This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a fun and filling meal! Packed with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings, it’s like a taco in a bowl!
I love how customizable this dish is. You can add guacamole, cheese, or salsa—whatever you like! Plus, it’s an easy dinner that makes leftovers a treat. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: It’s the star of the show! Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work well too, even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Rice: Both white and brown rice bring their own charm. Brown rice is chewier and healthier with more fiber. You can also use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous for a gluten-free option.
Black Beans: These provide protein and fiber. If you’re out of black beans, kidney or pinto beans can be great substitutes. Canned is fine, but feel free to cook your own for better flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen or canned corn is perfectly acceptable and easy to use. You can also try swapping in sautéed bell peppers for a different taste.
Avocado: Mashed for guacamole, ripe avocados are perfect. If you can’t find a good one, try using plain Greek yogurt as a creamy substitute with a squeeze of lime for flavor.
How Can You Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking rice may seem simple, but getting it just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it’s fluffy and not sticky:
- Rinse the rice under water to remove excess starch before cooking.
- Use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water or broth for extra flavor.
- Bring it to a boil first, then lower the heat and cover. Don’t lift the lid while it’s simmering!
- Once done, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat before fluffing with a fork.
How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado, mashed (for guacamole)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, jalapeños, diced bell peppers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl will take about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything prepped, followed by 20-25 minutes cooking the rice and beef. It’s a straightforward recipe that comes together quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by making the rice. In a saucepan, combine the rice and water (or broth) and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the rice is cooking, grab a skillet and add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and cook it until nicely browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, carefully drain it off.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
Now, it’s time to prep the yummy toppings! While the beef cooks, chop your tomatoes, and cilantro, and mash the avocado in a bowl for your guacamole. For added flavor and to keep it fresh, squeeze a little lime juice into the mashed avocado!
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Get ready to build your delicious burrito bowl! Start by putting a generous scoop of the cooked rice in each bowl as the base. On top of the rice, layer the ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Don’t forget to add a nice scoop of guacamole and a dollop of sour cream!
5. Garnish:
Finish off your bowls by sprinkling some fresh chopped cilantro over everything. Add those lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze some fresh lime juice over their bowls just before eating.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, serve those tasty burrito bowls right away! Let everyone customize their meal with optional toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or bell peppers. Enjoy your hearty and flavor-packed meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter option. Follow the same cooking instructions, but be sure to check for doneness, as poultry may cook a bit faster. Season well to enhance the flavor, as chicken can be milder than beef.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To turn this burrito bowl into a vegetarian meal, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with an additional can of black beans or some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for added texture. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can separate the components (rice, beef, toppings) for best preservation. To reheat, just warm each component in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Avoid reheating guacamole and sour cream, as they are best fresh.
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Yes, you can! Cook the rice and ground beef in advance, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowls just before serving. If you’re meal prepping, consider keeping the toppings on the side to ensure freshness, especially the lettuce and avocado.
