This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a fun and tasty meal! Loaded with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and fresh toppings, it’s like a fiesta in a bowl.
Who doesn’t love customizing their own bowl? I always go crazy with the toppings—guacamole, salsa, cheese, you name it! It’s a delicious way to enjoy burrito flavors without the wrap.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I think ground beef gives a hearty flavor to the burrito bowl. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian alternative, try quinoa or lentils.
Rice: I prefer using brown rice for added nutrition and texture, but white rice is just fine too. If you’re avoiding rice, cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb substitute.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber to your meal. If you don’t have black beans, pinto or kidney beans can also work. For a quick option, rinsed canned beans save time.
Corn: Whether you use fresh or canned corn, both add a sweet crunch. If corn isn’t in season, frozen corn is a solid substitute.
Avocado: I love adding creamy mashed avocado (guacamole) on top. If avocados aren’t ripe, you can use store-bought guacamole or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
How Do You Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef is simple, but there are steps to ensure it’s flavorful and well-cooked. Here’s how you can do it:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat to get it nice and hot.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Stir often to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning, mixing well to coat all the meat. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finally, check for doneness and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, mashed (for guacamole)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You will be enjoying your tasty, hearty bowl in about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks, until it is nicely browned all over.
2. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it and mix well. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Make sure the beef is fully cooked and the seasoning is well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble Your Burrito Bowl:
Grab a serving bowl and start by adding a base layer of cooked rice. Next, pile on a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef right on top of the rice.
4. Add Tasty Toppings:
Now it’s time to layer it up! Add your black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped lettuce on top of the beef. Each layer adds flavor and texture, making your burrito bowl delightful!
5. Finish With Creamy Goodness:
Top your bowl with a scoop of mashed avocado (guacamole) and a nice dollop of sour cream. This adds creaminess that perfectly balances the flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything for a burst of freshness. Serve your burrito bowl with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. The lime adds a zesty kick!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in right away! Mix all the delicious ingredients together as you like, and enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Burrito Bowl!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as these leaner meats may cook a bit faster. Be sure to season well to maintain flavor!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian burrito bowl, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use additional black beans or crumbled tofu for protein. Just be sure to adjust the taco seasoning to your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate if possible, especially the lettuce, for better freshness. To reheat, warm the beef and beans on the stove, and enjoy the veggies cold or at room temperature!
How Can I Customize My Burrito Bowl?
The great thing about burrito bowls is their versatility! You can add your favorite toppings like cheese, jalapeños, or salsa for extra flavor. Feel free to swap the base for quinoa or cauliflower rice, and mix in other veggies like bell peppers or grilled corn for variation!
