Name: Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or leaner); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa; 1/2 cup water; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat; 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice; 2 cups water or chicken broth; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn (grilled or canned, drained); 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg); 1 avocado, diced or sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend); 1/2 cup sour cream; Hot sauce, for drizzling; 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional); Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

I just whipped up this epic ground beef burrito bowl, and I have to say, it hit the spot!

I loaded it with all my faves, including ground beef, cilantro lime rice, and tons of fresh toppings. I’m talking black beans, corn, avocado, and more.

It’s got all the best parts of a beef burrito minus the fuss of rolling.

With this recipe, you get all the flavors of a burrito with little to no effort!

Rice in a white bowl topped with ground beef, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn and avocado.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Customizable: I love how customizable this bowl is! Give it a personalized touch by adding your favorite toppings.

Easy & Convenient: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. No stuffing or rolling required!

Deliciously Satisfying: The seasoned ground beef, zesty rice, and a rainbow of fresh toppings satisfy even the biggest burrito cravings.

Super Fresh: Greasy taco shop? Forget it. This bowl is full of nothing but the freshest ingredients.

Burrito bowl made with ground beef, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn and avocado.

Ingredients

Lean Ground Beef: Use 90% lean or less for less grease.
Onion and Garlic: Add depth and complexity to the ground beef.
Seasonings: Taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes infuse the beef with bold flavors.
Tomato Sauce or Salsa: It adds a tangy, slightly acidic note to the ground beef.
Long-Grain White or Brown Rice: The foundation of the bowl, providing a hearty and filling base.
Lime Juice: It brightens up the rice with a fresh, citrusy zing.
Fresh Cilantro: It brings a fresh flavor to both the rice and the finished dish.
Butter: It lends a rich, creamy texture to the cilantro-lime rice.
Toppings: A colorful array of black beans, corn, lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese.
Sour Cream and Hot Sauce: Creamy, tangy sour cream and spicy hot sauce take your bowl up a notch.
Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeño slices, and lime wedges add a burst of fresh flavors.

Cilantro lime rice in a white bowl topped with ground beef, black beans, corn and avocado.

How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Packed with all the best goodies, this deconstructed burrito is a fiesta in a bowl!

1. Cook the rice. Rinse the rice. Add the rice to a pot of salted boiling water, stir once, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and butter or olive oil. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Sauté the aromatics. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Cook the ground beef. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in seasoning. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

5. Assemble. In individual bowls, add the cilantro-lime rice. Top with seasoned ground beef. Add toppings in sections: black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese.

6. Top and serve. Top with sour cream and hot sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Cilantro lime rice in a white bowl topped with ground beef, black beans, corn and avocado garnished with chopped parsley and sour cream.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

Here are some pro tips for creating the ultimate beef burrito bowl.

Pick your favorite protein. Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based beef crumbles for a healthier option.
Give it a seasoning boost. I use a taco seasoning packet for convenience. You could also add extra spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chipotle.
Make the cheese super melty. Sprinkle the shredded cheese while the beef is still hot. This will allow it to melt slightly, adding creaminess.
Select your spice level. Adjust the heat level with jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Toss in some veggies. For more flavor and nutrients, add sauteed veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
Get ahead of the game. Prepare components like rice and beef in advance for quick assembly on busy days.

How to Store

Were your eyes bigger than your stomach? It happens to the best of us! Follow these tips to store leftovers.

To Store: Place the burrito bowl components in air-tight containers. Keep wet ingredients like salsa and sour cream separate until serving. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Place the ground beef and rice in separate freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and add fresh toppings after reheating.

To Reheat: Warm the ground beef and rice in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add the fresh toppings before serving.