This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a tasty twist on your favorite burrito. With seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a bowl full of flavor!
Making this dish is a breeze, and it’s perfect for busy nights. I love piling on the toppings, like cheese and avocado. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken works great too!
Taco Seasoning: A packet is super convenient, but mixing spices at home is fun! You can adjust the heat by changing the cayenne and also avoid additives. Homemade blends are fresh and flavorful.
Rice: This recipe calls for white or brown rice, but quinoa or cauliflower rice are good substitutes for a lower-carb meal. Quinoa adds a nice texture and extra protein!
Beans: Black beans are classic, but pinto or kidney beans can be used instead. If you need them to be faster, canned beans are a time-saver—just remember to rinse them well.
Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings! Add salsa, shredded cheese, or diced avocado based on what you enjoy. For a vegan option, leave out the meat and dairy and load up on veggies instead!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef well is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to help the meat brown evenly without burning.
- Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks so it browns nicely.
- Let it sizzle without stirring for a minute to develop a good color.
- Don’t overload the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
Once it’s cooked, draining excess fat helps keep your bowl lighter while still letting the beef shine!
How to Make an Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning (1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sautéed bell peppers and onions (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burrito bowl will take about 25-30 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, 15 minutes cooking, and a few minutes assembling your bowl. It’s quite quick, and the results are super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place the ground beef into the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully browned and cooked through.
2. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the seasoning thickens and coats the beef nicely.
3. Prepare Rice and Veggies:
While the beef is cooking, go ahead and prepare the rice according to the package instructions. If you chose to include them, sauté the bell peppers and onions in a bit of olive oil until they are tender.
4. Warm the Beans and Corn:
In a separate pan or in the microwave, gently heat the black beans and corn until they are warm. This should take just a few minutes.
5. Assemble the Burrito Bowl:
Take a bowl and layer the chopped Romaine lettuce as a base. On top of the lettuce, add a good scoop of cooked rice, then layer with the seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and if using, the sautéed bell peppers and onions. Finish off with diced tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeños.
6. Top with Guacamole and Sour Cream:
Now it’s time to add the best part! Spoon guacamole and sour cream right on top of your colorful bowl. Don’t forget to add fresh cilantro leaves for a flavorful garnish and a lime wedge on the side.
7. Serve:
Before digging in, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over your bowl for a zesty kick. Enjoy your fresh, colorful, and easy ground beef burrito bowl!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you prefer a leaner option. Just cook them the same way as the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through.
How Do I Customize the Toppings?
The beauty of a burrito bowl is in the customization! You can add or replace toppings based on your preferences. Try using pico de gallo, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or even different types of beans like pinto or kidney beans for variety!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the ground beef, rice, and beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to assemble your burrito bowls. Keep the fresh toppings like lettuce and guacamole separate until serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Burrito Bowls?
To store leftovers, keep them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate any fresh toppings from the cooked ingredients to maintain their freshness and texture. Reheat the cooked components in the microwave or on the stove before serving!
