Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines seasoned ground beef with a variety of fresh and vibrant toppings. The base usually consists of fluffy rice, often seasoned with lime and cilantro, and the beef is cooked with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion. Toppings such as black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, salsa, and sour cream add layers of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of chipotle sauce can take it over the top.
I first made a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl when I was craving the flavors of a burrito but wanted something a little easier to put together. The result was a customizable, filling dish that was not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying. What I love most about this bowl is its versatility—you can switch up the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can even make it a meal prep favorite, customizing each bowl for different tastes! It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh in every bite!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Taco Tuesday
- Family gatherings
- Beef lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Ground Beef Burrito Bowl will quickly become your go-to meal:
- Customizable Toppings: Choose from a variety of fresh ingredients like guacamole, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
- Hearty and Filling: The ground beef and rice make this bowl incredibly satisfying and full of flavor.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory beef, tangy lime, and fresh veggies creates a perfect balance of taste.
- Easy to Make: This meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- One-Bowl Meal: All the delicious components come together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
- Kid-Friendly: With its familiar ingredients and build-your-own nature, it’s a hit with the whole family.
- Versatile Protein: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option.
- Loaded with Veggies: Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and corn add color and nutrition to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Meal: The components can be prepped ahead of time for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of lime, cilantro, and fresh vegetables ensures every bite is full of zest.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Rice:
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the Toppings:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the bowl, packed with protein.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a burst of flavor with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
- Rice: The perfect base for this dish, it soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Fresh Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats to balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
- Cook Rice: In a medium pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Season: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is well-coated with the spices.
Assemble the Burrito Bowl:
- Layer the Rice: Spoon a generous portion of seasoned rice into the bottom of each bowl.
- Add the Beef: Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Add Toppings: Arrange avocado, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Serve:
- Enjoy: Mix everything together and enjoy the vibrant, savory flavors in each bite!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Ground Beef Burrito Bowl:
- With Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
- As a Burrito: Wrap the ingredients in a tortilla for a handheld version.
- For a Healthier Option: Skip the cheese and sour cream for a lighter bowl.
- With Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- With Guacamole: Top with homemade or store-bought guacamole for extra creaminess.
- On Taco Night: Serve alongside other taco-themed dishes for a variety of flavors.
- For Meal Prep: Prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble as needed.
- With Black Beans: Add a scoop of black beans for extra fiber and protein.
- With Rice Alternatives: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for a different twist.
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Make Your Own Taco Seasoning: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade blend.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Prepare Rice in Advance: Cook rice ahead of time and store in the fridge to save time.
- Add Heat: If you like it spicy, add hot sauce or fresh chilies to your bowl.
- Fresh Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire bowl to enhance the flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Burrito Bowl: Use seasoned black beans or tofu as the protein.
- Chicken Burrito Bowl: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast.
- Spicy Burrito Bowl: Add chipotle peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
- Barbacoa Burrito Bowl: Replace ground beef with slow-cooked barbacoa for a different flavor profile.
- Carnitas Burrito Bowl: Swap beef for tender, slow-cooked carnitas.
- Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl: For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Extra Veggie Bowl: Add grilled peppers, onions, or zucchini for added vegetables.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and sautéing vegetables.
- Medium Pot: For cooking the rice or other grains.
- Large Bowls: To assemble and serve the burrito bowls.
- Lime Juicer: For fresh lime juice.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw it before adding it to the bowl. - How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make the beef in advance?
Yes, cook the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this dish?
The components can be frozen separately, but the toppings should be added fresh. - How do I make the rice extra flavorful?
Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. - Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the beef and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. - How do I avoid soggy rice?
Let the rice sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow steam to finish cooking the rice. - Can I skip the cilantro?
Yes, you can skip the cilantro or replace it with another fresh herb, like parsley. - What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt can be used in place of sour cream.
Conclusion
A Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together all the ingredients you love in a burrito, without the tortilla! Ground beef is seasoned with a mix of spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion, then served over a bed of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) for a hearty base. The bowl is topped with a variety of fresh ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and shredded cheese. For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime, a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
This dish is highly customizable—you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein for the beef, and add extra veggies like peppers, onions, or jalapeños for a little heat. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge and can be easily assembled for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
I can’t wait to see how your Ground Beef Burrito Bowl turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your vibrant, delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!