Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired “burrito bowl” delivers savory layers of zesty rice, black beans, grilled chicken, and fresh salsa in one satisfying meal. Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a delicious journey through classic Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Vegetable and Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach or lettuce
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato chunks or roasted vegetables
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
Base and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup tortilla chips or strips, lightly crushed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 2 limes, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Transform ground meat into a savory centerpiece by sizzling it in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, diligently crumbling with a wooden spoon until achieving a rich, caramel-brown hue. Expel excess fat, then infuse with robust taco seasoning and a splash of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken into a glossy, flavor-packed foundation.
- Craft a crunchy crown by elevating crushed tortilla chips with a drizzle of olive oil, a dusting of chili powder, and a whisper of cumin. Spread the seasoned fragments across a baking sheet, then roast in a preheated 375°F oven until they develop a golden, crisp texture that promises a satisfying crackle.
- Create a velvety guacamole by gently mashing ripe avocados into a creamy canvas. Introduce finely diced red onion, fragrant cilantro, a zesty lime juice splash, and a pinch of salt and pepper, blending until the mixture reaches a harmonious consistency.
- Compose a vibrant pico de gallo by combining diced tomatoes, sharp red onion, fresh cilantro, and optional jalapeño. Brighten the mixture with a citrusy lime juice squeeze, then season with salt and pepper to awaken the ingredients’ natural vibrancy.
- Construct the ultimate burrito bowl by layering fluffy rice as a base, then artfully arranging the seasoned ground meat, tender sweet potato chunks, and crisp spinach. Crown with dollops of homemade guacamole and pico de gallo, scatter the crispy tortilla fragments, and finish with a creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt swirl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for a final burst of freshness.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein-packed goodness.
- Experiment with cauliflower rice or quinoa as low-carb substitutes for traditional white rice, boosting nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
- Toast spices like cumin and chili powder before adding to meat for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities or using different chili powders, allowing everyone to enjoy their perfect spice balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg