This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a fun and filling meal! It’s packed with tasty ground beef, rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings like cheese and salsa.
Making this bowl is a breeze—you can customize it to fit your cravings and even add extra veggies! I love making it for dinner and enjoying the leftovers for lunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! You can substitute turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. For plant-based, try lentils or black bean burger crumbles for a great alternative.
Onion: Diced yellow onions work best for a sweet flavor. If you’re keen on avoiding onions, shallots offer a milder taste. Green onions are also a nice substitute for a fresh crunch!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give the dish its warm flavor. If you like it spicier, try cayenne pepper or a chipotle seasoning. For a simpler version, just salt and pepper will still taste good!
Rice: Brown rice adds more fiber, but you can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked rice from a bag can save time.
Beans: Black beans are the classic choice, but feel free to use pinto beans or chickpeas if you have them. They all add protein and texture!
How Do I Ensure My Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef seems simple, but there’s a bit of a technique to it. The goal is to get it browned and flavorful without being greasy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large skillet for even cooking. Make sure it’s preheated to medium heat.
- Once you add the beef, break it apart with a spatula for even browning.
- Let it cook without stirring too much at first; this helps develop a nice color.
- Cook until all the pink is gone, usually about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain excess fat if there’s a lot!
By following these simple steps, you’ll have deliciously cooked ground beef ready to go!
How to Make Ground Beef Burrito Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mix:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa (for serving)
- 1 avocado, mashed (for guacamole)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the beef and preparing the toppings, plus about 20 minutes for cooking the rice and assembling the burrito bowl. It’s quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Adding Onion and Garlic:
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the beef. Continue cooking until the onion turns translucent and begins to smell yummy—around 3-5 minutes.
3. Mixing the Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes so the spices combine well with the beef.
4. Preparing the Rice:
If you aren’t using pre-cooked rice, prepare it according to the package instructions. This will usually take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Assembling Your Bowl:
In a large bowl, start by layering the cooked rice at the bottom. Then, on top of the rice, add a layer of the seasoned ground beef, followed by black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
6. Topping It Off:
Add a generous scoop of mashed avocado (or guacamole) and a dollop of sour cream on top. Finish it off by sprinkling with chopped cilantro and red onion for some extra zest!
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious burrito bowl with salsa on the side and some lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Ground Beef Burrito Bowl!
Can I Use Substitutes for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly. Ensure the meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature for food safety.
Can I Make This Bowl Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead! Cook the ground beef and prepare the rice, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the beef and rice and assemble your bowl fresh!
How Should I Store Leftover Burrito Bowl?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, try to keep the toppings like guacamole, lettuce, and salsa separate to maintain their freshness and texture. Reheat the meat and rice in the microwave or on the stove before assembling your bowl again.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, cheese, or different vegetables based on your preferences. You can also change up the salsa level for more or less spiciness!
