Microwave Bean Burrito Bowl
A can of beans transformed into dinner by salsa, cheese, and three silent minutes.
6 min
Silent
Microwave
One thing to wash
Serves 1, generously
Vegetarian
A can of beans is the most underrated thing in the cupboard at midnight. Heated with salsa and topped with cheese, it's the filling of a very good burrito, eaten honestly from a bowl. Rice underneath if there are leftovers; chips crushed on top if there aren't. Nothing here can fail.
You’ll need
-
Canned beans
1 can, mostly drained No canned beans? Black, pinto, kidney — all correct. -
Cheese (any melty kind)
a handful on top -
Salsa
3 big spoonfuls -
Avocado
optional
half, sliced -
Cooked rice
optional
a scoop underneath -
Sour cream
optional
a spoonful -
Tortilla chips
optional
crushed on top
Salt, pepper, oil, and water are assumed — if the salt is missing too, we can’t help tonight.
The way through
- Drain the beans (mostly — a little liquid helps). Tip them into a bowl with a few spoonfuls of salsa.
- Microwave about 2 minutes, until hot through.
- Stir, then top with a handful of cheese. Back in for 30 seconds so it melts.
- Build from there: over leftover rice, with chips crushed on top, sour cream, avocado if one is ripe. Or just the bowl as-is with a spoon.
Night-kitchen noteA pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce stirred in with the salsa makes canned beans taste simmered instead of opened.