This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a tasty mix of seasoned beef, rice, and fresh toppings. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, ready to make your taste buds dance!
It’s super fun to make too! I love adding extra toppings like cheese and guacamole. Plus, you can customize it however you like—who doesn’t enjoy a tasty DIY dinner?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef for the protein. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, opt for black beans or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Rice: White or brown rice works perfectly here. If you’re avoiding grains, cauliflower rice or quinoa are fantastic alternatives. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a convenient choice; just drain and rinse them. If you want to switch it up, pinto beans or chickpeas can work too—both will add good texture and nutrients.
Guacamole: Fresh guacamole adds creamy goodness to your bowl. If you don’t have avocado, consider using hummus as a different creamy topping, or even a yogurt-based dressing for a refreshing twist.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try parsley or green onions as a substitute. They’re milder but still fresh!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Rice?
Cooking rice can sometimes be tricky! To achieve the perfect texture, follow these steps:
- Use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.
- Add a pinch of salt to flavor the rice.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to keep steam trapped!
- Once done, let it sit off the heat for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
This resting time helps it absorb any remaining moisture for fluffy rice!
How to Make a Delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burrito Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or pico de gallo)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. Expect around 15-20 minutes for cooking the rice and ground beef, and another 5-10 minutes to prepare the toppings and assemble the bowls. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by getting your rice ready! In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt for flavor. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. This should take about 15-20 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While your rice is cooking, you can prepare the beef. Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned nicely, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, drain some off—you want tasty beef, not greasy!
3. Season the Beef:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle the taco seasoning over your cooked beef. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water to help the seasoning mix in well. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and really let those flavors mingle.
4. Prepare the Ingredients:
While the beef and rice are cooking, get your toppings ready! Dice the tomatoes, chop the lettuce and cilantro, and slice the red onion. It’s all about making your burrito bowl look colorful and appealing!
5. Assemble the Burrito Bowls:
Everything is ready to go! Grab some bowls and start layering: first, add a nice scoop of the cooked rice as your base. Then, pile on the seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Don’t forget that delicious guacamole on top!
6. Add Finishing Touches:
To finish off your beautiful bowls, add a scoop of sour cream, sprinkle some diced red onion, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
7. Enjoy:
Now that your burrito bowls are ready, dig in! Feel free to mix and match toppings as you enjoy this tasty meal. It’s all about making it your own!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option and adds a bit more fiber to your meal. Just keep in mind that it typically takes longer to cook—around 40-45 minutes—so adjust your cooking time accordingly and use a ratio of 2.5 cups of water for every cup of brown rice.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken works well and offers a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using black beans or lentils for protein. Just make sure to season them appropriately to get that classic taco flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Burrito Bowls?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate to maintain freshness. You can reheat the rice and beef in the microwave or on the stove, and then add your desired toppings back on just before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or sprinkle some chili powder into the beef while cooking for an extra kick. Adjust the heat to your liking, and feel free to mix in some spicy salsa with the toppings for added flavor!
