Just when you thought burritos couldn’t get any better, we decided to deconstruct them into a bowl. This ground beef burrito bowl recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious, and customizable meal that’s packed with all the flavors you love, without the fuss of rolling.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s a one-bowl wonder that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings for a balanced meal.
- Customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference, making it a hit for everyone.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
- The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Tip: For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Tip: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water into the cooked ground beef. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more water. Tip: For a homemade taco seasoning, mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Tip: Let everyone customize their own bowl with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive meal.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. If you’re meal prepping, store the components separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or a rice cooker. For a healthier version, swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa. And don’t forget, the lime wedges aren’t just for garnish—a squeeze of lime juice brightens up the whole dish!
Recipe Variations
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth for the rice.
- For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or lettuce leaves.
- Add a tropical twist by including diced mango or pineapple in the toppings.
- Turn up the heat with extra spicy taco seasoning or by adding chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- For a creamy texture, mix in some Greek yogurt or avocado crema instead of sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the rice and ground beef mixture up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble with your favorite toppings.
What other proteins can I use?
This recipe is versatile. Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider using a spicy taco seasoning, adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef mixture, or topping the bowls with a spicy salsa or hot sauce.
Summary
This ground beef burrito bowl recipe is a quick, customizable, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With savory beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings, it’s a flavor fiesta in a bowl that everyone will love.