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Are you ready to whip up a meal that’s both flavorful and simple? Ground beef burrito bowls are your answer! This one-bowl wonder combines hearty ingredients and fresh toppings, all in one delicious dish. In this easy recipe, I’ll walk you through each step, from sautéing veggies to adding your favorite toppings. Let’s dive into tasty cooking that will impress your family and friends while keeping mealtime stress-free!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite ingredients like different veggies or proteins.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone can build their own bowl, ensuring that picky eaters can customize their meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Fresh Ingredients
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings and Garnishes
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
These ingredients create a tasty and colorful meal. Each component plays a role. The ground beef adds protein and flavor. The brown rice forms a great base. Black beans and corn add texture and nutrition. Fresh veggies like bell pepper, onion, and garlic bring brightness and crunch.
For toppings, creamy avocado and juicy cherry tomatoes make each bite special. Shredded cheddar gives a nice cheesy finish. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of flavor. You can mix and match based on your taste. This recipe is flexible and fun. Enjoy experimenting!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper to the skillet.
– Sauté the onion and bell pepper until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
– Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan for flavor.
– Cook the garlic for 1 more minute, stirring often.
Cooking the Ground Beef
– Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef.
– Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, for about 7 to 10 minutes.
– Drain any fat from the beef once it is browned.
– Stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
– Add 1 can of drained black beans and 1 cup of corn.
– Cook this mixture for an extra 2 to 3 minutes until it is hot.
Assembling the Burrito Bowls
– Start with a base of 1 cup of cooked brown rice in each bowl.
– Top the rice with the seasoned beef mixture.
– Add diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
– Finish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To get the perfect browned beef, heat your skillet on medium-high. Add olive oil first, then ground beef. Break it up with a spatula. Let it cook without stirring for a few minutes. This will help it brown nicely. Keep cooking until it’s no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes.
For sautéing vegetables, start with the onion and bell pepper. Sauté them in olive oil over medium heat. This takes about 5 minutes. After they are soft, add minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute. This gives a great flavor base for your burrito bowls.
Flavor Enhancements
Consider adding more spices to boost flavor. Try cumin or smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also add some chili powder for a kick. A dash of cayenne can make it spicy!
For sauces, salsa works well. You can also use a drizzle of ranch or lime crema. These sauces add moisture and extra taste to your bowl.
Serving Suggestions
For sides, think about tortilla chips. They add a nice crunch. You could also serve with a fresh salad for a light touch. If you like beans, add extra black beans or pinto beans. They give more protein and fiber. Don’t forget lime wedges! Squeezing lime adds brightness to each bite.
Pro Tips
- Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat and make your burrito bowls healthier.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your spice preference, or add fresh jalapeños for more heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare extra servings and store them in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily swap out the ground beef for other proteins. Chicken and turkey work well. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or black beans as the base.
For grains, you don’t have to stick with brown rice. Quinoa is a great choice. It adds a nice nutty flavor and packs extra protein. You can also use white rice if you prefer it.
Flavor Variations
Do you like spice? You can make your burrito bowls spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, just skip the heat.
You can also adapt this recipe with regional ingredients. For a Tex-Mex twist, add some diced tomatoes or green chilies. These ingredients bring a fresh taste to your bowls.
Dietary Considerations
If you need gluten-free options, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the taco seasoning you use has no gluten.
For dairy-free options, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Avocado adds creaminess without dairy, making it a tasty choice for everyone.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can store your ground beef burrito bowls in the fridge. First, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy your leftovers, keep the toppings separate. This will help keep everything fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your burrito bowls, pack them tightly in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the food will expand. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the burrito bowls, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps your meal warm and prevents drying out. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating. Just place the bowl in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir halfway to avoid cold spots. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
FAQs
How to make ground beef burrito bowls from scratch?
To make ground beef burrito bowls, follow these steps:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic for one minute.
4. Increase heat and add ground beef. Brown for 7-10 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat. Mix in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Add black beans and corn. Heat for 2-3 minutes.
7. Start with cooked brown rice in bowls.
8. Top with the beef mixture.
9. Add diced avocado and halved cherry tomatoes.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro on top.
11. Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
This simple method gives you tasty burrito bowls in about 30 minutes.
Can ground beef burrito bowls be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make ground beef burrito bowls ahead of time. This is great for meal prep.
– Cook the beef mixture and store it in an airtight container.
– Keep the rice and toppings separate for best taste.
– Refrigerate everything for up to three days.
– You can also freeze the beef mix for up to three months.
When ready to eat, just reheat the beef and rice. Add fresh toppings before serving.
What toppings can be used for burrito bowls?
There are many tasty toppings for burrito bowls. Here are some popular ones:
– Diced avocado
– Halved cherry tomatoes
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Chopped fresh cilantro
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt
– Sliced jalapeños for heat
– Fresh lime juice for a zesty kick
– Salsa or pico de gallo
Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings to create your ideal burrito bowl!
This article covered how to make tasty ground beef burrito bowls. We talked about main and fresh ingredients, like beef, rice, bell pepper, and garlic. You learned how to cook and layer the dish step by step. We also shared tips for flavor and serving options. Finally, we shared ways to store and reheat leftovers.
Now, you can create your own burrito bowls with confidence. Enjoy the flavors and customize them to your tast
Sizzling Ground Beef Burrito Bowls
A delicious and hearty burrito bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and fresh toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 whole bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 whole avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned—break it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the beef, then stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the black beans and corn, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
To build the bowls, start with a base of cooked brown rice, then top with the seasoned beef mixture.
Add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
Keyword burrito bowl, easy dinner, ground beef
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