Chipotle Burrito Bowl Copycat (Printable Version)

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

# What You Need:

→ Carnitas

01 - 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon 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 tablespoon olive oil
16 - 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon ground cumin
21 - 1/4 teaspoon 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 tablespoon cornstarch
27 - 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ For Serving

41 - 1 cup sour cream

# How To Make It:

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 easily shreds. Remove pork, shred with forks, return to pot, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water until the 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 covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium until warmed through.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened. Add shredded cheeses and minced jalapeño, stirring until smooth and melted. Keep warm.
05 - Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
06 - In a bowl, mash avocados. Stir in red onion, diced tomato, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until combined.
07 - Layer cilantro lime rice, beans, shredded carnitas, queso, tomato salsa, sour cream, and guacamole in serving bowls. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Carnitas that rival any restaurant—tender, flavorful, and actually simpler than you'd think.
  • Built-in flexibility means you can prep components ahead and assemble in minutes when hunger hits.
  • Everyone customizes their own bowl, so there's no one-size-fits-all problem to solve.
02 -
  • If your queso breaks or gets grainy, a splash of cream and whisking off the heat can save it—don't panic and don't add more cheese.
  • Carnitas can be made a full day ahead and actually taste better the next day when the flavors have settled together.
  • Avocado is the biggest timing variable—cut and assemble your bowl no more than 15 minutes before eating, or the guac will start to oxidize.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer if you're new to carnitas—pull at 190°F and the meat will shred like it's never been tender before.
  • Squeeze your lime directly over each component as you assemble—the heat activates the juice and makes everything taste fresher.
Return