Easy Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

Quick & Savory Easy Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe for Hungry Foodies

Crafting a mouthwatering easy beef burrito bowl brings pure culinary joy to weeknight dinners.

Savory seasoned beef creates a protein-packed foundation for this delightful meal.

Colorful ingredients dance together, promising a vibrant and satisfying experience.

Rice becomes the perfect canvas for layering fresh vegetables and tender meat.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this delicious bowl in under 30 minutes.

Customize with your favorite toppings to make each bite uniquely yours.

Grab a fork and get ready to devour this flavor-packed creation that will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Beef Burrito Bowl – A Crowd-Pleasing, Flavorful Favorite

  • Craft Delightful Dessert: Create a show-stopping treat that transforms ordinary pumpkin bars into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece perfect for gatherings and special moments.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Enjoy a straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Seasonal Sensation: Celebrate autumn's flavors with a dessert that captures the warm, comforting essence of pumpkin spice, bringing cozy vibes to your kitchen and delighting family and friends.
  • Versatile Entertaining Option: Prepare a dessert that works beautifully for potlucks, holiday parties, weekend gatherings, or casual family dessert nights, cutting easily into perfect shareable squares.

Beef Burrito Bowl – Ingredients For A Tasty Meal

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds richness to the burrito bowl.
For the Seasonings and Spices:
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that provides authentic Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef.
For the Base:
  • Rice: A classic foundation that creates a satisfying and filling base for the burrito bowl.
For the Beans and Corn:
  • Black Beans, Corn: Nutritious additions that bring texture and a southwestern touch to the dish.
For the Fresh Toppings:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Red Onion, Shredded Lettuce: Crisp vegetables that add freshness, crunch, and color to the bowl.
For the Creamy and Tangy Toppings:
  • Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole: Creamy and zesty components that enhance the overall flavor profile.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy herbs and juice that provide a refreshing final layer of flavor.
For the Optional Crunch:
  • Tortilla Chips: A crispy side that adds extra texture to the meal.

Making Beef Burrito Bowls At Home Easily

Making Beef Burrito Bowls At Home Easily

Step 1: Brown Beef

Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook ground beef until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color. Carefully drain away any extra fat from the meat to keep your dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Spice Up the Beef

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef and pour water. Stir and mix thoroughly until the beef becomes evenly coated with flavorful spices.

Step 3: Create Rice Base

Spread a warm layer of fluffy rice at the bottom of your serving bowl as the perfect foundation for your burrito bowl.

Step 4: Layer Protein and Vegetables

Arrange your ingredients in delightful layers:
  • Seasoned beef
  • Black beans
  • Corn kernels

Select fresh, vibrant ingredients for maximum flavor and nutrition.

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings

Scatter colorful toppings across your bowl:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped red onion
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Shredded cheese

Each topping adds texture and freshness to your meal.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Accents

Dollop your favorite creamy additions:
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole

These smooth elements tie all flavors together beautifully.

Step 7: Final Fresh Touch

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire bowl and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a zesty, herbal finish. Optional: Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch.

Top Tips For A Great Beef Burrito Bowl

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier burrito bowl.
  • Rinse black beans before adding to remove extra sodium and improve overall flavor profile.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy during busy weeknights.
  • Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based protein for different dietary preferences.
  • Toast rice with a bit of olive oil before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and texture.

Beef Burrito Bowl – Ways To Make It Your Own

  • Chicken Fiesta Bowl: Swap ground beef with grilled, seasoned chicken breast for a leaner protein option. Marinate chicken in lime juice and Mexican spices before cooking for extra flavor.
  • Vegetarian Southwest Bowl: Replace beef with roasted black beans and add grilled bell peppers. Include quinoa instead of rice for additional protein and nutrients.
  • Spicy Seafood Bowl: Use blackened shrimp or grilled fish as the protein base. Add chipotle mayo and pickled jalapeños for a zesty kick. Incorporate mango salsa for a tropical touch.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Bowl: Trade Mexican seasonings for Greek-style spices. Use lamb instead of beef, add tzatziki sauce, and top with feta cheese and kalamata olives.

Sides That Work With A Beef Burrito Bowl

  • Mexican Fiesta Night: Transform your burrito bowl into a fun family dinner party where everyone builds their own perfect meal. Let diners customize toppings and create personalized flavor combinations.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ingredients separately and store in containers for quick weeknight assembly. Pack protein, grains, and toppings in separate sections for grab-and-go lunch options throughout the week.
  • Game Day Nachos Twist: Spread tortilla chips on a large platter, layer with burrito bowl ingredients, and serve as a shareable appetizer. Add extra cheese and jalapeños for a spicy crowd-pleasing version perfect for sports watching.
  • Lettuce Wrap Alternative: Swap bowl for crisp lettuce leaves to create low-carb burrito bowl wraps. Roll ingredients inside large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, fresher eating experience.

Keeping Your Beef Burrito Bowl Fresh Overnight

  • Store the beef burrito bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep ingredients separate to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
  • Separately freeze cooked ground beef, rice, and beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Chop vegetables and cook rice in advance, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. This saves time when assembling the burrito bowl and keeps ingredients crisp.
  • Warm refrigerated components in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid reheating lettuce and fresh toppings, adding them fresh after warming other ingredients.

FAQs

  • Can I make this burrito bowl vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ground beef with plant-based protein like tofu, black beans, or quinoa seasoned with taco spices.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe is mild. Add hot sauce or extra chili powder to increase heat level according to your preference.

  • Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook beef, chop vegetables, and cook rice in advance. Store separately in refrigerator and assemble when ready to eat.

  • What if I don't have taco seasoning?

Make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices in equal proportions for a homemade seasoning blend.

Print
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Easy Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe

Easy Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade beef burrito bowl delivers authentic Mexican flavors in one delicious dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and fresh toppings create a simple yet satisfying meal you can enjoy anytime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
  • 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup guacamole (or diced avocado)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a hot skillet at medium heat, thoroughly cooking until no pink remains, then discard accumulated grease.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef and pour water, stirring continuously until liquid reduces and meat absorbs flavors completely.
  3. Create a foundation in each serving bowl with a bed of fluffy white rice.
  4. Distribute seasoned beef evenly across the rice layer.
  5. Scatter black beans and sweet corn kernels over the meat.
  6. Generously sprinkle diced fresh tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion across the bowl.
  7. Cover the mixture with crisp shredded lettuce and shredded cheese.
  8. Crown the bowl with a generous dollop of creamy sour cream.
  9. Add vibrant salsa and smooth guacamole to enhance flavor profile.
  10. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the entire dish.
  11. Garnish with fragrant chopped cilantro leaves.
  12. Serve immediately with crispy tortilla chips on the side for added texture and crunch.

Notes

  • Customize the beef seasoning by using homemade taco blend for a more authentic flavor profile.
  • Choose brown rice or cauliflower rice to make the dish lower in carbohydrates and more nutrient-dense.
  • Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken or plant-based alternatives like black bean crumbles for vegetarian options.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal that can be assembled in minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 448 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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