This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a hearty and colorful meal that comes together quickly. It’s packed with flavorful ground beef, fresh veggies, and your favorite toppings!
What’s great about this bowl is you can customize it however you like. I always toss in some extra avocado because, let’s be honest, who can resist that creamy goodness? 🥑
Making this burrito bowl is super easy! Just cook the beef, layer in your ingredients, and enjoy. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun weekend treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier bowl. You can also substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Rice: White rice is quick to cook, but brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. If you need a gluten-free option, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be a nice twist.
Black Beans: Black beans add great protein and fiber. You can swap them with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas if you have those on hand.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor, but if you’re not a fan of its taste, parsley makes a good alternative. Just remember it will change the flavor a bit!
How Do I Cook Perfect Rice Every Time?
Cooking rice can be tricky, but being careful with your ratios and timing helps a lot! Here’s a simple guide to ensure fluffy rice:
- Use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water or broth. This gives the rice a nice flavor boost.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- When it’s done, let it sit off the heat for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This helps the rice separate and not become sticky!
How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups water (or broth for cooking rice)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado (for guacamole)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Taco seasoning (or use cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful burrito bowl takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 15-20 minutes to cook the rice and ground beef, plus some extra time to prepare the guacamole and assemble everything. It’s a quick and tasty meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Rice:
Start by cooking your rice. In a medium pot, combine the white rice and water (or broth) and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is fully absorbed. Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
2. Browning the Beef:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks.
3. Seasoning the Beef:
Once the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Now add the taco seasoning (or your customized spice mix) along with a splash of water for moisture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until it’s fragrant. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
4. Making the Guacamole:
While your beef is cooking, you can prepare the guacamole. In a bowl, mash the ripe avocado with a fork. Add a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and the chopped cilantro. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and delicious!
5. Assembling the Burrito Bowl:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start with a generous base of your cooked rice in a bowl. Then layer on the cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Add a scoop of your homemade guacamole on top.
6. Finishing Touches:
Top off your burrito bowl with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro if you like. Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side for that zesty kick!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl! It’s packed with flavor and super satisfying!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. Use 2 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of brown rice. This will give you a hearty and nutritious base for your burrito bowl!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or a vegetarian alternative, you can use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat replacements like lentils or crumbled tempeh. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary and add seasoning to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Burrito Bowl Ingredients?
Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice and beans can be reheated together, while the guacamole is best consumed fresh. To extend guacamole’s life, press plastic wrap directly onto its surface to reduce air exposure.
Can I Make This Bowl Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the rice, cooked beef, and even the guacamole a day in advance. Keep everything stored in individual containers in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply reheat the beef and rice, and assemble the bowl with fresh toppings before serving.
