This Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is like a party in a bowl! It’s packed with juicy ground beef, tasty rice, fresh veggies, and your favorite toppings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without too much fat. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian twist.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought packets, but homemade is so easy! Just mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spices to your taste. If you’re looking for a milder version, just skip the chili powder.
Rice: I used white rice because it’s classic, but brown rice offers extra fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also great choices for a fun twist or lower-carb option.
Beans: Black beans are the star here, but pinto beans or kidney beans work well too. If you’re in a hurry, canned beans are perfect; just remember to rinse them!
Guacamole: If you don’t have guacamole ready, mashed avocado with a bit of lime juice works perfectly in a pinch. You can also just skip it or use salsa instead.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef perfectly is a key step in this recipe. You want it browned but not overcooked, which can make it dry. Here are some tips:
- Use medium heat so the beef cooks evenly.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula, this helps it cook faster and prevents clumping.
- Avoid touching the meat too much; let it sit to get that nice brown color even.
- Once browned, drain excess fat for a leaner dish unless you prefer to keep it for flavor.
- Always taste before you add seasoning; every batch can vary!
Mastering the beef is a game-changer for this bowl, adding rich flavor and texture perfect for layering over the vibrant veggies.
Easy Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup sliced sautéed bell peppers and onions (green bell pepper and red onion)
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep and cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal option. With everything coming together in one skillet, you’ll have a delicious burrito bowl ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s fully browned. If there’s extra fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.
3. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is nicely coated and the seasoning is absorbed.
4. Prepare the Other Ingredients:
While the beef is cooking, warm up your cooked rice, black beans, and corn in a separate pot or microwave, just until heated through.
5. Assemble Your Burrito Bowl:
In your serving bowl, start with a base of chopped Romaine lettuce. Layer on the seasoned beef, followed by the rice, black beans, corn, and the sautéed bell peppers and onions.
6. Add the Toppings:
Top your creation with diced tomatoes, red onion, a generous dollop of guacamole, and sour cream. Feel free to customize with extra toppings if you like!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your burrito bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side. Serve immediately and squeeze lime juice over the bowl for a refreshing burst of flavor just before enjoying your meal!
This bowl is colorful, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and hearty meal that the whole family will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative, and it will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as turkey may cook a little faster. Season it well to enhance the flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or more black beans. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the beef, rice, and veggies in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheating is a breeze—just warm it in the microwave or on the stove!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate if possible, especially crispy toppings like lettuce, to maintain texture. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave!
