Name: Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice), hot and fluffy per bowl; 1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef, juicy and saucy per bowl; 1/4 cup black beans, canned, rinsed & drained per bowl; 1/4 cup corn, canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) per bowl; 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, freshly grated per bowl; 2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo per bowl; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped per bowl; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or ~2 tbsp); 1/2 cup water; Lime wedges for serving

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Introduction

This Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Burrito Bowl is a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Combining seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and fresh toppings, it’s a complete meal full of vibrant textures and tastes.

This image shows a close-up of a bowl of food with layers. The bottom layer is light-colored rice. On top of that, there is cooked ground beef mixed with black beans and yellow corn. The upper layer has bright orange shredded cheese spread evenly. In the center, there is a small pile of red salsa with pieces of tomato and green cilantro leaves on top. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cooked white rice (or brown/cilantro-lime rice) per bowl, hot and fluffy
1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef per bowl, juicy and saucy
1/4 cup black beans, canned, rinsed & drained, per bowl
1/4 cup corn, canned (drained) or frozen (thawed), per bowl
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, per bowl, freshly grated for best melt
2 tbsp salsa or pico de gallo per bowl
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped per bowl

Taco-Seasoned Ground Beef (≈4 servings):

1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning or ~2 tbsp
1/2 cup water

Optional Garnishes:

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook 1 cup of rice per bowl according to package directions using stovetop or rice cooker. Keep hot and fluffy. For extra flavor, rinse white rice until water runs clear, and after cooking, add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Return skillet to heat, sprinkle in taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce is glossy. If mixture looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons more water.
Step 4: Rinse and drain black beans. Drain or thaw corn. Chop fresh cilantro. For best results, warm beans and corn briefly (30–60 seconds in the microwave) so the bowl stays hot.
Step 5: Assemble bowls by spooning hot rice as the base. Add 1/2 cup seasoned beef, 1/4 cup black beans, and 1/4 cup corn in neat sections.
Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the warm ingredients to allow it to melt.
Step 7: Finish with 2 tablespoons salsa and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use microwaveable or leftover rice to reduce total prep time to about 20 minutes.
Store components separately up to 4 days for easy meal prep and assemble before reheating.
For a lighter bowl, opt for brown rice, part-skim cheese, and low-sodium taco seasoning.
Add extras like lettuce, avocado, sautéed peppers, or a drizzle of sour cream or chipotle mayo to customize your bowl.

Storage

Store each component—rice, seasoned beef, beans, and corn—separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble bowls just before serving and warm them in the microwave until heated through. Adding fresh toppings like salsa and cilantro after reheating keeps them bright and flavorful.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a layered dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a layer of cooked ground beef mixed with black beans and corn, giving a mix of brown, black, and yellow colors. On top of this is a generous layer of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese. In the center, there is a small mound of fresh, chunky salsa with red diced tomatoes and green cilantro leaves sprinkled on top, adding a fresh and colorful contrast to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well with taco seasoning and will lighten the dish while keeping it flavorful.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the ground beef and add extra black beans, corn, sautéed vegetables, or plant-based meat alternatives seasoned with taco spices for a delicious vegetarian version.