greens to bulk up the bowl with fewer net carbs.
If you track sodium carefully, use a low-sodium taco seasoning or a homemade mix to reduce the sodium content.

FAQ About Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes — swap the ground chicken for a plant-based crumble, firm tofu crumbles, or seasoned lentils for a vegetarian option. Use a dairy-free shredded cheese and a vegan sour cream alternative to make the bowl fully vegan. Keep in mind that plant-based crumbles vary in water content and seasoning, so reduce added liquids and adjust taco seasoning to taste.

How do I keep the avocado from browning if I’m meal-prepping?

Avocado browning is caused by oxidation. To slow it down, toss diced avocado with a small amount of lime juice before storing, and place it in an airtight container pressed down over the surface. For best results, add avocado right before eating. Another trick is to store avocado halves with the pit still in place and wrap tightly with plastic, though texture will still change over time.

Is cauliflower rice a good substitute for regular rice in terms of texture?

Cauliflower rice offers a different texture—lighter and less chewy than grain rice—but it does a great job as a low-carb substitute in bowls and burritos. For a closer rice-like mouthfeel, cook fresh cauliflower rice briefly and avoid overcooking to keep some bite. If you prefer grain textures, try riced broccoli or a small portion of brown rice instead, though that will increase carbs.

How can I lower the sodium without losing flavor?

Make your own taco seasoning using salt-free spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano) and add salt to taste sparingly. Choose a low-sodium salsa or make one at home with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. Using fresh herbs, citrus, and toasted spices enhances flavor without relying on salt.

Can I prep these bowls for a week of breakfasts?

You can prepare many components ahead of time, but it’s best to store fresh ingredients (romaine, avocado, tomatoes) separately and assemble daily. Cooked protein and cauliflower rice keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days; freeze extra portions of protein and rice if needed. For the best texture and flavor, plan to assemble bowls the morning you’ll eat them.

What’s the best protein swap if I don’t eat chicken?

Ground turkey, lean ground beef, or plant-based crumbles are excellent swaps. For a non-ground option, shredded rotisserie chicken or diced pan-seared chicken breast works nicely—just season with the taco spices before assembling. If using smoked meats like pork in other recipes, choose chicken or smoked turkey to keep things family-friendly and in line with suggested replacements.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl – 25min Breakfast Protein-Packed is a reliable weekday winner: fast to make, simple to customize, and satisfying without heavy carbs. It’s built to be flexible—switch proteins, swap dairy, or turn up the heat depending on what you have in the fridge. With straightforward steps and make-ahead convenience, it becomes a go-to for busy mornings, light lunches, or any time you want bold, fresh flavors with minimal fuss. Try the variations and storage tips to tailor the recipe to your lifestyle, and enjoy a bowl that fuels your day with taste and ease.

Easy Low Carb Burrito Bowl