Chipotle Burrito Bowl Flavor (Print version)

A vibrant bowl featuring tender carnitas, zesty cilantro lime rice, beans, creamy queso, fresh salsa, and guacamole.

# What you'll need:

→ Carnitas

01 - 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 small onion, quartered
10 - Juice of 1 orange
11 - Juice of 1 lime
12 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ Cilantro Lime Rice

13 - 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
14 - 3 cups water
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
16 - 1 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Beans

19 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
20 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
21 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Queso

23 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
24 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
25 - 3/4 cup whole milk
26 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
27 - 1 tbsp butter
28 - 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)

→ Tomato Salsa

29 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
30 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
31 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
32 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
33 - Juice of 1 lime
34 - Salt, to taste

→ Guacamole

35 - 2 ripe avocados
36 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
37 - 1 small tomato, diced
38 - Juice of 1 lime
39 - Salt and pepper, to taste
40 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

→ For Serving

41 - 1 cup sour cream

# Directions:

01 - Season pork with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown pork on all sides. Add garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily. Remove pork and shred with forks. Return to pot and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
02 - Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in cilantro and lime juice.
03 - Combine black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until warmed through.
04 - Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened. Add cheeses and jalapeño, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
05 - Combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
06 - In a bowl, mash avocados. Stir in red onion, tomato, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
07 - Layer cilantro lime rice, beans, carnitas, queso, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole in each serving bowl. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You control every ingredient, so you get restaurant quality at half the cost and zero guilt about mystery components.
  • Most components can be prepped ahead, turning a fancy dinner into a simple assembly act.
  • It's endlessly customizable—swap proteins, adjust heat levels, pile on your favorite toppings without apology.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the pork—that crust is where the deepest flavor lives, and it's worth the extra 10 minutes.
  • Make the guacamole last; avocado oxidizes quickly, and you want it green and fresh when it hits the bowl.
03 -
  • Brown the pork in batches and don't crowd the pot; giving each piece space means better browning and better flavor development.
  • Taste the cilantro lime rice before serving—a squeeze of extra lime can transform it from good to unforgettable if it needs brightness.
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