If you haven't already, cook the brown rice according to package directions and keep warm (about 2 cups cooked from 1 cup dry). Drain and rinse the black beans. Dice the onion, red pepper, zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and roughly chop cilantro if using. Warm the tortillas wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to make them pliable.

Cook Vegetables

Sauté veggies

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When shimmering, add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add diced red bell pepper and zucchini and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in corn and cook 2 minutes.

Add aromatics & seasoning

Add minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and garlic is softened. If using hot sauce, stir in now (about 1 tsp).

Combine Beans & Rice

Add the drained black beans to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and gently fold in the cooked brown rice. Cook 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

Assemble Burritos

Lay one warmed tortilla flat. Spoon about 1/2 cup cooked rice-and-bean-vegetable mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with 2–3 tablespoons shredded cheese, a spoonful of sour cream (about 1 tablespoon), a few halved cherry tomatoes (optional), some chopped cilantro, and a few slices of avocado or 2 tablespoons guacamole if using. Add pickled jalapeños to taste.

Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then fold the bottom up over the filling and roll tightly to form a burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling (should make 4 burritos).

Finish & Serve

Optional — for a warm crispy exterior, heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place assembled burritos seam-side down and cook 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden and sealed. Remove and keep warm. Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce on the side.