Smoky Paprika Butternut Squash & Black Bean Rice Bowl

This Smoky Paprika Butternut Squash & Black Bean Rice Bowl is a cozy, flavor-packed vegetarian dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep! Made with roasted butternut squash, hearty black beans, fluffy white rice, creamy avocado, and a kick of smoky cumin and paprika, it’s a satisfying bowl of comfort that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy nourish bowl is loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and feel-good ingredients. It’s a great way to use up pantry staples while keeping dinner wholesome, colourful, and seriously delicious.

Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet or just looking for a new meatless meal idea, this roasted squash and black bean bowl is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a healthy meatless lunch, this rice bowl is simple to prep and endlessly customizable. Bonus: it’s completely vegan-friendly and naturally dairy-free.

Smoky Paprika Butternut Squash & Black Bean Rice Bowl

5 from 2 votes

These small but sophisticated blender cakes are not only eye-catching, but full of bright flavour. The rosemary syrup glaze is a must to complete the flavour profile.

Servings 1 person

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups butternut squash peeled & cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup black beans drained & rinsed
• 1 avocado sliced or diced
• 1 spring onion
• juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions

 

• Roast the Squash: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
• Warm the Beans: Heat black beans in a pan with a splash of water and a pinch of salt (optional: add extra cumin for more depth). Simmer for 5 minutes until warm.
• Assemble the Bowls: Divide white rice into two bowls. Top with roasted squash, black beans, avocado, and spring onions.
• Finish: Squeeze lime juice over everything for brightness. Add any extra toppings you like.

Notes

✅ Optional toppings:

Toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped coriander, dairy-free yogurt/feta

✅ Optional Protein Boost:

Add a soft-boiled egg, crumbled tofu, or grilled chicken for extra protein.

Calories: 532kcal

Course: Main Course

Keyword: buddha bowl, healthy meals, one bowl, Quick Meal, vegan, vegetarian

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