Beef Burrito Bowl
Juicy, seasoned ground beef, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and fresh toppings come together in this vibrant and satisfying meal. All the flavors of a classic burrito, but served in a convenient and customizable bowl!
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 3 cups of water, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- d.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid.
- e.Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes to steam.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Seasoned Beef
- b.While the rice is simmering, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- f.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- g.Pour in the tomato sauce and 0.25 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare Toppings and Finish Rice
- b.While the beef and rice are cooking, prepare your toppings: rinse and drain the black beans and corn, shred the lettuce and cheese.
- c.Once the rice has finished steaming, remove the lid and fluff it with a fork.
- d.Gently stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice until well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Burrito Bowls
- b.Divide the cilantro-lime rice evenly among four bowls to create a base.
- c.Top the rice with a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef.
- d.Arrange the black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo around the beef.
- e.Sprinkle with shredded cheese and finish with a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice in the rice. It makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled juice.
- 2Don't skip rinsing the rice! This step removes excess starch and is key to achieving fluffy, separate grains.
- 3To save time, use a pre-made taco seasoning packet instead of the individual spices for the beef.
- 4This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store the rice, beef, and cold toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chorizo. For a vegetarian option, use a can of pinto beans, lentils, or plant-based ground 'meat'.
Grain FreeGrain-Free
For a lower-carb version, serve the beef and toppings over a bed of shredded romaine lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of the cilantro-lime rice.
Add a Spicy KickAdd a Spicy Kick
Sauté a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onion, or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices for extra heat.
Different ToppingsDifferent Toppings
Customize your bowl with other toppings like guacamole, sliced avocado, pickled red onions, crumbled cotija cheese, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
With black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, this bowl is packed with dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a healthy gut.
Sustained Energy Release
The combination of complex carbohydrates from the rice and beans provides a steady source of energy, preventing the energy spikes and crashes associated with simple sugars.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Beef Burrito Bowl contains approximately 850-900 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and the amount of cheese and sour cream.