This Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a fun and tasty meal! It features seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and rice or quinoa all mixed together in one big bowl.
I love how you can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese or salsa. It’s great for lunch or dinner, and leftovers are even better the next day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the dish! You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Plant-based crumbles also work well if you want a meatless meal.
Rice: While white rice is classic, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great gluten-free alternatives, too!
Black Beans: These are key for protein and texture. If you don’t have them, kidney beans or pinto beans can be good substitutes.
Corn: Frozen corn is easy and quick, but fresh or canned corn is just as tasty. If you want a twist, try adding diced bell peppers.
Avocado: Mashed avocado gives a creamy texture. Guacamole is a fun substitute too! If you’re not a fan, consider Greek yogurt for a similar creaminess.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef properly is crucial for flavor and texture. Here are some tips:
- Start with a hot skillet and let the beef sear nicely. This locks in flavor.
- Use a spatula to break the beef apart while it cooks; this helps it brown evenly.
- Don’t rush to drain the fat. A little fat can enhance the dish’s richness, but drain excess if it’s greasy.
- Add the spices after browning. This allows the flavors to coat the meat beautifully.
Following these steps will give you delicious, juicy ground beef for your burrito bowls!
How to Make a Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Burrito Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, mashed (or 1/2 cup guacamole)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Burrito Bowl takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of around 20 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s nice and brown—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.
2. Season the Beef:
After the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes so all the spices get friendly with the beef. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Prepare the Rice:
If you don’t have any cooked rice on hand, now is a great time to prepare it according to the package instructions. If you do have it ready, you’re good to go!
4. Build Your Burrito Bowl:
Grab a large bowl and start layering! Begin with the cooked rice at the bottom. Then add the ground beef on top of the rice.
5. Add the Toppings:
Next, layer on the black beans, followed by the corn, diced tomatoes, and finally, the shredded lettuce. These colorful layers make your bowl look delicious!
6. Finish with Creamy Goodness:
Now scoop the mashed avocado (or spread it with guacamole) over the salad. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for creamy richness. You’ve got a beautiful base going!
7. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, sprinkle diced red onion and fresh cilantro on top. Serve your burrito bowl with lime wedges on the side, perfect for a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Yum!
8. Dig In!
Enjoy your homemade ground beef burrito bowl right away while everything is fresh and vibrant. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—either way, it’s delicious!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just cook it the same way as the ground beef, knowing it may take a few extra minutes to fully brown and lose its pink color.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. All will add a nice protein boost and flavor to your burrito bowl!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or heat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or lentils, and use veggie broth when cooking the rice to add extra flavor for a hearty vegetarian burrito bowl.
