This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a real crowd-pleaser! It’s filled with juicy ground beef, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings. Who doesn’t love a good bowl of yum?
Making this dish is super simple. I love to pile on fresh salsa and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s the perfect dinner for busy nights when you want something tasty but easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey or plant-based ground meat works great too!
Taco Seasoning: A packet is super convenient, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. That way, you can adjust the spices to your liking.
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown rice is healthier and has more fiber. Quinoa is another tasty alternative that adds a nutty flavor!
Beans: Canned black beans are quick and easy. If you don’t have them, kidney beans or pinto beans will work too. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed.
Vegetables: Feel free to use other veggies like corn, diced zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes. It’s all about what you like!
How Do I Make the Ground Beef Extra Flavorful?
Cooking the beef well is key for flavor. Follow these steps:
- Use a hot skillet to brown the beef properly; this brings out a deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Allow it to brown for the best taste.
- After draining excess fat, add taco seasoning and a bit of water to moisten the meat, enhancing its flavor.
By letting it simmer for a few minutes, the seasoning blends into the meat perfectly. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix (e.g., chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper)
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo or chopped fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serve. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside. This will be a delicious base for your burrito bowl!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the rice cooks, slice the red bell pepper and red onion thinly. Chop the romaine lettuce. Also, gather any toppings like pico de gallo and guacamole, along with lime wedges for serving.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil only if your ground beef is very lean. Toss in the sliced bell pepper and onion, sautéing them until softened and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it up and cook until it’s fully browned, which should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
5. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Stir well, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes until the beef is well coated and flavorful.
6. Warm the Beans and Corn:
In the meantime, warm the black beans and corn. You can either heat them in the microwave or transfer them to a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Assemble the Burrito Bowl:
To create your burrito bowl, start with a layer of chopped romaine lettuce at the bottom. Next, add a scoop of the cooked rice, followed by black beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and the seasoned ground beef.
8. Top with Tasty Extras:
Add some pico de gallo on top, a dollop of guacamole, and a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your fresh, easy ground beef burrito bowl. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to add shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a drizzle of your favorite salsa to customize it just the way you like!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a deliciously lighter burrito bowl.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian burrito bowl, simply replace the ground beef with more beans, like black beans and pinto beans, or use a meat substitute like lentils or tempeh. You can keep all the other ingredients the same!
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Cook the rice, beans, and beef, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the bowl when you’re ready to eat!
What Are the Best Toppings for a Burrito Bowl?
Toppings are key for bringing flavor! Consider adding shredded cheese, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, olives, or a fresh salsa to customize your bowl. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions also add a nice touch!
