The Best Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful ground beef burrito bowl brings a zesty twist to weeknight dinners.

Layers of seasoned meat, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice create a satisfying meal.

Spices dance through each bite, promising bold flavors that wake up your taste buds.

Mexican-inspired ingredients mingle beautifully in this quick and hearty dish.

Colorful and nutritious, the bowl offers a perfect balance of protein and fresh elements.

Customize with your favorite toppings to make this recipe truly personal.

You’ll love how easily this meal comes together in just minutes.

Dive into a burst of southwestern comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl That’s Bold And Quick

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whips up in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a quick, delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable to personal tastes by swapping ingredients, accommodating different dietary preferences and picky eaters with simple modifications.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like ground beef and basic pantry spices, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without breaking the bank.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with straightforward cooking process, requiring only a single pan for preparing the seasoned ground beef and minimal additional dishes.

Ground Beef and Veggies in Burrito Bowl

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base with rich flavor, choose lean variety for healthier option.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Essential spices for seasoning beef, provides deep southwestern flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning enhancers for meat.

• Rice: Fluffy foundation for burrito bowl, white or brown rice work well.

• Corn, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes and vegetables adding texture and nutrition.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Fresh components bringing brightness and crunch.
• Cilantro: Fragrant herb for final garnish with authentic mexican touch.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese providing creamy richness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cooling element with tangy flavor.
• Salsa: Optional zesty sauce for extra moisture.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for browning beef.
• Water: Helps create sauce consistency for beef seasoning.
• Lime Dressing: Optional bright, acidic finishing touch.

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Cooking Guide

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and break it apart using a spatula.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and completely done.

Drain away extra grease.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in water and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.

Step 2: Layer Rice Bowl

Scoop warm rice into serving bowls.

• Cooked seasoned beef
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Sliced cherry tomatoes
• Diced red onion

Step 3: Dress and Embellish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Zesty salsa

Step 4: Final Touch

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl.

Scatter chopped cilantro on top for a bright, herbal finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy your flavor-packed burrito bowl.

Burrito Bowl Tips For Bold Flavor

• Remove as much fat as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Adjust the chili powder and other spices to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Cook extra ground beef and rice to store separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Place warm ingredients like beef and rice at the bottom, then top with cold ingredients to maintain optimal temperature and texture.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, tofu, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary needs and flavor variations.

Burrito Bowls With Ground Beef Made Meal-Prep Ready

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps restore the original texture and prevents ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Separate wet ingredients like salsa and sour cream before storing to keep the base ingredients crisp and prevent sogginess during storage.

Toppings For Burrito Bowl

• Flavor Fusion Pairings
• Complement the burrito bowl's robust spices with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's zesty profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Match
• Pour a tangy cucumber-mint margarita that balances the ground beef's warmth and adds a cool, bright counterpoint to the meal's intense flavors.
• Crisp Salad Companion
• Create a light jicama and green apple slaw with lime vinaigrette, introducing a crunchy texture and citrusy brightness that elevates the burrito bowl's hearty elements.
• Cooling Side Accent
• Whip up a quick avocado-tomatillo salsa that provides creamy, slightly tart notes to cut through the beef's richness and add another layer of authentic Mexican-inspired complexity.

Burrito Bowl Ground Beef Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Cauliflower Rice Swap: Substitute regular rice with low-carb cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly and gluten-free alternative.
• Spicy Chicken Bowl: Use shredded or diced grilled chicken instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap seasonings with oregano, za'atar, and add feta cheese with kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired bowl.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this burrito bowl recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning method for a healthier protein option.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a hot salsa instead of mild. You can also include some red pepper flakes in the beef seasoning for an extra kick.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that your spices and salsa are certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure complete gluten-free compliance.

• What if I want to prep this meal in advance?

You can cook the ground beef and rice separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep toppings separate and assemble the bowl when ready to eat to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef burrito bowls bring Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with zesty rice, black beans, and fresh toppings. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a quick, satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors in one delicious bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (lean or extra lean)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Beans:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Seasonings and Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon salsa (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, methodically crumbling the meat until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color and completely cooks through.
2. Eliminate excess oil from the pan, then introduce a harmonious blend of spices – garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper – stirring to coat the meat evenly.
3. Pour water into the seasoned meat, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a robust and flavorful protein base.
4. Layer cooked rice into serving bowls as a foundational canvas for the burrito bowl’s vibrant ingredients.
5. Strategically arrange the spiced ground beef atop the rice, creating a centerpiece for the dish.
6. Scatter corn kernels, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion around the meat, building visual and flavor complexity.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the bowl, allowing it to slightly melt from the warmth of the ingredients.
8. Crown the creation with a dollop of tangy sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt.
9. Optional: Drizzle with zesty salsa and fresh lime dressing for an extra burst of brightness.
10. Finish by scattering fresh cilantro leaves over the top, adding a final aromatic flourish before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still delivers robust flavor.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat or reducing for milder palates.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time like cooking rice and chopping vegetables to create a quick weeknight meal that takes less than 30 minutes.
• Make bowls more nutritious by adding extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, fresh spinach, or diced avocado for additional nutrients and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg