Oh, Chipotle. How we love your zingy hot sauce and your fresh cilantro-lime rice. And don’t even get us started on all that guac… “mmm” doesn’t quite cover it.
But the portion sizes? Unless you’re actually a “save half for later” kind of person (props to you — that’s self-control we haven’t found yet), it’s next to impossible to leave Chipotle without feeling like Thanksgiving just ended.
Luckily, your favorite Chipotle recipes aren’t that hard to re-create. You can enjoy them at home, get the satisfaction of assembling these masterpieces yourself, and make portions that suit you.
Next time you’re craving the Tex-Mex goodness, skip the personal “Man vs. Food” challenge and use these recipes to build your own burrito bowls. Your stomach (and wallet) will thank you.
Here they are. Get creative and combine options — using the barbacoa in the burrito bowl, for example, is *chef’s kiss*. And you can use the corn salsa and guac in just about everything!
This gives you a perfect platform for mixing and matching your own menu.
1. Cilantro lime steak burrito bowl
This recipe raises the steaks on a classic Chipotle order to bowl you over (and no, we will never be sorry for food puns).
For the best results, let the meat marinate for a few hours before whipping up the bowls, which include all the primo toppings: black beans, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
This burrito bowl recipe is awesome, but here’s another of our absolute favorites for you to try.
2. Chipotle corn salsa
An often-unsung hero of Mexican cuisine, corn has its day here. You can add this delicious corn salsa to burritos, bowls, tacos, salads… you get the picture.
This flavor pops no matter what you put it on. A roasted poblano pepper is the secret ingredient that becomes acquainted with sweet white corn, red onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and sea salt.
This salsa will actually give you something to dance about. If you’re looking for a little more “pop” in your corn, we’ve got 22 recipes for movie night that fit the bill.
3. Slow cooker Chipotle barbacoa
Put this flavorful beef in the slow cooker before work. Get all your admin done. Fight with the subway on the way home. Come home to the smoky-sweet smell of dinner practically ready to go. Forget everything bad that happened.
You can slow-cook beef with broth, apple cider vinegar (a Greatist favorite), chipotle chiles, lime juice, and a handful of spices.
Serve it with rice and veggies, on a sandwich, or with a handful of tortilla chips for deliciousness that takes almost no effort (the best kind).
You can whip up practically anything in a slow cooker — try these meals worth waiting for.
4. Copycat Chipotle guacamole
Never pay extra for guac again. To be honest, guacamole is one of the simplest things to throw together at home, and you can use it in just about anything.
This copycat recipe gets it right the Chipotle way with six simple ingredients: avocados (duh), lime juice, salt, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños.
In case you start to tire of plain ol’ guacamole, we compiled 26 guac recipes with a twist.
5. Spicy sofritas veggie bowls
We’re aware that this list has been quite carnivorous so far (Chipotle just nails meat), but don’t worry, veggie friends — you can re-create this amazing dish at home.
Sofritas fans, you’re gonna want to eat this all the damn time. The spicy sauce is made with peppers, salsa, garlic, and a pinch of sugar, and you slather it over scrambled tofu, pinto beans, and onions.
Top it with lettuce, guac, and a squeeze of lime juice to really replicate the taste and texture of the Chipotle veggie classic.
The ultimate veggie bowl, however, is the Buddha bowl. Here are nine ways to get started with Buddha bowling.
6. Chipotle chicken burrito bowl
Another burrito bowl — and what’s wrong with that? Absolutely clucking nothing, that’s what.
Lime juice, olive oil, and a homemade taco seasoning are all you need to transform plain ol’ chicken breasts into Chipotle-style chicken. Prep it with cilantro rice and pile on all your usual toppings.
If you prefer your burritos, well, wrapped up, we’ve got nine options that won’t mess with your health goals all that much.
7. Cilantro lime brown rice
If you’re gonna make Chipotle at home, you need the right base. This 10-minute recipe transforms leftover brown rice with just three ingredients: avocado oil, lime juice, and fresh cilantro (plus salt and pepper).
That’s literally easier that opening up a delivery app and spending too much money on rice.
In the words of the immortal Mitch Hedberg, rice is great when you’re hungry and want to eat 2,000 of something. Here’s how to take your rice game to the next level.
There you have it: You don’t have to spend ridiculous amount for ridiculous portions. You can always make restaurant-quality food at home.
If you’re looking for more copycat recipes, try these healthier versions of fast-food favorites.
Even good coffee needn’t be the sole property of Starbucks and friends — you can also re-create your favorite buzzy beverages.
